Towing SLK 230 manual behind RV
Hi all,
I just bought a 99 SLK230 to tow behind my RV using a dolly. I didn't think there would be any issues since it is a manual transmission. I just thought I should asked (probably should of asked before I bought the car-haha), should I have any issues? This will be towed all over US and used as our primary mode of transport when we get to our destinations as we travel US for a year.
Reggie Vickers
I just bought a 99 SLK230 to tow behind my RV using a dolly. I didn't think there would be any issues since it is a manual transmission. I just thought I should asked (probably should of asked before I bought the car-haha), should I have any issues? This will be towed all over US and used as our primary mode of transport when we get to our destinations as we travel US for a year.
Reggie Vickers
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Reggie, what was the outcome of your question? My wife and I are looking to more frequently RV, and I want to bring my SLK. Using a towbar (all wheels on the ground) obviously isn't an option. And, from what I've read so far, lifting the front wheels with a tow dolly won't work for this application either. I'm guessing the only alternative is to use the dolly; lifting the rear wheels.
Is your SLK auto or manual? Reggie's original comment was for a manual. Traditionally there's no problem towing a manual, only autos. Reggie's query was whether there was anything special about an SLK manual that prevents towing. Towing is covered in the driver's manual (p224 in mine) and only has restrictions for autos. There is a warning that the car may auto lock if you leave the key in the ignition.
Nice colour!
Nice colour!
Not so much experience but I've understood over the years that best (safest) practice when towing a rear wheel drive, auto trans car/truck with a dolly (rear wheels on the ground) is to "drop" (remove) the driveshaft. More than your wanting to do I suspect so consider buying a trailer (or a front wheel drive car).
Of course now I've read the thread so I see you have a man trans. I would tie the selector (at least) to minimize the chance it slips into gear.
Of course now I've read the thread so I see you have a man trans. I would tie the selector (at least) to minimize the chance it slips into gear.
It's an automatic. Which is why I figured I'd have to tow dolly via the rear wheels. Now I'm thinking a light-weight aluminum trailer is the best option. Would only add another <1400lbs.Not so much experience but I've understood over the years that best (safest) practice when towing a rear wheel drive, auto trans car/truck with a dolly (rear wheels on the ground) is to "drop" (remove) the driveshaft. More than your wanting to do I suspect so consider buying a trailer (or a front wheel drive car).
Of course now I've read the thread so I see you have a man trans. I would tie the selector (at least) to minimize the chance it slips into gear.
And, thank you for the color comp! :smile:
Hi all,
Sorry for the delay. Our solution is to drive the car behind the RV since we are hoping to only go 100 to 200 miles from camp site to camp site. Maybe not be the best solution, but so far it is the only one that makes sense. Let me know if anyone has a better suggestion. There appeared to be too much risk in towing it any other way. Thank you, Reggie
Sorry for the delay. Our solution is to drive the car behind the RV since we are hoping to only go 100 to 200 miles from camp site to camp site. Maybe not be the best solution, but so far it is the only one that makes sense. Let me know if anyone has a better suggestion. There appeared to be too much risk in towing it any other way. Thank you, Reggie
Not sure what your budget is, but you might look into a used aluminum car hauler. They're out there. :wink:Hi all,
Sorry for the delay. Our solution is to drive the car behind the RV since we are hoping to only go 100 to 200 miles from camp site to camp site. Maybe not be the best solution, but so far it is the only one that makes sense. Let me know if anyone has a better suggestion. There appeared to be too much risk in towing it any other way. Thank you, Reggie
Found this: It's nothing you already didn't know though.
http://www.slkworld.com/slk-r170-general-discussion/88938-slk-230k-auto-how-tow.html
Uhaul flatbed solutions and ground clearance information
http://www.slkworld.com/slk-r171-general-discussion/13534-putting-slk-flat-bed-trailer.html
http://www.slkworld.com/slk-r170-general-discussion/88938-slk-230k-auto-how-tow.html
Uhaul flatbed solutions and ground clearance information
http://www.slkworld.com/slk-r171-general-discussion/13534-putting-slk-flat-bed-trailer.html
There's no reason you can't tow it with the back wheels on a dolly, just lock your steering wheel with the wheels in a straight forward position. I've never done that (and I probably wouldn't with my SLK) but I have used a dolly dozens of times to tow front wheel drive cars.
remember this: you're not supposed to back up with a dolly! Don't even think about it. It can get very ugly!! Look what happened to me:
remember this: you're not supposed to back up with a dolly! Don't even think about it. It can get very ugly!! Look what happened to me:
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