why trailer a car backwards?

[XS29L9Bxxxxxx]

Maybe it's me, but what's the point?  Towing or trailering, I have always loaded a car, nose first 

[red69superbee]

i always haul cars forward un less theres no other way.If its a junker and has to be drug out in the open, i still do this.Its a personal preference i suppose, but i think it looks silly to haul one backwards on the trailer

[Aero426]

You need a certain amount of tongue weight on the front of the trailer.   If there is an engine in the car, towing backwards like that is asking for trouble.    

[Ghoste]

That is exactly what I was thinking, it's a great way to lose a trailer and car.

[red69superbee]

i agree.

[Aero426]

The blue car is also an inadequate setup with only one (!) tie down on the rear of the trailer.   

[Ghoste]

Here is why a single tie down is not good enough.

[chargerboy69]

The blue car is also an inadequate setup with only one (!) tie down on the rear of the trailer.   

And I see dopes doing this all the time.

[69 OUR/TEA]

Why,because the person towing is an idiot!!!! If it has no eng/tranny thats one thing,but a complete car is a disaster waiting to happen.Had a friend lose a car/trailor cause a truck cut him off,started swaying back and forth,ripped off the hitch,spun around ,slapped the side of the truck,trailor with car on it flipped over down an embankment,and totaled.

[Ghoste]

And yes, the Charger in the second pic looks to be stripped out and sitting high in the front but the blue one looks like a dressed out car.

[bull]

Probably because the car was nosed in to the garage when they backed the trailer up to it and never thought beyond the convenience of the situation.

[nvrbdn]

im assuming that the blue charger is missing its windshield and they didnt want the draft damaging anything.

[Ghoste]

Is it missing?  It still has wipers.

[nvrbdn]

you can see the metal lip around the top of the window opening. no rubber gasket, no chrome trim

[Ghoste]

I see that, some spots in the photo it looks like there is one and others not.  In any case, if there isn't then you need to take some other measure in my opinion.  All the weight on the back makes the trailer unstable to pull and puts a risk of the hitch coming apart as well.  No matter how you slice it, it just isn't a smart thing to do.

[nvrbdn]

i agree entirely. i was just trying to figure why the idiot was hauling it backwards.

[XS29L9Bxxxxxx]

Probably because the car was nosed in to the garage when they backed the trailer up to it and never thought beyond the convenience of the situation.

The last non-op car I hauled, I pulled out of my garage (it was nose-in) onto the hauler, then brought it to the road, took it off the hauler, turning it around the "right way" on the truck   Agree on weight issues from hauling backwards, plus it looks goofy when backwards  

[XS29L9Bxxxxxx]

From U-Haul:
http://www.uhaul.com/Articles/Tips/121/Auto-Transporter-User-Instructions

Auto Transporter User Instructions

U-HAUL HOTLINE
1-800-528-0355
24 HOURS - 7 DAYS A WEEK

Safety alert symbol - This safety alert symbol precedes all the safety messages in these instructions. Safety messages alert you to possible hazards and instruct you on how to avoid or reduce the risk of injury.

WARNING

Read and follow all of these instructions and safety messages before operating the auto transport trailer. Death, dismemberment or serious injury to you, your passengers, and others on the road may result if you do not follow these instructions. Make sure all drivers read and understand all these instructions.

See the Connecting your auto transport trailer section for auto transport trailer hook up instructions. A U-Haul representative can assist if you require assistance.

Important towing information

Prevent whipping by properly loading the auto transport trailer. The vehicle-in-tow must be loaded facing forward (front wheels on auto transport trailer). Loading the vehicle-in-tow backwards can cause the tow vehicle and the auto transport trailer "combination" to begin whipping, which is violent and uncontrollable sway.

Side to side motion (sway) that begins as you reach a certain speed, will likely become whipping at higher speeds. If you notice sway beginning slow down immediately by letting off the gas pedal. Then stop to check the auto transport trailer and vehicle-in-tow as soon as possible.

If whipping or sway occurs, do not steer, do not apply your brakes and never speed up. Let off the gas pedal and hold the steering wheel in a straight-ahead position.

A "combination disturbance" is improper handling, whipping, sway, over-steering or other deviation of the tow vehicle or auto transport trailer from their intended path, due to one or more causes (improper loading, steering inputs, excessive speed, cross winds, passing vehicles, rough roads, etc). If a combination disturbance occurs, do not steer or brake. Steering or braking during a disturbance can cause a loss of control or crash.

If a wheel goes off the paved roadway, do not steer sharply and do not brake. Let off the gas pedal and slow down below 25 mph. Then steer gradually back onto the roadway. Proceed with caution entering traffic.

[XS29L9Bxxxxxx]

Seems Porsche (911) and VW Bug owners load backwards, but that's them... And on Rennlist, there isn;t even a consensus.  

[41husk]

That's how you are supposed to haul Chevys and Fords.  I'm sure I read that some place

[Troy]

I've hauled cars backwards before. If you have a long enough trailer to balance the weight who cares? Both of those cars look unfinished (both sit high in front, neither has glass, and the green car doesn't appear to have an interior). On the U-Haul trailers, they're so short that a Charger only fits in exactly one spot. I have found that cars with a big block put way too much weight over the tongue. Flipping them around puts most of the weight right on the axles - but the rear of the car hangs so far out over the tongue that you still have plenty of weight there. The green car is on a trailer long enough to put the car anywhere. If you happen to be missing the hood latch hardware, there's less of a chance of damaging anything if the car is backwards. I strap mine down pretty good but wind at highway speeds can be much more powerful than you imagine (think parachute). If you tow it backwards the hinges do all the work and a bungee cord will hold the hood down.

On the other hand, some doofus in a tow truck decided to haul my Mach 1 backwards causing the rear window louvers to rip out of the bottom and smash into the roof. Make sure you're aware of things like that...

Troy

[moparguy01]

ive pulled that way before when there was no engine/trans. I loaded it the normal way first, but the tongue weight wasnt right so i swapped it and all was good.

[Cooter]

It all has to do with the positioning of the axles on the trailer. I know with my own Converted "Boat" trailer, the wheels cannot be moved foward enough to distribute the weight properly(Rear engine boat), therefore, if I tow with the car pulled on, the tongue weight is enormous. Not saying ALL the cars you see loaded backwards are being done for this reason, but I know in my own experience, I HAVE TO load it backwards to even out the load.

[Lennard]

The blue car is also an inadequate setup with only one (!) tie down on the rear of the trailer.    

I see that the Blue/Green U-haul tie down that is attached to the trailer on the right side is tied over the Charger wheel so we can assume that the other side is tied down also which makes 3 points tied down. I would do it like that without an engine in the Charger.

[Cooter]

Plus, alot of today's half ton pick-ups aren't up to all that tongue weight either. I know my own 1983 Dodge Ram 150 half ton truck SUCKED.
Now that I have a 1999 Ram 2500 3/4 ton, it's like it ain't even back there.

[bill440rt]

You need a certain amount of tongue weight on the front of the trailer.   If there is an engine in the car, towing backwards like that is asking for trouble.    

Exactly. It's all about balance.
Too much weight on the rear WILL cause the trailer to sway. Too much in the front is not good either.
If your trailer is long enough so that even if the car is placed backwards & it is still balanced, then OK. But it would seem you would need an awfully long trailer.
If the car is a roller it really doesn't matter which way it's on there, as long as the car is secured correctly. There's no extra weight of an engine to deal with.

Actually, most of "today's" half-ton pickups have much more towing capacity due to design advancements. My '11 1500 has nearly the identical towing capacity as my former '07 2500. I think it actually tows better.

[Scaregrabber]

I've hauled them that way several times. If there is no engine and you can get the tonque weight right it doesn't matter. When you load and move cars by yourself sometimes it isn't easy to change the direction of the car on the trailer so it will be visually appealing to those who watch it go by.

Sheldon

[Trulyvintage]

Maybe it's me, but what's the point?   Towing or trailering, I have always loaded a car, nose first  

To answer your question,

I would guess that the thinking would be less damage to the front by loading it
from the rear ...  

But, in the example you originally referenced, the majority of the weight is behind the axle(s).

I have transported with both open & enclosed - I don't think I will switch
back from an enclosed trailer.

The roads are too bad - the weather too unpredictable.

If you care about your vehicle - it will be transported in an enclosed trailer.


Jim

[XS29L9Bxxxxxx]

But, in the example you originally referenced, the majority of the weight is behind the axle(s).
 

Jim[/i]

Respectfully, I disagree. There is very little weight "behind the axle" on Chargers. Especially with the rusted trunks most of them have  Seriously, moving a vehicle one or two feet either way on the trailer can balance the weight and add/reduce tongue weight. 

Besides, hauling a car backwards, remains dorky 

[Ghoste]

I think he means putting the bulk of the load weight behind the trailer axle. 

[Old Moparz]

One thing I see that looks like a disaster waiting to happen, mostly on the green car, is the mis-use of the tie downs. Since when is wrapping fabric around steel edges, which are probably sharp, a good idea? Even if they aren't as sharp as a razor, the constant rubbing, vibrations, wind, or the first time the driver hits the brakes hard, the fabric can let go & send the car flying.

[Ghoste]

Those wouldn't be my first choice either.  The trailer kind of looks like an all purpose one though and not a dedicated car hauler.  I doubt that flat bed has anyplace on it to tie down to.

[Old Moparz]

Those wouldn't be my first choice either.  The trailer kind of looks like an all purpose one though and not a dedicated car hauler.  I doubt that flat bed has anyplace on it to tie down to.

True, especially without the beaver tail. When I bought my car hauler it didn't have d-rings, just the front curb rail & stake pockets. I would put a chain around the front curb rail, then hook the tie downs to the chains. At the rear, the c-channel lip for the ramps was able to accommodate the hooks. It didn't take long for me to have someone weld on 4 d-rings in the front & 4 in the rear. Total price was $80 & well worth it for piece of mind.

[Trulyvintage]

I think he means putting the bulk of the load weight behind the trailer axle. 

Just to clarify ...   

The first post on this Thread shows a Blue Charger loaded backwards (front facing rear of trailer)
on an open U haul trailer.

Assuming there is an engine in the car, this puts the bulk of the weight behind the axles
to the rear of the trailer.

I don't think that is safe .....   

In fact, a member posted Towing Guidelines from U Haul on the first page
along with a link ....   


" Important towing information

Prevent whipping by properly loading the auto transport trailer. The vehicle-in-tow must be loaded facing forward (front wheels on auto transport trailer). Loading the vehicle-in-tow backwards can cause the tow vehicle and the auto transport trailer "combination" to begin whipping, which is violent and uncontrollable sway.

Side to side motion (sway) that begins as you reach a certain speed, will likely become whipping at higher speeds. If you notice sway beginning slow down immediately by letting off the gas pedal. Then stop to check the auto transport trailer and vehicle-in-tow as soon as possible.

If whipping or sway occurs, do not steer, do not apply your brakes and never speed up. Let off the gas pedal and hold the steering wheel in a straight-ahead position.

A "combination disturbance" is improper handling, whipping, sway, over-steering or other deviation of the tow vehicle or auto transport trailer from their intended path, due to one or more causes (improper loading, steering inputs, excessive speed, cross winds, passing vehicles, rough roads, etc). If a combination disturbance occurs, do not steer or brake. Steering or braking during a disturbance can cause a loss of control or crash. "


I see plenty of jack-knifed and overturned trailers driving down the road ....   

I agree with U Haul .... 



Jim

[472 R/T SE]

Do it any way you want.  If you load it backwards & the trailer starts whipping on you & you & the rig come out OK, I guarantee it'll never happen again.

[RTDaddy]

All are wrong.  Trailering the car backwards runs milage off of the odometer.    Did none of you pay attention to Ferris Bueller?

"IF YOU'RE UNDER CONTROL, YOU AIN'T GOING FAST ENOUGH."

[c00nhunterjoe]

My neighbor always did it backwards to prevent stone chips and bugs from getting all over his grill and windshield. I couldn't help but ask what his plans were to prevent stone chips and dead bugs on the rearof thecar.   He scratched his head and replied, I never thought about it like that.

[Ghoste]

 

[ACUDANUT]

It's already been said...Stupid.  If there is a engine up front, it better load that way....But hey, let the idiots find out the hard way.

[Trulyvintage]

My neighbor always did it backwards to prevent stone chips and bugs from getting all over his grill and windshield. I couldn't help but ask what his plans were to prevent stone chips and dead bugs on the rearof thecar.   He scratched his head and replied, I never thought about it like that.

That was my thinking too as to why the car was loaded backwards .....   



Jim

[Troy]

I still say neither car has an engine. On the blue one, look at how the truck is sagging (ie lots of tongue weight OR busted rear springs OR it's a Chevy/GMC which always seem to squat). If the engine were in the car there'd be very little weight on the tongue - but still some as the engine would still be just barely behind the rear axle on the trailer yet 3/4s of the car would be in front. Most smaller trucks can't have more than about 500 pounds on the tongue any way (which is why I initially said you almost had to tow backwards on a short U-Haul trailer). That car doesn't appear to have an oil pan, exhaust, or transmission. The green one clearly doesn't have an exhaust and I don't see anything else hanging down in the engine area. I've been "hung up" more than a few times on exhaust pipes as they're generally the lowest solid parts between the wheels.

Troy

[Dino]

Engine or not, you're a fool to hang the tie down on the sway bar.  That's just asking for trouble.

[elacruze]

There's a much simpler reason sometimes-

If you have to winch the car up, there's no way to hook up to the front of a 2gen Charger without leaning on the front valence. I had mine hauled on the flatbed backwards-of course it only went 3 miles. Hooking the rear axle is easy and safe.

Weight distribution as stated above is critical and very hard to make right on a single-car trailer with the engine to the rear. Otherwise, there's no difference which end goes first.

[Lizey]

I have a '93 GMC half ton with an '18 trailer that weighs about 1600 pounds. With my Charger on the trailer forwards, I can barely make it out of my driveway without hitting the pavement. I wouldn't feel comfortable taking it out on the road. Backwards like shown in the picture Ive pretty much got it figured out how Ive got plenty of tongue weight so it goes down the road fine and my truck's rear suspension can still handle the load.

[Scaregrabber]

Lizey: You don't look like an idiot. You've got the car forward, it looks fine.

Sheldon

[bordin34]

But which way should this be loaded?