A frame towing Forums

robwat

What are the issues when reversing with an A frame? Is it possible?

Thanks

Robwat

Rapide561

Hi

A highly debatable subject.

In theory, if you lock the front wheels and they are pointing in exactly the same direction as the rear ones, you might be able to reverse in a dead straight line.

However, on the one occasion I took a wrong turn into a dead end in Obernai, it was easier to uncouple and recouple after doing a 3 point turn!

Russell

whistlinggypsy

NO, its not possible to reverse with an A frame except for a very short distance on a level flat smooth surface, because as soon as the front wheels are deflected in any direction due to adverse camber, holes, bumps or any obsticle that will move the front wheels you will not recover the reverse motion.

Bob

Superk

Some say yes, some say no, and some say yes but not for very long.

Chances are that you won't get far before the front wheels 'crab' because your exaggerating the angle your pushing through a single pivot point and your pushing a little vehicle with a much bigger one.

You'll end up scrubbing the tyres and putting a big strain on the car and its steering.

Out of necessity I had to reverse out of a French peage - got about 10-15 feet before the inevitable happened - tremendous strain on the car from a 10-tonne pusher. Tried it at other times without success.

You could also activae the cars brakes.

Far better and safer in my experience to unhitch and drive the car.

Very Happy

Keith

robwat

Thanks to all for the info. The main reason I asked was that I met a bus coming the other way on a narrowish road in the highlands while driving our Burstner A Class and if I had been towing with an A Frame it would have been interesting to see how it would have resolved. Anyway thanks again for the feedback.

Robwat