I searched the forum for a while, and this is probably pretty basic, but just trying to cover my bases.


I have to move my car several hundred miles with the U-Haul car trailer. I have never towed a car before. Is there anything I should know in general or specific to the RX8? How do i secure it?


If this is already on here... a link would be appreciated. And if it's a re-post, ill delete the thread.

Thanks.

 

The U-haul trailers usually have wheel straps as I recall

 

see if someone will lend you two extra tow hooks. Use all 4 tow hook slots and tie it down that way. Make sure you cover the vehicle so it doesn't get destroyed.

 

^ they're actually "tie down" hooks Doc, so as you cite perfect for this purpose.

 

Carefully check out the U-Haul trailer you will actually be using before you accept it. Particularly check the tires. I had a bad experience with one that had chunks out of the very-worn tires.

Take car out of gear and actuate the parking brake when on the trailer. Like others have mentioned, get some tow straps and attach them to the tie-down loops at all 4 corners of the car.

BTW, you will not like the surge brakes on the trailer. But not much you can do about that. Lots of clunking when you stop.

 

Check in your trunk in that little compartment where your jack is, I have at least two tie down hooks in there. Guess when it got off the boat they put them in there.

 

I have no tie down hooks at all (my car came without a jack)... any ideas for the best site to order from?

Also, I know of two in the front bumper, and one in the rear on the right side... where is the 4th?

Thanks so far to everyone.

 

Good luck! I moved my car on a trailer 1200 miles from Tulsa to Washington DC......most nervous drive I ever had. I couldn't even see the car in the sideview mirror and had never driven a truck that big that far...I was going insane not being able to see my baby back there in tow.

 

What Team said above. U-Haul trailers have over-the-tire strapping that holds the car in place, same for the trailers I prefer (Penske).

Get it on the trailer, secure the front wheels with the straps, lock the e-brake and away you go.

 

U Haul should supply you with the info to safely secure your vehicle to their trailer. Ask U Haul this same question.

 

The tool parts are for extracting the car only. Do not use these to secure a vehicle to a trailer. You need to secure all four wheels. The e-brake will not keep the car from sliding forward if the tow vehicle has any decent braking capability and you get on them in a hard stop. Learned this the hard way; e-brake was on and car was in gear. Thought I could tow it that way a short distance, then some numnut slammed his brakes in front of me. Car slid forward enough for the sloping trailer front to contact the paint at the Himmler emblem/hood area. I didn't realize it until opening the trailer at my destination. damaged the emblem and rub a half-dollar size area of paint off the front hood lip from rubbing on the trailer as I continued to drive with it that way.

 

Unless you are planning on driving on gravel roads...often the car cover causes more damage to the paint from chafing than the damage from stuff popping up from the tow vehicle

If you do use a cover...make sure it is well secured..and anything that could rub has masking tape over the paint

 

I dont understand... tool parts?


Also, where is the 4th tow hook spot? I have two in the front grille and one in the passenger side of rear bumper. Thanks.

 

Drive the car there, fly back or bus / train, then drive the U-haul. If you don't know how to operate a trailer and your in a rented truck AND have your sports car. Not saying it can't be done just that ... how long is your destination?

 

400 miles. Don't have time to do that. I have one and a half days to get there. The truck and trailer rental would be paid for So that's how Its gotta be. I've driven a bigger truck, just no trailers.

 

Use the straps on the wheels on the front and a couple of tie down ratcheting straps on the rear to the subframe......If you put them across at an angle they will also hold the car from side to side as well....

I'm into overkill...I use three...One for front to back and 2 for side to side on the rear