question about trailering

[n1gzd]

I think that I should put my Miata tranny in Neutral and set the ebrake. Is this correct?
thanks,
Rebecca

[Chrispy]

That's what I do.

Sometimes the straps loosen up a little bit in the first 50-100 miles of towing so it is good to have the brake set to prevent the car flopping about under acceleration and braking. Doesn't hurt to take a pit stop to check the straps either

[naschmitz]

Talk to Jeff W

[TroyV]

I would appear that one cannot live down Knight Rider-ing one's own car.

[cfossum]

First gear and e-brake for me.

[MiataSteve]

Parking brake and neutral is how I tow. Somewhere I "heard/read" that trailering in gear could put stress on the drive line...??

[paultg]

I've never towed a car via trailer, but why would you want to leave it in neutral? I think I'd treat it just like any other time I park it.

[Chrispy]

I've never towed a car via trailer, but why would you want to leave it in neutral? I think I'd treat it just like any other time I park it.

Because you are moving and is a separate mass to the trailer the car jostles back and forth a little which might bang things around in the drive-train. I use 5 straps on my car so I'm not worried about it going anywhere. I think the risk of transmission damage is pretty slight so if you prefer the extra security you can put it in gear. You can even use wheel chocks.

[n1gzd]

I too had heard that it would stress the driveline which is why I asked about it.
Rebecca

[Mick]

I leave mine in neutral with the e-brake on too.
My rationale is that if the car moves fore and aft slightly while towing, you have dry pistons rubbing on the cylinder walls. May be paranoid, but it helps me sleep at night.

[breakaway500]

My tow straps always loosened up "magically" even with the parking brake applied,but since chocking the front and rear of one wheel..they stay tight. I use the rubber blocks..about 15 bucks each.

[Mick]

How do you keep the chocks in place?

[n1gzd]

that is a good question. The large rubber ones are very heavy but I woudl thinkthat even those could move a little.
rebecca

[breakaway500]

They have never moved.The rubber ones seem to grip the floor of the trailer quite well.Even after an emergency panic stop( ) coming home from NHMS last year,the chocks were snug and in place. I had tried the plastic ones,but they did not work. I suppose you could bungie them together,but I haven't had to.

[SEISAN]

Since my vehicle weighs in at 3100 lbs and and I have it on an open trailer I use straps with hooks that attach to the frame. I cross the straps from side to side. I also put a strap through my rear rims and slide it under the trailer and tighten it. It may be over kill but I am assured the car will not move. I keep it in 1st with the EM brake on. The car may bounce up and down but never sideways.