14 replies to this topic

[grumpy2]

I have an A frame and understand the law regarding towing with it, thanks.

 

My question is where to attach it to on my mini? The tie rods will be too weak and the lower arms may be inaccessible. I've seen some way of attaching it with bolt to somewhere subframe.

 

Any info appreciated, thanks  

[nicklouse]

dont you will kill the gear box. 

[Project84]

ignore this please - I failed to read your original post properly 

Edited by Project84, 16 February 2021 - 01:48 PM.

[Maccmike8]

If you the where abouts you could add a wheel to each side of the frame plus brackets for the car wheels and tow it conventionally.

[grumpy2]

Thanks for the above but I just need to tow the rolling shell to and from the paint shop

[Mattl]

You can attach to the lower arms by going underneath the tie rods. Key to ign 1, handbrake off and in neutral. Did it the other day no probs at all

[grumpy2]

You can attach to the lower arms by going underneath the tie rods. Key to ign 1, handbrake off and in neutral. Did it the other day no probs at all

 

 

cheers

[Ethel]

I don't think the tie bars would be that bad, they can have a fair bit to cope with just holding a heavy braking car. Take one off to see how little the rubber bushed bottom arm contributes. Of course, holding on to them when your Mini is trying to continue rolling and your tow truck isn't is a bit of a challenge.

 

What subby mounts ya got? My plastic car has 'em replaced with with trailer tailboard hinges bent in to an L so I can tow it with the hinge pin eyes.

 

Could you do something similar to beef it up enough to get the loads in to the subframe via factory towing eyes or eyebolt.

 

https://www.minispar...|Back to search

[Tupers]

We’ve got one of these, it pulls from the bottom arms. https://ezytow.co.uk...towing-a-frame/

[panky]

Isn't there a rule that says if the vehicle being towed has it's wheels on the ground then it needs to be road legal?

[nicklouse]

Isn't there a rule that says if the vehicle being towed has it's wheels on the ground then it needs to be road legal?

Correct.  Well it needs tax, test and insurance. But is it just an unbraked trailer? But if it has brakes fitted then they must work and be operated by the coupling.

 

but the OP says he is aware of the rules.

[Ethel]

...and if it hasn't got a motor why should it still be a motor vehicle? As Nick say, that's a different topic.

 

 

"We’ve got one of these, it pulls from the bottom arms. https://ezytow.co.uk...towing-a-frame/"  - Must be very close on ground clearance?

 

 

Could you stick the extensions in upside down  & poke them through the grille opening? Rig up some sort of attachment to the subframe.

 

My homespun frame worked a treat. The only issue was reversing. The Mini end being so low meant it was being pushed down so it really didn't like going over any sort of rise, like a curb.

[grumpy2]

 

Isn't there a rule that says if the vehicle being towed has it's wheels on the ground then it needs to be road legal?

Correct.  Well it needs tax, test and insurance. But is it just an unbraked trailer? But if it has brakes fitted then they must work and be operated by the coupling.

 

but the OP says he is aware of the rules.

 

 

 

Hi yes I'm aware of the rules and that they are open to significant interpretation. Hence why I was reluctant to post what always seems to be an emotive issue

 

In this instance if or when I decide to use my A frame, the Mini will have no windows, no trim, probably no interior and no functioning engine or braking system. It will be towed to and from my painter about 6 miles away from home.

 

My classic car club has some fairly 'senior' members including an ex chief constable and two solicitors and we've discussed the topic several times leading one of the solicitors to conclude that as long as the vehicle being towed is below 750kg and substantially incapable of being driven (not just had the rotor arm removed for example) then any potential prosecution would easily be counter argued. The ex CC says that plod is far too busy to worry about a small car in an obvious state of disrepair being towed with an A frame as long as tail-lights and reg number are OK and driving standards are up to the required standard of the highway code.

 

So would I want to use an A frame regularly?, probably not, would I use it to take a restoration project back and forth to a painter once every two or three years?, probably yes.

 

thanks for the info on the bottom arms I'll give that a try when I'm ready

 

Cheers

[Wise Old Elf]

We’ve got one of these, it pulls from the bottom arms. https://ezytow.co.uk...towing-a-frame/

I used one of these today to take one of my mini to storage 10 miles away.
The only issue I had was the frame dragged a little on the aggressively cambered country roads as it is very close to the ground.
No issues on town roads.

[iain1967s]

http://restorationmi...p?page=page3689

Probably not legal in the UK, but no problem here in USA.

 

Flat towed my Mk1 mini with my Gen1 MINI, viewed as a class 1 un-braked trailer less than 2000 lbs.

 

More photos here:

https://www.theminif...w-a-mini/page-3

 

 

Edited by iain1967s, 23 February 2021 - 08:45 PM.