Trailering a Corvette

[ALPacer]

I am in the process of buying a 1978 Corvette. It has a front spoiler. I will need to trailer the car from where I am purchasing it to my home. Will the Corvette go onto the trailer via the ramps with no problem? The trailer is not a tilt trailer. Where should I attach my tiedown straps to the car? This is different than my 1969 Camaro. If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know. I do not want to damage the car. Thanks

Scott

 

[JonM]

When I put my 84 on a trailer, I had the same concerns. I used a U-Haul trailer and parked my truck with the trailer facing downward on an incline. Doing this makes it pretty much a straight on level ramp. With the U-Haul the straps go over the front wheels and tighten down using a ratchet strap (provided). The rear has a chain you just toss around the rear end.

 

[SPANISHVETTS]

When we trailered my Son’s ´82 we backed it onto the trailer. The spoiler may have scraped a bit but no damage was done. We let the air out of the trailer tires when we rolled her off of the trailer. This reduced the angle enough to for the spoiler to clear.

BTW I do not think that trailer has a past tense. English is quickly becoming my second language.:eyerole

 

[KOPBET]

What set-up is required on the tow vehicle to be able to tow a U-Haul and Vette such as this? 2000lb? 5000lb? Ball hitch or otherwise?

(I'm tow-tally illiterate!)

...

BTW I do not think that trailer has a past tense. English is quickly becoming my second language.:eyerole

Don't know if you were joking or not, but yes, of course it is correct. "Trailered" is a transitive verb in the form you used it above.

 

[JonM]

Specifications



Empty weight: 2,000 lbs.
Max load: 4,000 lbs.
Maximum Gross Weight (trailer plus load): 6,000 lbs.
Tow hitch required: Class 3 (5,000 lb. minimum weight-carrying rating)
Hitch ball: 1 7/8, 2 or 2 1/8, (5,000 lb. minimum)

Features

EZ access loading ramps
Tilt-out fender (allows vehicle door access)
Ratchet operated tire straps
Vehicle security chains
Automatic hydraulic surge brake
Easy towing

Advisements

The vehicle in-tow:

• Must not weigh in excess of 4,000 lbs.
• Must have a maximum “outside to outside” tire width of 79 1/4 inches
  Note: outside tire width over 75 in. must use late-model U-Haul auto-transport (identifiable by silver galvanized color).
• Must have a maximum wheelbase (distance from front axle to rear axle, usually posted on the driver’s side door jamb) of 133 inches.
• Low hanging equipment on the vehicle being towed such as spoilers, air dams, ground effects, etc., may be damaged by contact with the Auto Transport during loading and unloading. Make sure there is enough clearance for these items.

Your towing vehicle:

• All SUV’s must be equipped with a hard top. U-Haul does not allow any type of sport-utility vehicle, not equipped with a hard top, to tow U-Haul equipment.
• Curb Weight: 3,500 lbs. minimum, and must equal or exceed 80% of the combined weight of the trailer (2,000 lbs.) and the vehicle being towed (up to 4,000 lbs).
• Must not exceed maximum allowable hitch ball height 25."
• Must have external mirrors on both sides.
• Must have fully operational lighting.

Other

• Maximum recommended speed: 45 mph.
• Trailer lighting must be operational at all times – day and night.

 

[c4cruiser]

You might want to pick up a couple of 8 foot long 2x8 or 2x10 boards from a home center store. Cut it into 2' or 3' pieces and use them to level out any angles in the ramps at ground level.

While U-Haul is the most common trailer renting place, I have found the local store pretty tough to deal with. They don't want to let a car trailer out for more than 1 day if you are staying local (1-way is OK). Earlier this year U-Haul decided to specifically refuse any type of trailer rentals to owners of Ford Explorers.

I was even told once that they would not rent me a car trailer to tow behind my 1/2 ton Silverado Z71 with a Class III hitch and factory towing package to haul my 87 Vette. No specific reason why, but they just said their trailer would not work with Vettes.

Just make sure the car is strapped down tightly. The front webbing on the tires is OK but try to get two straps for the rear. I would not use any part of the Corvette rear suspension for attaching straps. Ask for another set of wheel straps or attach a ratcheting strap to the frame or rear crossmember. Check the straps before you drive off and if your driving any distance, after a few miles. The car's suspension should settle a bit and the straps may loosen up a little.

You didn't say how far you're going or what sort of tow rig you are using, but make sure the towing vehicle is in good condition. Good brakes, check the trans fluid level (if an auto) and make sure the cooling system is working fine. Also check tire pressures to make sure they are at the pressure recommended for towing or heavy loads. Try not to carry any more weight in the tow vehicle than necessary. When you tow the trailer, you are effectively adding up to 500 lbs of weight at the back bumper (trailer tongue) in addition to the total towed weight. So try not to take the entire family or a bunch of friends. That just adds to the total gross weight of the tow vehicle. You can overload a 1/2 ton pickup very quickly!!

 

[Grizzly]

I avoided all that when I hauled my 59 Impala home, I just rented a truck and a trailer. Why did I want to tear up my rig eventhough it could have done it. Also has the box on the truck for extra parts.

The only problem I had was that the body bounced on the springs a did a little damage to the door where the fender hit. Becareful of that.

You might just want to hire someone. Figure your time and rental costs and you're not much farther ahead doing it yourself, espcially if it should really be transported in a closed trailer. A lot of stuff flies up from the tow vehicle.

Bottom line no damage to the vehicle........................