[MonteMan454]

Hey guys,
Unsure of what section to put this in..

Has anyone here towed their ride using a tow bar and rear free wheeling rear hubs?? This might be a budget way of towing my car to the track..

Thanks

Kris

 

[dmuller]

I did, about 30 years ago. I haven't seen anyone do it in a really long time.

 

[novaderrik]

free wheeling hubs? you mean like a floating rear axle with the drive axles removed?

 

[BlueSS454]

If you are worried about damaging the transmission, pull the driveshaft out and put either a plug or spare slip yoke on the back of the trans until you reach your destination.

 

[dmuller]

free wheeling hubs? you mean like a floating rear axle with the drive axles removed?

They used to sell free-wheeling tow hubs. You bolt it on just like a wheel, and then bolt the wheel on to the hub. It makes the wheel stick out about 4 or 5 inches further, so you have to use a skinny wheel and tire for towing.

They worked great, but I haven't seen them for sale for decades.

 

[MonteMan454]

Hey guys/ dmuller,
Yes that is what I am thinking about, I am just trying to figure out if there are alternatives to buying a $3000+ open car trailer...I don't really have a lot of room for a open car trailer either. I wonder if I can still find those hubs somehow???

Kris

 

[mjdwyer23]

Drive it to the track!

 

[huffhuff]

my 14 ft Lone Wolf double axle trailer cost $906 at the factory in Falkville, AL. there are many factories around the country with the similar deals. cost another $125 for the diamond plate steel ramps. i used it to carry my 29 1/2 Pontiac which is a huge car.

 

[blubu]

Ive seen those things homemade Put em on with skinny tires pull the emergency brake
Tow wherever for as long as you want no reason to pull drive shaft. Any fab shops
Around could do that if you explained it to them. Or a hitch shop I would start there

 

[dmuller]

They worked fine, but when I got back into drag racing ni 2004, after being away for over 15 years, I couldn't find anyone that still makes them. But I didn't look too long, as I preferred an open trailer anyway, which I did get.

As suggested, I'd start with places that sell trailer hitches and/or tow bars and ask around.

 

[wes-in-nc]

$3000 for an open trailer? You should be able to get a pretty nice open trailer for less than half that.

 

[Rmchevelle]

$3000 for an open trailer? You should be able to get a pretty nice open trailer for less than half that.

Have you seen the price of steel lately??? Trailer prices have shot up in the last few years, at least up north they have!

 

[wes-in-nc]

You may be right. About 5-6 years ago, my buddy and I went in together and bought a 16' car trailer for about $1700. We had a few extras added like removable fenders and extra D rings.

 

[robtco99]

Why not buy a car dolly? You can find them used pretty cheap and don't take up as much room as a trailer....

 

[animal69]

I just bought a new 18' open trailer with 3500# axles and brakes for $1700. It came with self storing ramps. They are still out there. I looked at a lot in the 2K range.

 

[Racing]

Free wheeling hubs---- That's a memory from the past. Dad pulled his '55 Chevy all over Kansas and Okla with those hubs.

 

[Philip]

Once you own a trailer you will wonder how you ever lived without one.
My very first had angle iron construction, open centered and very light. Cost $1200 and I used it for 5 years before upgrading to a 20' wooden deck that cost $1650 and used for 3 years; then the 18" steel deck I have now that was a whopping $1800. One thing I learned is they do not depreciate much. Each one was sold for the purchase price after years of use.

 

[MonteMan454]

Hey thanks guys,
I am exploring my options, I have limited space at my townhouse. Despite the picture I will be having 2 cars in the laneway and possible 2 trucks. So I would have to pay for storage or try to find somewhere close by to store a large open car trailer. I would also likely need a 3/4 truck to pull a open trailer& a 3700 lbs Monte.

I originally heard about the free wheeling hubs being used in the early 70's by a friend of mine brother. It seems he had a SuperStock 55 Chev that he towed around to compete in events. For instance here is a picture of Ronnie Sox's towing operation back in the early 70's. t seemed back then even a open car trailer was a luxury...

A tow dolly would work too, but removing and installing a driveshaft everytime I go to the track might be additional hassle. I already drive to the track and change 4 tires, it can take up to a 1 hr to unpack and change tires.

Thanks,

Kris

 

[Rmchevelle]

I just bought a new 18' open trailer with 3500# axles and brakes for $1700. It came with self storing ramps. They are still out there. I looked at a lot in the 2K range.

Brand new???

 

[animal69]

Yep about a month ago. It looks just like Phillip's in the above picture right down to the El Camino sitting on it (but without the toolbox and winch).