Towing 914 NJ to Denver - Advice?

[tabwb]

Hi all - new to this forum, first post and I don't want to beat a dead horse here but...I plan on towing my 1976 914 from NJ to Denver later this month and I've read a bunch of posts on this topic over the past couple of weeks. Frankly, I just seem to get more confused. Tow bar vs. dolly, facing forward vs. facing backwards, disconnect drive shafts vs. do not disconnect driveshafts. I am planning on...again, going by the general consensus I've been able to glean... using a U-Haul dolly with the front wheels of the car on the dolly and the shifter in neutral. Beyond that I've seen posts advising me to disconnect the drive shafts/axle shafts, disconnect the speedometer, tie the shifter so it stays in neutral, make sure shocks/springs in rear are in top-notch condition, etc. Can anyone who has actually used a U-Haul dolly tell me definitively what is the best procedure? Sorry for the trouble but much appreciate any/all responses. Cheers!

[tonythetarga]

Backwards. Period. End of story. No Porsche should be flat towed.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

I know a number of 914s that have been successfully flat-towed various distances, including across the country. Forwards.

I also know of at least two 914s that were being towed backwards and wound up with the windshield blowing out of the car.

I think the OP should be fine, as long as they remember to take the car out of gear and disengage the parking brake.

--DD

[Tobra]

Oil in the transaxle is splashing around in there when you are driving, not like there is a pump or anything. I never did get why it would be a problem with the car in neutral

[Charles Freeborn]

That distance I'd probably remove the half shafts just to save the wear on the CV's and such. Not a terrible job. The downside is if you need to back it up under it's own power.

Figure out your lights too. I tapped into the stop and turn lights in the 914 and connect to my trailer flat 4 plug.

914 rubber has a nice tow bar adapter. I use that with an Empi tow bar. Works fine. Take it easy and don't try to back it up while hitched.

I've also used a uhaul tow dolly. That works fine too.

[Emo993]

Tabwb, if you disconnect the half shafts....you have to pull them out, can't have them flopping around at speed. Second, if you pull them out you will need an extra set of stub axles to hold wheel and bearing in place. I would pull backwards with windows up, front wheels will lock for good tracking. Best, Mark

[75-914]

I cannot get my ‘73 or ‘75 to work with UHaul’s dollys. They are just too high... car bottoms out. I had to use the flatbeds.


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[racer]

Trailer is safer/easier than a Tow dolly or tow bar these days. Might depend on the availablity of a tow vehicle though. My dad used to flat tow hi 914 when new in the 1970s cause, well, trailers were rare and expensive and people would tow with "midsize" sedans vs F550s

[Coondog]

Just spent the money and rent a U-Haul Trailer. Then you don’t have to worry about anything. Also as stated before NEVER TOW A 914 BACKWARDS !!

[mepstein]

Originally Posted by Coondog

Just spent the money and rent a U-Haul Trailer. Then you don’t have to worry about anything. Also as stated before NEVER TOW A 914 BACKWARDS !!

I agree. I've towed dozens of 911's and 914's and always used a regular trailer, either open or closed but before I worked at the porsche shop, I would always rent a uhaul trailer. Drive it or push it up, strap it down and drive without a problem. I had a Dodge Durango with a big engine and even though the uhaul trailer is pretty heavy, it pulled fine.

I did buy a 914 tow bar adaptor so if my 914 breaks down while I'm sorting it out after a six conversion, I can call my wife and get a quick tow. I would use it for a longer trip if a trailer was unavailable but you have to remember, you can't back up with one.

[914werke]

Originally Posted by tonythetarga

backwards. Period. End of story. No porsche should be flat towed.

hahahahahhahahahahahahahahahahahahahah
wrong!

[914werke]

If you have the resources & pull vehicle Id trailer as well but flat towing is safe & economical
No need to pull CV's https://914werke.com/shop/ols/products/flat-tow-bracket

[tonythetarga]

Originally Posted by 914werke

hahahahahhahahahahahahahahahahahahahah
wrong!

Your attempt at juvenile humor only reflects your daftness, Mr 50 posts. Anyone with an ounce of gray matter knows backwards towing means on a dolly, to relieve the movement and unnecessary wear of the powertrain. A short trip flat towing is one thing, but a 1000 mile trip is something else, especially when driving at highway speeds.
Clearly you represent a younger generation that is quick to ridicule, especially when you retain anonymity and protection from a social media platform. Punk!