How to tow an MGF

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Reckless Rat
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Re: How to tow an MGF

Post by Reckless Rat » Tue Nov 28, 2017 5:51 pm

If the car is valuable to you I would remove the front bumper and use the towing eyes on the forward end of the subframe (assuming they've not been flattened by grounding) and use a rigid towbar not a rope. Without the engine running there will be no servo assistance for the brakes (or power steering if you've got it) Tow ropes are no longer legal where I live - you need to check on what the law states where you are, but if you can avoid it, don't use a rope use a rigid bar. It's far safer.

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colintf
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Re: How to tow an MGF

Post by colintf » Tue Nov 28, 2017 7:04 pm

I would be looking at trailer / transporter options if it were me :)

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Reckless Rat
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Re: How to tow an MGF

Post by Reckless Rat » Tue Nov 28, 2017 7:10 pm

As I understand it, no. You will just have manual steering. (But I am happy to stand corrected if I'm wrong)

The EPAS is controlled by the EPS ECU which gives power assistance to the column relative to steering input and road speed. However there is also a feed to the ECU which monitors engine speed so I guess without the engine running the system will not operate. There is a clutch mechanism between the motor unit and the column worm which disconnects the motor when circumstances dictate. However... you'll need to have the ignition on for safety reasons - one to ensure that the steering lock is open, two so that the indicators and brake lights will work.

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Re: How to tow an MGF

Post by talkingcars » Tue Nov 28, 2017 11:06 pm

What do local regs say?
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Re: How to tow an MGF

Post by miker33 » Thu Nov 30, 2017 7:01 am

Would at least use a solid tow single bar type of device not one of the stretchy rope ones due to the lack of brake assist. Wouldn't worry about the steering much, it's light anyway once on the move.
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Re: How to tow an MGF

Post by colintf » Mon Dec 04, 2017 9:29 pm

Lilo wrote:Thanks, Guys. From your comments, have decided to use a car trailer
That's good to hear :thumbsu:

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MGF Register Regional Rep for Devon & Cornwall and Cotswold Regions
MGCC Z and V8 Registers Reps for V8 ZT'/ZTTs




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flyingbanana
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Re: How to tow an MGF

Post by flyingbanana » Wed Dec 06, 2017 11:56 am

Are you putting it on the trailer backwards? You should be to get the nose weight right.

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Re: How to tow an MGF

Post by Reckless Rat » Sat Dec 09, 2017 12:40 pm

Just a couple of things sprang to mind following your comments about not being able to get it on the trailer without grounding.

Firstly - is the suspension at the correct ride height? Centre of front wheel to wheel arch should be 368mm.
Secondly - given the age of your car, what state are the spheres in? At 22yrs the nitrogen eggs will be depleted by now irrespective of mileage.

Consider having them re-gassed. It WILL transform the ride and handling.I did mine last year through Ian Kennedy at http://www.hydragasandhydrolasticservice.com and it's by far the cheapest option if they're stuffed.

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