Towing

80sDiesel

Have to move an uninsured classic to my garage.

What do you call those towing equipment where you connect your hitch to the axle of the towed vehicle. Seems ideal. It's a triangle thing which means u don't need someone in the car being towed.
Could I hire one or just best to buy one.

Testacalda

its called an 'A Frame'.

some for sale here. Cheap at just €195 delivered, so probably best to buy one, hard to find one to rent I would imagine

http://www.adverts.ie/other/towing-a-frame-dolly-recovery/8010842


Works reasonably well with lighter vehicles like cars, as long as your towing it with something substantial, jeep, van, light truck etc...

Technically they are only supposed to be used for emergency recovery, (broken down on the side of the road). The reason for this is the frame and the vehicle being recovered is actually classed as a trailer in legal terms, and therefore must have working brakes if over 750kgs. There is an exemption from this rule when used for recovery.

I used them a bit in the UK in the past, but would have to be sure the car was taxed, otherwise the 'emergency recovery' story wouldn't cut the mustard! Their laws are pretty clear:

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/408927/a-frames-and-dollies.pdf

Silvera

Good post Testacalda!

I too have used A-Frames in the past. While they are a useful piece of kit - being older (wiser?) and more aware of how things can so easily go wrong (A-Frames can 'jacknife' quite easily on bends) braking and insurance requirements, etc - I would be very reluctant to use one nowadays.

Imho, it's much safer (and wiser!) to organise a car transport trailer with proper towing vehicle, insurance, etc in place.

w124man

Rent a trailer for the day. Its much safer.

80sDiesel

Tnks, will sort out a trailer.