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MG MGB Technical - Towing & preparations

I just got my first MGB -1971 but I have to go get it next weekend.

I'm planning to use a Uhaul tow dolly where the front wheels are elevated and secured. I towing it with a Suburban so power won't be a problem.

I've heard from a couple of folks that I should remove the drive shaft for the trip. Makes some sense to seperate the engine/transmission from the wheels during the trip.

Should this be done and if so any general guidelines would be wonderful. Any other towing tips would be much appreciated.

Thank you,

Rob
R Gallagher

Rob,

It would be best to use a car hauler and get all four wheels off the ground. U-Haul rents them also, and the Suburban will pull it with no problems. I am assuming the car is in an unknown (to you) condition. That said, you "can" use the tow dolly, and yes, my recommendation would be to pull the driveshaft first. I used a tow dolly one time for a B that had been sitting for years, and had a rear tire come apart and damage the bodywork.

Paul K

The best option is to get a full trailer, but that might not be possible.

If the car has a manual transmission, the manual says there is no problem towing with the driveshaft in place. Just stick it in neutral, drive slowly, avoiding freeways where possible, and take extra care when turning corners (it's really easy to clip things) If it's an auto, the advice is to disconnect the driveshaft.

Check the tires before towing. Make sure that they have good, even pressure (over 20psi as a minimum) and insure that the tyres and wheels are in good condition overall.

Depending on the height of the dolly, you might have ground clearance problems at the back with the exhaust.
dave

I have towed MG's several thousand miles on a tow dolly. I don't remove the drive shaft and never had a problem. Just make sure you park so you don't have to back up. If you do need to back up you will wish you had drive shaft in so you can easily back the car off and get turned around. I believe most states require a
license for the towed vehicle. Never experienced a ground clearance problem in the rear. An MGB will not fit on many rental tow dollys, there is too much distance between the ramps. If you can find a Master Tow the MGB does fit them, I towed a MG midget on one.

Clifton
Clifton Gordon

If it's a long trip there is an issue with lube of the gearbox - including manual type. I'd take ramps and tools, take off the prop and check there is oil in the diff. 1/2 hour could save a lot later. Rich.
Rich

All you really need to do is remove the 4 bolts at the rear end and bungee cord the shaft out of the way of travel of the rear axle, leaving the front bolted on. 10 mins tops.
Jake

1/2" wrench size bolts
Barry
Barry Parkinson

Thanks guys. Further clarification will be that's it's a 500 mile trip on a win from Ebay so Paul you're right it's not known to me but the tires are told to me to be in very good condition.

I'll also take a plastic tarp to cover the beast in case of rainy weather.

I'll also post photos as I get them.
R Gallagher

500 miles sould not be a problem.

The reason it is advised to disconnect the driveshsaft has to to with lubrication of the bearings in the output shaft of the transmission. In most cars, including the B. These get their lubrication from being splashed by the turning of the layshaft. If you tow with the driveshaft attached, the output shaft turns but the layshaft does not. No oil will get to the output shaft bearings. Not usually a problem for short trips, but it is recommended that if you do tow it, you should periodically start the car, put it in neutral and run it for a few minutes so you get oil up to the output bearings.
Bruce Cunha

Here is a description of MG gearbox lubrication and towing.
http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/gearbox/gt201.htm

Clifton
Clifton Gordon

A full car carrier from UHAUL is about $20 more. It is a great trailer and the B fits on fine. For the little extra money you get much more peace of mind. I did that for a GT that was a bit over 150 miles away. I rented it one way from a place when I got there.
Call ahead and reserve one in that area.
carl w french 1

That is what I love about this site. If anyone has researched a point and written it. Someone here will find it and let you know. Thanks Clifton, I now have more insite into the operations of a B transmission.
Bruce Cunha

If you do remove the prop shaft, don't forget to mark it first so that you can refit with the shaft in correct alignment.

Don't two with a "plastic tarp" on the car - it will inevitably flap in the wind, and could damage the paintwork. If it rains let the car get wet.

Nigel J S Steward

Awesome folks!

Many thanks for all of your suggestions, ideas and comments.

The trip is planned for this weekend. Moss catalog arrived yesterday now there's no way I'm going to get any sleep before Monday.....

Rob
R Gallagher

R,

You didn't mention whether or not the new B is equipped with wire wheels. If so DO NOT tow it backward, lose a knockoff and then you'll really be having fun. (lose wheel at highway speed.)
stevem

This thread was discussed between 27/03/2005 and 30/03/2005

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