Trailering Model A
 

I asked a question about tires and got some comments about trailering, but I thought I would ask about that in a new thread.

We have inherited a 31 Tudor Coupe which has been in a garage for the last 25 years. The car is in South Daytona, Florida and I need to get it to Austin, Texas.

I was planning to rent an enclosed trailer for fear of the wind force of hauling the car at 70+mph halfway across the country. My other concern is tampering/vandalism when I stop for the night.

Should I be worried about the wind force or would an open-air flat bed trailer be okay?

Re: Trailering Model A
 

There are a couple places in Michigan
that you can rent an enclosed car hauler
trailer at by the day or week.

It is not one way - you have to return
it to where you rented it from.

I am not aware of any places renting
enclosed car hauler trailers in Texas
or in Florida.

If you care about any vehicle you
are transporting - it should travel
In an enclosed trailer.


Jim

Re: Trailering Model A
 

If the car is in nice shape, I'd use an enclosed trailer for that distance. If you don't have the option of a reasonably priced rental, buy a trailer, use it, then sell again. If you are careful you can even make some jing on the deal. Check the tires, brakes, and bearings.

Re: Trailering Model A
 

and what is wrong with 60 mph?

whats the hurry?

Re: Trailering Model A
 

Many trailer specific tires are only rated for 55 mph. And regardless of the rating 70 MPH is frik'n crazy. IMO

Re: Trailering Model A
 

I trailered a 30 Coupe from Tampa to Gatesville, Tx on a rented U-Haul car hauler that only cost me 150 dollars for a one-way trip. Didn't have any problems along the way.

Re: Trailering Model A
 

Put it on a flatbed and don't worry about it.

Re: Trailering Model A
 

Check your local A Club someone may have a closed trailer they will loan/rent you. If you borrow one check the brakes, bearings and tire dates before setting out. If the tires are older than 6 years buy the guy a new set for loaning you his trailer.
If you haul it open and expect to exceed 60 mph I'd cover at least the roof and wrap ducttape around it just below the visor and again just above the cowl. High speed air getting under the top material could cause real problems.
Here is a 28 Tudor that the top was pulled up at the front - a 75 mph trip on a flatbed tow truck was the suspect.

Trailering Model A
 

Your personal automobile insurance
will not cover liability/comprehensive insurance
on a trailer that is titled/registered to
someone else that is not a member
of your immediate household.

Neither will the
personal automobile insurance
of the person who is letting you use it.

If you are stopped towing a trailer
that is not registered/titled to you
the trailer may be impounded on
the suspicion of theft.

There is no substitute for enclosed
transport of a vehicle.


Jim

Re: Trailering Model A
 

Pretty broad statement there for not knowing about mine or anybody else's insurance policy
Put it in my truck, hook it to the truck, and its all covered, and yes Im sure

Re: Trailering Model A
 

I speak from firsthand experience - transporting
year round since 2006 - there is no coverage.

Jim

Re: Trailering Model A
 

So do I, been there ,used it and all paid by State Farm. Your policy may vary :rolleyes:

Re: Trailering Model A
 

Assuming you have a tow vehicle that can safely tow it, rent a U-haul open car hauler one-way and keep the speed to 55 MPH or less and the car will be fine UNLESS you can see right now that the top is not on the car securely and the wind will pull it up. No one will mess with the car when stopped. You can drive a Model A 45 MPH into the wind. It's the same.

Re: Trailering Model A
 

I agree with Mr Cannon and will add one or two additional thoughts...

Load the car backwards onto the U-Haul as it is a tad more aerodynamic that way. Purchase a roll of the plastic furniture wrap that looks like Saran Wrap on steroids, then drape the plastic over the top of the leatherette roof material starting at the visor area and moving towards the rear window overlapping each piece where the air cannot get under the edge of the plastic when moving. Then apply the wrap over the ends of the draped wrap making a continuous wrapping motion all around the window area. It does not hurt to wrap the window area once or twice and then make a crisscross X motion over the top and then continue around the window area. This will better secure the plastic that you draped over the top.

What this does is seals any air from wanting to lift the roof leatherette material as wind enters around windows and windshield, -and it seals moisture from entering the cabin if you encounter inclement weather. Additionally, it will make it difficult for unwanted visitors to prowl inside during overnight stops. In that regard, generally speaking I have found that better quality hotels in better sections of town have good lighting and security cameras. Arrive early enough in the evening at that hotel where you can get a parking spot in a more visible location.

Good Luck and best wishes on your new Tudor.

Re: Trailering Model A
 

Putting a vehicle on an open trailer
and wrapping it in plastic will
rub the paint the paint off the vehicle.


Jim

Re: Trailering Model A
 

Buy a new enclosed trailer in Florida, take your A home worry free, sell the new trailer used one time back at home, money well spent period or keep the trailer you’ll find a use for it. OR hire someone to haul it like Trulyvintage above

Re: Trailering Model A
 

If you are stopped towing a trailer
that is not registered/titled to you
the trailer may be impounded on
the suspicion of theft.

totally silly comment. I guess nobody is allowed to lend their trailer to a friend......

fear tactics here are laughable.

Re: Trailering Model A
 

Truly self serving
and I believe discouraged advertising on this site.

Re: Trailering Model A
 

I'm sure you know best Jim. You usually do! :eek:

Ironically, contrary to your advice, this freshly restored car traveled nearly 1,000 miles without even so much as receiving a paint scuff, -much less the paint actually being rubbed off. I could post a half-dozen or so more similar pics of the same type of wrapping and to my knowledge none of those cars received paint damage. So FWIW, my actual first-hand experience in this does counter your advice but in the end, it is the O/P's decision to do what seems best for their vehicle, so thank you for chiming in with your vast Model-A knowledge.


https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...1&d=1687466708

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...1&d=1687466713


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Re: Trailering Model A
 

I notice you don't wrap tie down straps around the wheels as I've seen some haulers do - which does damage the paint on the wheels