Technical Towing a 4x4 home with an A-frame?

[ChrisnCareyAnn]

I have read the other threads on this, but remain uncertain, so...
1/. At 800kg, it would seem to be too heavy, and yet my mechanic has offered to lend an A-frame to me, and he is both an MOT tester and strict/honest.
2/. I was going to remove the rear prop. As 4x4 is in Scotland, I wouldn't want to get there and for the removal to be hindered by something - are there any potential issues, apart from rounded bolt heads, I might want to have a heads-up for? And is removing rear prop sufficient to keep gearbox/diffs safe?
My mate has also offered me a big car trailer, which would solve any problems, but means I have to tow it all the way there as well...hmm; any thoughts?
Sorry, forgot to say it is a 1980's 4x4 and the trip is Cornwall to Dundee

 

[ChrisnCareyAnn]

Just gone onto ebay and guess what popped up?

Appears even the lardy new ones are towable. Maybe not legally.

 

[Sjvarley]

What is the 4x4 if it's a panda the whole prop system turns all the time and is disconnected at the gear box making it 2wd there is no central diff. Diff only at front and rear , or is that the problem ,jammed
In 4x4 ?
Then it Should be no problem if your vehicle has a kerb weight greater than 800kg (Tyres in good condition and correctly inflated at a must. Check all wheels are free then after say 20 miles check that wheel bearings are not getting hot ,)

800kg is for the toe to braking both vehicles stay well in the capacity of this it is easier
To toe with an A frame as sway will be less as it has 4 wheels on the road at the 4 corners where as a car trailer has wheels centrally located . If your not a regular trailer user reversing is a problem

 

[kolza]

Been there done that... 275 miles of A-framing.

Let put that streight - A-framing is ilegal or shout I word it - Not 100% legal.

I've done my trip in Dec 2013 on Jan 2014 some towing regs has change.

Keep it safe and don't do silly things and you will be fine.

 

[ChrisnCareyAnn]

The problem with towing a 4x4 with the prop connected is that the output bearing doesn't get lubricated, apparently. I used to work for a recovery company and know that certain rear-wheel drives had to be towed backwards on the spec lift. Distance for collection would be 1200miles; 600 of which would be it being towed, hence my seeking any advice from anyone who had done it. I was a bit concerned about the 24 hours of driving as well! Did it when I was a young man, but I am more sensible now and not fantastically looking forward to sleeping in a services car park. I am fully competent and experienced driving trailers behind vans and tractors.
Anyway, I have managed to find a courier who will do it for what I was going to spend anyway, so the point is now moot
Thanks Kolya, for the pic and story.

 

[ChrisnCareyAnn]

Been there done that... 275 miles of A-framing.

Let put that streight - A-framing is ilegal or shout I word it - Not 100% legal.

I've done my trip in Dec 2013 on Jan 2014 some towing regs has change.

Keep it safe and don't do silly things and you will be fine.

Thanks - was the AA van there for you?!

 

[kolza]

Thanks - was the AA van there for you?!

Nah, not me.


I had to remove sump guard to allow smooth a-frame operation when attacking inclines as it was interfering with both longitudinal guard tubes.


Keep the weigh of the a-framed car as close as possible to 750kg - no bullbars, battery, sump guard, spare wheel in towing car boot, remove rear seat, passenger seat, undoing complete prop shaft would help as well. A-frame weight will be counted as part of "trailer" so 790kg + A-frame - all items removed. By keeping the weight under 750kg you not meeting half on the recent legal requirement which is:


"...Trailers having a combined axle mass not exceeding 750kg are not required to have brakes fitted. However, if the trailer (regardless of mass) is fitted with a braking system, then all brakes in that system must operate correctly. "


Here is the link
http://www.smart-tow.com/legal.htm

 

[ChrisnCareyAnn]

Course not, just a neat bit of parking :d
Looks like it might have been an epic journey in the snow ... expect 4 wheel drive would have been useful!

 

[kolza]

Sorry, just edited previous post a bit.

 

[ChrisnCareyAnn]

Many Thanks for the info and knowledge won through experience!

 

[Didge3]

I was rescued by another Panda with an A-frame when mine left me stranded, we were only going about ~5 miles though
Although ironically the Panda that rescued me ended up overheating and we had to let it cool down for a while

 

[ChrisnCareyAnn]

I was rescued by another Panda with an A-frame when mine left me stranded, we were only going about ~5 miles though
Although ironically the Panda that rescued me ended up overheating and we had to let it cool down for a while

:bang: Brilliant. I love Pandas - always get you home, even if you end up in a convoy of 17 of them, linked together like a troop of elephants!