Roadster Towing - Clearance issues

[JIMOCO]

Hi Everyone. I will be needing to have my Mk4 roadster towed to my local inspection center. Has anyone used a towing service with a typical roll back and if you did, were there any clearance issues with the front or rear body? Currently my frame is 4.5" from the ground and both ends. If there are other recommendations regarding towing they would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Jim

[RMB]

I've never had mine towed, so I can't answer that, but I was able to get a 30 day temporary tag to drive mine to the inspection.

[JIMOCO]

Thanks. I will look into that but I do not think Pennsylvania is willing to let me put the car on the road until it passes their enhanced inspection and I am issued a title/tag. PA has a two part process. First the car goes through a special inspection and the inspector submits paperwork, invoices, pictures and their road worthy approval. Of course, I have to disclose the cost of the build and pay my share of sales tax, 6% of the cost of the car. If, after 10 to 14 days, it is approved by PennDOT, a title and registration/tag will be issued. The next step is to put the car throught the routine annual inspection and get a sticker on my window (usually a formallity as the requirements for the annual inspection are part of the requirements for the special inspection). Then it will be allowed on the road. Getting it back and forth to the inspector (8 miles) is my concern. Some have taken the chance and driven it back and forth but that can be risky.

[edwardb]

Any other owners in the area with a trailer? e.g. Serpent Express or similar that is known to work OK? I would offer to help but a little too far. :(

Having said that, I think others (unfortunately) have had to flatbed tow their cars, and haven't heard it was an issue. Note also you could put some more air in your tires to raise it a bit. The usual hang-up is the side pipes. Unless they hang below the body, doubt you will have any problems.

[billjr212]

I had to get towed on a roll back flat bed once. No problems with clearance. Also, with a roll back flat bed, no issue with side pipes since breakover angle is never an issue, only approach and departure angles.

[Jester]

Jimoco

I rented a Tow dolly from U-Haul to tow my Mk4 roadster back from paint. Tow's by driving the front tires onto the dolly and the hitch connects to a standard ball hitch - worked fantastic for me. Under $50 for the day (I think more like $25)

Good luck

[JIMOCO]

Thanks edwardb and billjr212. This is helpful info. Mark Dougherty is about 1/2 hour in the opposite direction. He and his family have been a GREAT help to me throughout my build and has offered to help with the transport. He is a great guy but a very busy guy and I do not want to take up too much of his time. Especially since I have to make the trip two times. I am checking my options in case I have to use a local towing service. It is good to know that a roll back will work.

[JIMOCO]

Thanks Jester. I will look into the U-haul option.