Trailering TDR

[Toller]

I realize that some members can not conceive of ever trailering their TDR but for some of us that are faced with two to three hours travelling on high speed (100 to 120 KPH) highways to get to an event, using a VW towbar while possible is not practical.  I have purchased an enclosed car carrier that will come equipped with E-track.  I have searched our site and Samba but there does not seem to a consensus on the best way to secure the vehicle and preventing it from moving on the trailer.  Do any of the members have any advice on what has worked for them and alternatively what to avoid?  I am considering using ratchet straps rated to 2000 lbs on the lower beam and tire straps on the rear tires.  The car will be left in gear and the parking brake will be applied during transit.

David B Dixon
Port Perry ON CA
Sabine

[Paul Mossberg]

I’ve never trailered. But have seen many friends strap their cars down. Sounds to me like you have it covered Dave.

Strap the rear tires first. Then use the rachet straps on the front beam to tighten her down.

Paul Mossberg
Former Owner of a 1981 Classic Roadsters Ltd. Duchess (VW)
2005 Intermeccanica Roadster

If you own a TDr and are not in the Registry, please go to https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/mg-td-replica-registry/ and register (you need to copy and paste the link)

[John Simion]

I’ve trailered “Murphy” numerous times to the mechanic using a tow dolly and using a full auto trailer from U-Haul.  Other than the extreme narrowness requiring extreme caution driving (or more often, pushing) it on and off the trailer, you just secure the TDR like any other vehicle.  There are nylon straps that go over the front wheels and ratchet down, and a chain that goes over the front suspension as a backup.  U-Haul doesn’t say a word about securing the rear wheels and doesn’t provide straps for them.  Given U-Haul’s experience and the light weight of the TDR, unless you are trailering on a 4×4 trail, I think strapping the rear wheels would be overkill.  If using a full trailer, you’d leave the car in gear and put on the e-brake … but you sure wouldn’t if using a tow dolly!  And BTW, if you bring your TDR to U-Haul, they will secure it for you.

[DonsMG]

I have a 16’x7′ enclosed cargo trailer with a rear drop down ramp that I use for hauling and storing my front engine Ford MGTDr. I installed four recessed  D ring anchors through the wood floor and bolted to the trailer frame. I use 2000lb straps to tie front A frames and rear axle to the anchors. I set the parking brake and leave in gear as you suggested and has never found it to move even with some hard stops.

I also installed a 2500 winch with remote control to pull my car into and to control roll-out from the trailer. This is a big help since the 7′ width of the trailer doesn’t leave much room for error. I created a spreadsheet to calculate “weight and balance” to estimate tongue weight. I found that backing my Ford MGTDr into the trailer  provided near ideal balance.

My first trip with the trailer loaded was 500 miles to Carlisle Pa. from Michigan and back.

Don Loveless
Ford Pinto Fiberfab
Rochester, MI

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