How to tow a porsche

pmajka · 09-20-2006, 08:22 PM

considering an enclosed trailer, but a small one, just big enough for the 911...

what size trailer do i want and what class hitch do i need.

any clue as to how much an 88 911 and a trailer would weigh??

snowman · 09-20-2006, 09:28 PM

Look on the inside drivers door for what you weigh. The trailer, ask the seller. 2350 to 3600 for the car, 1500 plus for trailer

DaveE · 09-21-2006, 03:08 AM

I have a 20ft enclosed bare-bones trailer (Haulmark) and is weighs around 3100 pounds. With your car you are probably at 5800 or so, plus the temptation to throw alot of junk in the trailer (jack, etc).

pmajka · 09-21-2006, 06:42 AM

thanks guys..what are the tow ratings for class2 and class 3 hitch???

kaisen · 09-21-2006, 07:27 AM

You need a Class III+ 2-inch-receiver hitch. Most are V5 rated, which means up to 1000 lb tongue and 10,000 pound tow.

What is the tow vehicle?

pmajka · 09-21-2006, 07:31 AM

dodge dakota CC with 5.9L

kaisen · 09-21-2006, 07:43 AM

With a Crew Dakota with the big motor, you will be fine.
There are several manufacturers that make receiver hitches for that application. Your local U-Haul probably has them in stock.

I would recommend electric trailer brakes and you'll need a cheap controller in the truck to do it (~$150) and the 'bigger' 7 lead wiring to the hitch.

E

dad911 · 09-21-2006, 09:00 AM

Try to look at a few cars in the enclosed trailer. I had a 20' on order, changed it to 22' after looking at a few on the track, and now wish it was 24'.

Towing 20' or 24' is not going to be any harder.

kaisen · 09-21-2006, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by dad911
Towing 20' or 24' is not going to be any harder.

Very true!

azasadny · azasadny's Garage

I just towed my '74 911 75 miles with an open UHaul trailer and a Ford Expedition and a Class III hitch. No problems, it was easy and the Expedition pulled the Porsche on the trailer without any strain.

kaisen · 09-21-2006, 10:14 AM

Open trailer is lighter and has less wind resistance. A pickup towing a flat-nose enclosed trailer will have a bit more struggle.

pmajka · 09-21-2006, 10:15 AM

ok, how bout a vnose vs open trailer?

snowman · 09-21-2006, 07:22 PM

I used yo tow my Porsche, on a dolly, using a MB 300SD.

cashflyer · 09-22-2006, 05:04 AM

I tow my 911 in a barebones 20' V-nose trailer.
Your 5.9 will do it, but do not ever, ever tow with the overdrive on. It has been known to quickly burn up your trans if you pull a load in overdrive.

My tow vehicle was a 98 Dodge with a 5.2. I have upgraded to a 3500 with a Cummins because I intend to get a larger trailer.

pmajka · 09-22-2006, 05:09 AM

Good to know, thanks for the heads up!

but that also means 9 miles to gallon!

Oh well.

Quote:

Originally posted by cashflyer
I tow my 911 in a barebones 20' V-nose trailer.
Your 5.9 will do it, but do not ever, ever tow with the overdrive on. It has been known to quickly burn up your trans if you pull a load in overdrive.

My tow vehicle was a 98 Dodge with a 5.2. I have upgraded to a 3500 with a Cummins because I intend to get a larger trailer.

DaveE · 09-22-2006, 05:38 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by dad911
Try to look at a few cars in the enclosed trailer. I had a 20' on order, changed it to 22' after looking at a few on the track, and now wish it was 24'.

Towing 20' or 24' is not going to be any harder.

I agree with that! 10,000 pound axles too. My 20 footer is a bit small with a BMW 2002 and race gear.

daepp · daepp's Garage

In 1979 I towed a Targa all the way across country with all four of its wheels on the ground. I got a hitch from PBTweeks, which bolted to the undeside of the pan and used pins and cotter keys for ease of use.

I towed it with a $50 4 door late 60's Mercury I bought from a relative. It had a monster V8 in it. I hardly ever knew the Targa was back there - it towed wonderfully!