Drive or haul, how does your Charger get from point "A" to point "B"?

[XS29L9Bxxxxxx]

On it's own, or in a trailer, hauler, etc?

How does your Charger get there?

Drive or haul, how does your Charger get from point "A" to point "B"?

[69bronzeT5]

I voted "Contract Hauler" because it's the closest to a tow truck....

[Kern Dog]

I don't own a trailer, so my car is a driver. If i had a nice trailer, I'd need a bigger truck to pull it. The '07 Ram 1500 could probably do it, but I'm sure I'd be at the trucks limit.
I don't drive far enough to make a trailer necessary. Last year I went on a 900 mile trip in 3 days.

[hatersaurusrex]

I don't think you'd be at the limit of a 1500, most 1/2 ton trucks have a tow rating of at least 7500 lbs, and a charger plus trailer is well shy of that.

Hell my 04 F150 (gasp, it's not a mopar, omg) will tow up to 10,500 and it's just got a 5.4L V8.   

[Vainglory, Esq.]

Used it to run errands today. Granted, I live in a place with mostly terrible weather, but when it's nice, you better believe I'm putting 20-200 miles on the damn thing every single day. I love driving it. LOVE it.

[Kern Dog]

I guess I'll consult the owners manual. Its  a 5.7 Hemi auto.

[Fred]

Mine's a toy to be enjoyed so it's drive only.

[Darkman]

If i had a nice trailer, I'd need a bigger truck to pull it. The '07 Ram 1500 could probably do it, but I'm sure I'd be at the trucks limit.

You guys over there crack me up. Shows size really doesn't matter! I towed my Charger on a trailer (when it arrived in Australia) 600+ kms (375+ miles) in one trip on a steady 100km/h (60mph) with a family station wagon!




Here is a better picture of what I have



My Charger will only ever see a trailer 2 more times (getting it from where I am now back to Adelaide when we move back) and to and from the engineers to inspect the RHD conversion. After that, 

[DanneP]

Sure, a Charger is a bit on the heavy side..
But not heavy enough to need a Kenworth to pull it 

Here's a pic of my Audi A6 quattro pulling a trailer with my '68 R/T.
Not a problem. No sports car performance with 150 diesel horsepower
and all that weight on the hitch though 

Usually I never trailer the car, but since I was moving it from one garage
to another in the middle of winter, I felt it would be safer using a trailer.

[Cooperman]

Depends on how far I'm going. I have to get my General to a wedding 300 miles away in June and I will be hauling it myself behind my 5.4L V8 Expedition.

Local shows - anything up to 100 miles - I'll drive it. Plus, I think if you arrive at a show with your car on a trailer, it gives the wrong impression! 

[1969chargerrtse]

The only time mine was on a trailer is when it was shipped enclosed on the top shelf and shipped from Ca to Ct.  DAS from eBay.  I called Ca and told them to make sure they don't chain it down as they will tear the frame.  They said, oh no we tire strap.  When I got it all four corners were ripped like a tuna can.  I sent them a bill for 500.00 and they sent me 250.00.  Since then almost 7 years ago, it's been sneakers on the ground running.

[Back N Black]

If my car is on a trailer, its stolen! I drive it everywhere.

[RIDELIKEHELL]

Funny as everyone that knows my car is almost done says "where's your trailer?" I don't need one as I am going to DRIVE that machine!

[tan top]

 driven

[SnoPro440]

Driven.  Unless the alternator explodes like it did last year, it's on a flatbad.

[XS29L9Bxxxxxx]

Interesting how many trailers are shown in the responses to this thread however, the votes tell a different story 


I have heard about folks tying-down to the frame. Crazy! 

Axle straps, etc. are second, only to the over-tire straps.

What is your method for trailering, even if you "drive" yours 

[Cooter]

Sure, you don't NEED a big truck to tow a car on a trailer as long as you don't mind blowing the trans out of that little POS when it happens. Trucks are built for it. Cars are NOT. Tried that sh*t with my "Half-a-truck", mini truck and the trailer and car was pushing me down the highway at stops. Bigger IS better when it comes to keeping a trans in your tow vehicle and stopping Sometimes TRIPLE what your brakes were designed for. Those who don't have a trailer, call a tow service. It's the SAME THING. Your car isn't under it's own power whether it's on a flatbed, you own or not.


That being said, I DRIVE mine until it breaks out in the middle of nowhere. Then, of course, I damn sure ain't pushin' it home. Break downs are to be expected. When they happen, I don't care how much you exclaim about driving your Charger, it WILL be on a trailer if it can't be repaired on the side of the road. I know VERY few people that have a fully stocked, Snap On tool box in their trunks.

[Ghoste]

Driven always.  I like to think that if I had a rare Hemi car it would still get driven but that is one of those things where I might change my tune if I actually were presented with the choice.

[RIDELIKEHELL]

I'm not sure if I'll drive mine the 300 plus kilometers home when she is finished so if I do get a trailer how should the car be secured so no damage is done

[DC_1]

I'm not sure if I'll drive mine the 300 plus kilometers home when she is finished so if I do get a trailer how should the car be secured so no damage is done

I use axle straps around the rear diff and front lower control arm.

[RIDELIKEHELL]

I'm not sure if I'll drive mine the 300 plus kilometers home when she is finished so if I do get a trailer how should the car be secured so no damage is done

I use axle straps around the rear diff and front lower control arm.

Thx!

[DC_1]

 

[mopar0166]

to be honest i didnt build a charger to have not be driven ,  no trailers unless something breaks

[Dino]

Drive it!

I'm taking it out of storage this weekend so I'll be enjoying the 250 mile trip home.

[RIDELIKEHELL]

Do you deliver

[XS29L9Bxxxxxx]

My favorite trailers, are U-Haul rentals. For $50.00/day local, you get a trailer which is somewhat maintained, has over-tire straps, and easy to pull.

Heavy as all, it is one solid trailer!!!

[68neverlate]

Mine's a toy to be enjoyed so it's drive only.

Half the fun is the trip there... DRIVE, baby, DRIVE!!     

[hemigeno]

Depends on the circumstances and which car.

With my R/T, I'd drive it to a car show within an hour of home, and have done so frequently.  If it's much longer than that, I'd prefer to trailer it - especially since the trailer and truck are available.  When I last had this car at Carlisle I trailered it from MO to PA, but one afternoon Troy and I had a blast driving it around the Pennsylvania back roads (or at least I did) -- even with the rainstorm that flushed us off the showgrounds that day.  14-15 hours one way is just too long of a trip for me to drive an unairconditioned, black vinyl interior car across the country in July.

Right now, the Daytona is relegated to trailer queen status when heading to a car show, although it's only been to one (forget the fact it's not even driveable at the moment).  I'm hopeful that it won't always be that way, but for now that's the sad reality until at least next year.

[hemigeno]

Here's my other regular method of hauling:

[XS29L9Bxxxxxx]

Cool truck!


Anyone else have a cool hauler?

[Aero426]

Some of these rigs looks like accidents waiting to happen.   (Undersized tow vehicle)

[XS29L9Bxxxxxx]

Not undersized for the cars I haul, this is also my wife's daily driver...  

[moparstuart]

allen has a great old race hauler

[XS29L9Bxxxxxx]

I like this one - in a word, amazing!  

[cdr]

yep im cool i drive mine,about 20' at a time,from front of garage to rear of garage it runs but dont stop to good lol

[Dans 68]

Driven, even with two flat tires in a 60 minute span....      

Dan

[resq302]

It all depends on the distance of the show.  If it is anything more than 2-3 hours, I typically trailer it.  If it is a concours type show, and I have to put my bias ply repro tires on, I try to trailer it.  However, any opportunity that I have, if I can drive the charger there, I will.  Nothing beats the feeling of driving the charger and having all the thumbs up and people that I talk to when I drive the car places.

[Rolling_Thunder]

Mine will never be on a trailer except for mechanical failures. 

[myk]

"Thou shall not put a road-worthy Charger on a trailer EVER" was one of the Commandments that was accidentally left off of the tablets.  Moses tried to say something but he was in a hurry to get back to the orgy.  True story guys...

[bill440rt]

Depends on the circumstances and which car.

With my R/T, I'd drive it to a car show within an hour of home, and have done so frequently.  If it's much longer than that, I'd prefer to trailer it - especially since the trailer and truck are available.  

My thoughts as well, Geno. 
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE to drive my cars. I've driven to several shows that were over an hour away, but typically if I'm going out of state or if the show is over a several day time period I will trailer it there.

Some of the aforementioned pictures are downright scary when it comes to trailering. I've seen SCARY trailering accidents out there, and witnessed firsthand. Never exceed the limits of your tow vehicle!! Sure, a smaller vehicle might PULL a trailer, but when it comes to panic stops or even handling it could be very dangerous.

As for tie down systems I used to use the "D"-rings in the floor with tie downs wrapped around the lower control arms or K-frame & axle straps for the rear. I've since installed an "E"-track system using tire wraps, which works VERY well. Much easier & faster to tie the car down now, beats crawling around on the floor trying to get under the car to tie it down.

[Cooter]

I like this one - in a word, amazing!  

That thing belongs to a guy named Ed Wilson here in Lynchburg Va. Typical, long time, flipper who has bought cars from underneath me and about 10 buddies because he's made a living off buying and flipping old Mopars. Sure, it shouldn't be an issue, but like Taxes, it seems to be with people like me.

[UH60L]

I drove mine home from Utah to oregon when I bought it off of e-bay.  It's been on a trailer/tow truck 4 times since then....twice after a small incident that arose due to not tightenning down the mopar adapter on the side of the carb......stuck throttle and a spin a 35 mph ending in a bent rear axle and even more bent left rear wheel      .....and to and from the body shop.

My goal is to get it put back togeather and drive it away from my driveway to break in the engine. 

My car is a mutt and though I'll take good care of it and baby it, I won't ever intentionally trailer it unless it's an emergency.

Driving it is way more fun.

[Sublime/Sixpack]

Mine gets driven, unless I enter it in a show where it will be on display for a few days (such as the yearly AutoRama) then it simply makes sense to trailer it, drop it off, then drive the truck and trailer home.
I prefer to see owners drive their cars but if they chose to trailer them so be it. No big deal.

[A383Wing]

none of my cars have ever been trailered...all have always been driven on their own power from "A" to  "B"

Bryan

[RallyeMike]

TRAILERED really fast, and the DRIVEN really fast 

[Tjader]

I drive mine all the time. Since I live in Sweden it's in the garage from late september to early april, but the rest of the time I use it as much as possible! I'm a big fan of really driving old enthusiast cars. Here in Sweden there are a lot of such cars hidden away in garages all over the country and people never get to see them on the roads, and I hate that! It's a shame in my opinion.... drive it or sell it . I also like the adventure of driving my charger (or any other old, cool car) for longer trips, it's fun and you never know what will happen... .Unfortunally the gas prices are a big downside to it all, but there are other things in my life I can downsize to afford it.

[XS29L9Bxxxxxx]

I like this one - in a word, amazing!  

That thing belongs to a guy named Ed Wilson here in Lynchburg Va. Typical, long time, flipper who has bought cars from underneath me and about 10 buddies because he's made a living off buying and flipping old Mopars. Sure, it shouldn't be an issue, but like Taxes, it seems to be with people like me.

Well, at least with that truck, he's flipping in style  Not that I agree with flipping... 

[Darkman]

Sure, you don't NEED a big truck to tow a car on a trailer as long as you don't mind blowing the trans out of that little POS when it happens. Trucks are built for it. Cars are NOT. Tried that sh*t with my "Half-a-truck", mini truck and the trailer and car was pushing me down the highway at stops. Bigger IS better when it comes to keeping a trans in your tow vehicle and stopping Sometimes TRIPLE what your brakes were designed for.

Most Aussie built cars are rated to tow over 5000 pounds. So not sure why Cooter is labelling my car as a POS as he clearly has no idea. Even though it is a GM (American company), so I see why it could be a POS, but I was designed, engineered and built in Australia so it is actually reliable  

Trailers have brakes also to add to the stopping. When in an emergency the car will not stop as quickly, but neither will the pick up "trucks". That is why you drive to the conditions and capabilities of the vehicle.

[AKcharger]

We put 10K miles on my '70 after restoration going to car shows, including a 3K mile trip VA-KS-VA for a charger show

[Supercharged Riot]

My car is supposed to be street driven.....its just a little street challenged right now

[Bob T]

I'm fortunate enough to be able to borrow a buddy's trailer for when I picked up the Charger from the import yard, got a lwb 4wd 94 Nissan Safari 4.2L t/d, its been on there a few times since, but I'm close to finishing the front end and taking it back to the centre for roadworthy inspection......Had a few sneaky drives around the surburb though, just testing it out 

[Chryco Psycho]

My Charger gets driven !!

[1970Moparmann]

Some of these rigs looks like accidents waiting to happen.   (Undersized tow vehicle)

I agree!   I have towed with the following vehicles -

1999 Dodge Durango 4.7.  Not enough engine, frame support.  Towed with open trailer.  Would only tow short distances.

2001 Ford F150 Supercrew with open trailer.  Was ok but sometimes unstable with wind or hills.

2003 Ford Diesel Excursion - Tow king with enclosed trailer

2004 Chevy Avalanche 1500.   Too soft on the back

2006 Chevy Silverado Duramax.  Put 40k of good towing enclosed trailer.  The Excursion was more stable though.

I now have a 2010 F150 and will be doing a long haul tow this week.  I'm renting an open trailer and I still think the drive train will struggle.  Ford claims 10,000 capacity, but I'm not counting on this.

I understand people do what they have to do, BUT I have seen too many times that the tow vehicle is under rated for the duty, yet the driver is pushing it to the limit.

This is a great example.   I could only imagine if he had to hit the brakes going 60 MPH.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5_T0JFMk84 

[Cooter]

Most Aussie built cars are rated to tow over 5000 pounds. So not sure why Cooter is labelling my car as a POS as he clearly has no idea. Even though it is a GM (American company), so I see why it could be a POS, but I was designed, engineered and built in Australia so it is actually reliable  

Trailers have brakes also to add to the stopping. When in an emergency the car will not stop as quickly, but neither will the pick up "trucks". That is why you drive to the conditions and capabilities of the vehicle.

Wasn't labling YOUR car, just little POS in general towing with too small of vehicle. Obviously, you believe the man. "Rating" of said towing. We Americans that are "Concerned with size", that actually work on newer cars/trucks that come in with the trannies blown out that "Towing package" on 'em too, know better..Cars weren't meant to be towing, but alas, people will do it.  I have no problem laughing at folks when I see cars shoved through  intersections with WAY too much in tow. "Here's your sign"....

[XS29L9Bxxxxxx]

I have always been fascinated by these, and want to own one (someday...) 

[1970Moparmann]

I have always been fascinated by these, and want to own one (someday...) 

Haul in style...

[Fred]

Most Aussie built cars are rated to tow over 5000 pounds. So not sure why Cooter is labelling my car as a POS as he clearly has no idea. Even though it is a GM (American company), so I see why it could be a POS, but I was designed, engineered and built in Australia so it is actually reliable  

Trailers have brakes also to add to the stopping. When in an emergency the car will not stop as quickly, but neither will the pick up "trucks". That is why you drive to the conditions and capabilities of the vehicle.

Wasn't labling YOUR car, just little POS in general towing with too small of vehicle. Obviously, you believe the man. "Rating" of said towing. We Americans that are "Concerned with size", that actually work on newer cars/trucks that come in with the trannies blown out that "Towing package" on 'em too, know better..Cars weren't meant to be towing, but alas, people will do it.  I have no problem laughing at folks when I see cars shoved through  intersections with WAY too much in tow. "Here's your sign"....

It scares me when  these cars towing horse floats, not because the trannie might blow but because firstly the tow bar is attched to nothing and secondly there's no chassis. An accident just witing to happen.
A friend of mine used to tow his boat and after about a year the  back doors wouldn't close properly and some time after that the back window actually fell out. The car was completely stretched out of alignment.

[RIDELIKEHELL]

I would never tow a car trailer with my Ridgeline a small utility trailer yes but really that guy is nuts

[Argos_Chargers]

In 25 years and over 150,000 miles, there was only one time mine wasn't driven.  That was when it got put on a hook after an axle bearing exploded in the middle of nowhere.  If I can't drive it, I don't want it!

[Kern Dog]

I worked at a Chevy dealership in the 80s. A guy towed a full sized Blazer into the service drive with a Volvo station wagon and a 20 foot trailer. The Volvo had a manual trans too. Wacky!

[1970Moparmann]

Just for fun, see below.  This has been around for a while.  I always get a good laugh!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOMrYUloMcA

[Fred]

   I'm sure it's been tried many times. After all.................there's one born every minute! 

[A383Wing]

In 25 years and over 150,000 miles, there was only one time mine wasn't driven.  That was when it got put on a hook after an axle bearing exploded in the middle of nowhere.  If I can't drive it, I don't want it!

hey...I think I know that car...is it the car 2 digits off of my VIN number?

Bryan

[1970Moparmann]

Some of these rigs looks like accidents waiting to happen.   (Undersized tow vehicle)

I now have a 2010 F150 and will be doing a long haul tow this week.  I'm renting an open trailer and I still think the drive train will struggle.  Ford claims 10,000 capacity, but I'm not counting on this.

Loaded it up tonight and not looking forward to a 10 hour drive tomorrow with this like it is.  I am shocked how much the ass sags on this truck.   I would guess I'm at 6,000 pounds now, and couldn't imagine putting on another 2k even though the truck is "rated" for 10k.

[A383Wing]

Isn't the "rating" capacity the total combined weight of truck and payload or trailer?

Bryan

[1970Moparmann]

Isn't the "rating" capacity the total combined weight of truck and payload or trailer?

Bryan

Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight (Lbs.) – Automatic Transmission

[bill440rt]

Some of these rigs looks like accidents waiting to happen.   (Undersized tow vehicle)

I now have a 2010 F150 and will be doing a long haul tow this week.  I'm renting an open trailer and I still think the drive train will struggle.  Ford claims 10,000 capacity, but I'm not counting on this.

Loaded it up tonight and not looking forward to a 10 hour drive tomorrow with this like it is.  I am shocked how much the ass sags on this truck.   I would guess I'm at 6,000 pounds now, and couldn't imagine putting on another 2k even though the truck is "rated" for 10k.

Do yourself a favor & consider investing in a weight distribution hitch. It will help distribute the tongue weight more evenly & help immensely with the sag.  
Check out my previous post with a pic of my 1500 Ram with an enclosed trailer. The truck has nearly the exact same capacity as my old 2500 Ram, however it has much less payload capacity due to the "softer" coil spring rear suspension so it has a tendency to sag. The weight distribution hitch helps a LOT, the truck & trailer sit very level. I even used it with my old 2500 as well. Also greatly reduces the up & down "floating" effect.
I've seen others install towing rear suspension air bags to also assist with load capacity, although I am skeptical as I just have a hunch it is a "crutch" (could be completely wrong, though). BTW, new for '13 is optional rear assisted air bag suspension on Rams!  

[resq302]

I agree.  Dad and I got the weight distribution system and were completely amazed at how it not only leveled out the truck and trailer but also improved on the ride.  We had more steering control and did not feel like every bump we hit that the front wheels would come off the ground.  One other thing to check is your break away trailer brake battery!!!!!!  Newer ones have a built in test indicator on them to tell you how the charge is on the battery.  Ours did not so we ended up "upgrading" and installed a regular small 12 volt car batter on the tongue area of the trailer by the box.  This also allows us to use our winch and other accessories inside the trailer and we know we can externally charge it up also.

[XS29L9Bxxxxxx]

Do yourself a favor & consider investing in a weight distribution hitch. It will help distribute the tongue weight more evenly & help immensely with the sag.  
Check out my previous post with a pic of my 1500 Ram with an enclosed trailer. The truck has nearly the exact same capacity as my old 2500 Ram, however it has much less payload capacity due to the "softer" coil spring rear suspension so it has a tendency to sag. The weight distribution hitch helps a LOT, the truck & trailer sit very level. I even used it with my old 2500 as well. Also greatly reduces the up & down "floating" effect.
I've seen others install towing rear suspension air bags to also assist with load capacity, although I am skeptical as I just have a hunch it is a "crutch" (could be completely wrong, though). BTW, new for '13 is optional rear assisted air bag suspension on Rams!  

+1


That is a sorry looking tow vehicle w/ the rear squatting! Sorry to say, and I like - and tow with Fords 

Get the weight distributing hitch, before you wreck! 

[XS29L9Bxxxxxx]

Link on weight distributing hitches:

http://www.polarisriders.com/31-nonsensical-crap/34107-trailer-towing-weight-distribution-hitches.html

[Aero426]

The weight distributing hitch will fix that squat on the F150.    My buddy has one and we have pulled a 24' enclosed with it and no problems.    Also, just a little bit of squat on the back is OK.   You do want to have some tongue weight. 

[1970Moparmann]

That will be next on the list!  .Smoke and mirrors in my book.

Worst part of an open trailer is blowing a tire.  Left a nice mark on the side of the car.

Bill440RT, what size enclosed do you tow with? 

[bill440rt]

That will be next on the list!  .Smoke and mirrors in my book.

Worst part of an open trailer is blowing a tire.  Left a nice mark on the side of the car.

Bill440RT, what size enclosed do you tow with? 

My trailer is a 24-ft Wells Cargo, wide-body. 

[69 OUR/TEA]

I can't see needing a weight dist hitch for towing an open trailor,at least I never have on any of my trucks,including my current 04 half ton Hemi Ram.Enclosed,without a doubt !!!!!!I do however use a sway control on either,love the way that it keeps everything stable.
IMO,that Ford is squating because that green Charger is alittle to far forward on that open trailor,bring it back some and it would be fine.
Anyone that tows has to "look" at the placement of the car wether it's on an open or in an enclosed to see the sweet spot of tongue weight for the truck doing the towing.You don't want to much and certainly don't want to "lift"the back of the truck,that to could be real dangerous,I.E.,never tow a car on a trailor put on backwards,IMO.
NTM,when using a weight dist hitch,don't crank the death out of the bars,you don't want when you hit a dip in the road or highway and instantly take alot of weight off the back of the truck,that to can be pretty dangerous.
I have a 24' enclosed trailor that I tow with my 04 QC Ram,being a half ton,when I bought it I got a trailor that has 5K lb. axles ,so it has 12'' brakes,so that the truck should just be worrying about stopping it self and the trailor stopping itself and the contents inside it,wanted to make sure enough stopping power came from it and did'nt pass any along to my truck,as it is a half ton.As I said,weight dist on that,without  question !

NTM,any time you're towing anything,open or enclosed,you should be alittle more attentive than usual to be  ready to react  alittle quicker in situations.How many of you towing something have been going down the road,see a car waiting to  pull out from a side street,know they've seen you and can tell they just don't want to be behind you,and they rush out to get in front of you,A-holes !!!!

[resq302]

Or have someone cut in line right in front of you at a toll booth!  I thought we were going to have a new hood ornament on our truck.  We locked the trailer brakes up and came about within 2 inches of slamming into the back of the dumb ass who cut in front of us.  All because they wanted to get into a shorter line.

Our 24' enclosed Pace American trailer has the 5000 lb T-3 axles so they have the torsion bar suspension and no springs which makes for a VERY smooth ride.  Both axles have brakes on them also and before and after each trip, we grease up the hubs since they have the grease fitting in the center part of the hub.  We also have the tire covers to keep them out of the damaging UV from the sun to help prevent the dreaded dry rot.  Since ours is a 2000 model, we upgraded the lights to LED's so they are little bit brighter and we also rigged up a back up camera and back up lights which the camera comes in real handy when trying to switch lanes.  You can see behind you and to the sides to see if there is anyone in a blind spot.  Plus it also helps backing up the trailer too when you get to a tight spot.

[1970Moparmann]

I agree on the car placement 100%.  I moved it back a foot or two and it was slightly better, but not much.   I've towed a lot with all different trucks, and this was is squatting the most - WTF. 

I've had this truck for two years and this is the first time I'm towing with it.  Ironically, I went with this set up due to the 9,500 factor it says on the sticker. 

I had a Diesel before which was a tow king.  This one is really just a sport truck how it is right now.  Not sure how crazy I'll go with this one.

1,500 miles and just got home...

[resq302]

I kinda have to agree with the suspension issue.    When I had my 05 F150 FX4 truck, the off road package had one additional leaf spring for the rear which when having the trailer on did not make it squat that much.  However, with my 07 F150 Lariat truck, the truck really squats down now possibly due to the lighter suspension components.  The load leveler helps out a lot though.