Towing using FWD car

[spetz]

Hi guys,

Just wondering if people can tell me if it is possible to use a FWD car to tow?
I'm sure towing small things isn't a problem, but how about towing a car trailer with car on it?

I have towed a car trailer + car using a VT commodore and some older ford (3.8L and 4L respectively) and had no problems at all.
Not taking into account brakes, gearbox, engine torque etc, simply the FF layout, is this safe, stable etc?

Thanks

[gumus89]

Why not? Unless you plan on going for a drag race, cos you would have nooooooooo traction.

[DC2-PWR]

Depends what car, how much weight you want to tow, approx distance and it's pretty simple to work out.

[spetz]

A 99-01 3.5 auto Magna/Verada to tow a fairly small car, maybe a Civic or Integra.

Drag racing is not high on the agenda with a trailer but 500+ km ranges are a must

[Bludger]

it is fine, just make sure it is a braked trailer.

[dougie_504]

It'll be fine mate 3.5L is no worries. Just make sure you break early :)

[V73C]

Ive seen a magna tow caravans and even a horse float. you should be fine

[Zilli]

my only advice to you is to understand what the legal towing weight is (braked/unbraked) and ensure you stay within the bounds, otherwise if the worst was to happen you forfeit your insurance

[chinx_4eva]

i think on most cars they'll have a sticker on the door saying the maximum towing capacity.
Had a towbar on my EK4 and it said the maximum was 600KG.. which is really nothing compared to a car
but then again a EK4 is half the engine and body size of a magna so yea.. haha :)

[spetz]

I was reading that braked a 3.5L Magna can tow 1,500kg which I think is more or less ok for a trailer and small car.
I assume seeing as suspension and brakes are the same for a 3.0L then the towing weight should be the same?

[Snoop_gee]

Quick Q.

Can one of these.
VE Berlina
http://images-2.drive.com.au/2010/08/05/1750214/Berlina-032_m_m-600x400.jpg

Tow this?
http://www.redpepperracing.com/gallery/d/267705-2/truckheight.jpg

[Jccck]

Um, shouldn't the Commodore be the one on the trailer?
Hahahahahaha

Yes. You'll be fine.
If you're new to towing such a large load, take it VERY easy.. The trailer has a nice habit of telling you what to do ;)

[stndrd]

Just be aware that earlier model ford, holden, magna's have a tendency to stretch the chassis if you are not using a heavy duty tow bar to tow cars, large caravans etc

[stndrd]

Also if your using a Magna, I would put an aftermarket auto oil cooler on it, as the auto's are weak as to begin with

[TheSaint]

i removed the tow bar on my EG8 - the car struggled with people in the back seat let alone a few more hundred kg's attatched to the back lol

im sure it can be done within the legal limits - but i just didnt want to freak out my car lol

[Bludger]

Quick Q.

Can one of these.
VE Berlina
http://images-2.drive.com.au/2010/08/05/1750214/Berlina-032_m_m-600x400.jpg

Tow this?
http://www.redpepperracing.com/gallery/d/267705-2/truckheight.jpg
quick answer = depends

[trism]

Yes ...

[mooshie]

Most medium to large FWD cars can only tow up to about 1600-1700kg max using a braked trailer. Basic car trailer weighs in at about 600kg so you would be pushing it towing integras but civic/crx might just scrape in. Can obviously tow heavier but you would exceed the rated weight for the vehicle= issues with insurance, police etc, dont think they wouldnt pull you over when the nose is high in the car from the overload and old rear springs... Either way you would need to take it very careful.

The more recent model V6 commodores and falcons tow over 2 tonnes so wouldn't have an issue, just make sure you have a correctly rated tow bar setup. Interestingly, a lot of the sporty spec V8s only go to 1600kg

If you want to know tow ratings just look on carsales, they have it in the specs for each car. Sometimes the same chassis can differ quite a lot depending on transmission, engine type or capacity

[e240]

I use my Aurion to tow my car around. Been alright...

[TheSaint]

also remember that if you tow a heavy load at night time the front of your car will point up and alot of incoming traffic will think you have your high beams on

happens alot when falcons/commodores tow caravans

[bloodviper]

i seen a tr ts magna towin a swb pajero so not legal i towed a car trailer witha ute back on behind my v6 magna and it really felt it i recon it would strugle towing a small car behind one