How to tow an MGF
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Not many rules really, this board being aimed at technical issues, it shouldn't fall foul (hopefully) of some of the more personal issues that can affect forums.
Rule 1 - Is that you need to think very carefully before posting anything technical or asking anything technical relating to the security system of the car - See 'Security Issues' sticky for more info.
Rule 2 - We (MGF Register) do not support copyright infringement and therefore references to CD ROM, PDF versions or paper copies of the workshop manual (for instance) should not be posted on the forum. We don't want to get into trouble and we'd rather sell you a genuine hard copy through our Regalia shop anyway!
Because advice is honestly and freely given in this technical section, much of it will be amateur experienced based, so any information is given in good faith and is not guaranteed as correct.
Not many rules really, this board being aimed at technical issues, it shouldn't fall foul (hopefully) of some of the more personal issues that can affect forums.
Rule 1 - Is that you need to think very carefully before posting anything technical or asking anything technical relating to the security system of the car - See 'Security Issues' sticky for more info.
Rule 2 - We (MGF Register) do not support copyright infringement and therefore references to CD ROM, PDF versions or paper copies of the workshop manual (for instance) should not be posted on the forum. We don't want to get into trouble and we'd rather sell you a genuine hard copy through our Regalia shop anyway!
Because advice is honestly and freely given in this technical section, much of it will be amateur experienced based, so any information is given in good faith and is not guaranteed as correct.
- Reckless Rat
- Posts: 1889
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- MGF Register Region: Europe
- Model of Car: 97 1.8mpi in BRG
- Location: South of France - in the Gard.
Re: How to tow an MGF
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.
- colintf
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Re: How to tow an MGF
I would be looking at trailer / transporter options if it were me
Colin Murrell
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- Reckless Rat
- Posts: 1889
- Joined: Tue Apr 01, 2008 9:01 am
- MGF Register Region: Europe
- Model of Car: 97 1.8mpi in BRG
- Location: South of France - in the Gard.
Re: How to tow an MGF
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.
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.
- talkingcars
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Re: How to tow an MGF
What do local regs say?
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- miker33
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Re: How to tow an MGF
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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- colintf
- Committee Member & Regional Rep
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Re: How to tow an MGF
That's good to hearLilo wrote:Thanks, Guys. From your comments, have decided to use a car trailer
Colin Murrell
MGF Register International Liaison Rep
MGF Register Regional Rep for Devon & Cornwall and Cotswold Regions
MGCC Z and V8 Registers Reps for V8 ZT'/ZTTs
http://www.two-sixties.com/main.htm http://www.triple-mracing.com/
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Re: How to tow an MGF
Are you putting it on the trailer backwards? You should be to get the nose weight right.
- Reckless Rat
- Posts: 1889
- Joined: Tue Apr 01, 2008 9:01 am
- MGF Register Region: Europe
- Model of Car: 97 1.8mpi in BRG
- Location: South of France - in the Gard.
Re: How to tow an MGF
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.
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.