Hi Guys
I really appreciate your time and effort in assisting me with my idea of A Frame style towing. I had only ever seen them used by Camper Vans towing a small vehicle on an A Frame. I have also seen some trades persons towing their private vehicle behind a tractor or Road scaper. This is what got me thinking of using one for my Jeep. It seemed a simple thing to do and elliminate my storage problems. But as I started receiving replys from you guys I thought I might be opening a can of worms, prompting me to start doing a bit of reseach before I put it in the, Too Hard Basket.
EUAN. I would love to drive my Jeep to functions, but for long distances it would take too long and be too uncomfortable . Though I do love driving my Jeep whenever I can.
ROB. Some good ideas, I never thought of the turning parts.
RICH. Your answer prompted me to download the Government Fact Sheet on A Frame towing. I feel I can work within the legislation, so I have not yet been detered. You only require a second person behind the wheel of vehicles being towed in cases such as using a Tow rope or Cable. With an A Frame there is no need for someone in the towed vehicle. The max. speed limit is 100 Klm per hr.
IAN. I love your set up and that is the ultimate way to go. I wonder if you could answer a few questions I have.
1. What do you do with the Jeep when towing, do you leave your transmission in high gear as suggested by Rob.
2. How does you braking system work. I was thinking of attaching a cable or rod to the Jeep brake pedal and using the mechanical braking system on the A Frame towball.
3. Have you experienced any problems using the A Frame, I think backing could be "interesting", is the A Frame commonly used by others or are you a trail blazer. I love the idea.
DIANNA. The Fact Sheet I downloaded refers to the "Australian Road Rules" so I suspect it would cover all states and Territories. They suggest that a copy of the Fact Sheet regarding A Frame Towing be kept in your vehicle at all times, I suspect this is in case an uninformed Police Officer pulls you over. The A Frame must be built to the "Australian Design Rule 62. and must also have safety chains attached. The towing gross Vehicle mass ratio must not exceed 4.5 tonnes and use the formula ratio of 3.5:1 towed mass. The overal length of both vehicles must not exceed an overall length of 19.0 metres.
I will conduct some more enquiries into the feasability of an A Frame against using a trailer. I have contacted a company who manufacture A Frames and nearly choked and was lost for words when he quoted me the cost of their A Frames at $3,500 plus. I asked if it was gold plated and said "No Thank You".
Thanks guys for getting back to me. I am still waiting to hear from any others who may be using an A Frame.
Cheers
Tony.