Not just another towing thread: Cultural Relativism?
09-07-2011, 06:00 PM
#16
Three Wheelin'
I love showing up to Mid Ohio with my little open trailer and all my tools loaded in the back of the truck. Its almost always the smallest rig and I can squeeze it into some the small leftover spaces inbetween the big trailers in the lower paddock
09-07-2011, 06:10 PM
#17
I too prefer the simplicity of the "euro tow".. I also think part of it is that in the US, cars just don't get rated to tow. They (the manufacturers) want you to buy the large SUV/Pickup rather than use a large sedan to tow anything. If there is a "tow rating" on a car, its typically 1500lb. Then, most Minivans/ soft roaders get rated to 3500lb, so it takes a RWD/4WD SUV to get the 5000lb ratings.
I also agree in the US the "bigger is better" approach to life surely is another reason. For some reason, Euro folks are willing to drive 50-60mph towing but in the US, folks seem entitled to tow at 80mph with no worries that they won't actually stop in time if they needed to.
Admittedly, most US sedans are now FWD, but I would see no issue towing with a Crown Vic/TownCar/MB Sclass etc. They are easily just as "big" as an SUV from a weight perspective, especially if towing a lightweight trailer. Certainly have enough HP/TQ and in the German car scenario, enough brake. Trans might be a weak link, but frequent maintenance and an additional cooler would do the trick.
Back in the 1980s, after my folks sold the RV, they simply added a trans cooler and custom hitch to their '74 MB 450SEL sedan. Worked fine towing a trailex, with 911 or 914 and with 2-3 people in the car. Cooler in the trunk. Done.
For me, since I grew up with a "towing family" I fully rejoice in the idea of driving my "track" car to, from and at the event instead
I also agree in the US the "bigger is better" approach to life surely is another reason. For some reason, Euro folks are willing to drive 50-60mph towing but in the US, folks seem entitled to tow at 80mph with no worries that they won't actually stop in time if they needed to.
Admittedly, most US sedans are now FWD, but I would see no issue towing with a Crown Vic/TownCar/MB Sclass etc. They are easily just as "big" as an SUV from a weight perspective, especially if towing a lightweight trailer. Certainly have enough HP/TQ and in the German car scenario, enough brake. Trans might be a weak link, but frequent maintenance and an additional cooler would do the trick.
Back in the 1980s, after my folks sold the RV, they simply added a trans cooler and custom hitch to their '74 MB 450SEL sedan. Worked fine towing a trailex, with 911 or 914 and with 2-3 people in the car. Cooler in the trunk. Done.
For me, since I grew up with a "towing family" I fully rejoice in the idea of driving my "track" car to, from and at the event instead
09-07-2011, 06:13 PM
#18
Drifting
But if people didn't bring big trailers and rigs to the races who would you guys with minimalistic set-ups go to when you need parts and tools?
09-07-2011, 06:23 PM
#19
Race Director
That does not even bring up the people that hand out under my shade.
09-07-2011, 08:07 PM
#22
Three Wheelin'
Which means putting your car+ on the Eurotunnel, which isn't exactly huge. Last time I was at a Spa track day, not a race day true, this is how one GRRC member brought his Goodwood Spring Sprints winning car to the event. Everything else he needed for the weekend was in the Bimmer. And the facilities at most Euro tracks are very good. There is plenty of shade/shelter from the rain, garages, comfortable places to sit down, food and drink to purchase at a reasonable price, etc.
09-07-2011, 10:34 PM
#25
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
A friend of mine pulled a ladder out of his trailer to use in putting his awning on. If I have to bring a ladder to the track.. I quit.
09-07-2011, 10:38 PM
#26
Rennlist Member
when i started drag racing i towed my 3700lb buick gs with my dads lincoln town car, man we were stylin back then.
plus i only bring one tent but extra chairs for friends or fellow racers who want to share a beer at the end of the day.
plus i only bring one tent but extra chairs for friends or fellow racers who want to share a beer at the end of the day.
09-07-2011, 11:02 PM
#27
Rennlist Member
09-08-2011, 08:57 AM
#28
Burning Brakes
Got the idea from a 944 racer in Denver - I flat tow the car with a tow bar behind the wife's Honda Pilot. Would like to have a Trailex but no place to easily store + I'm cheap.
