Those trucks with the bed that comes right off the back are cool to watch in action.

OB - not Greg, but this is a discussion on why rear-wheel steering in general is a Bad Idea, and suggests that any wibble in your wheels out of true will quickly escalate into the wheels trying to go sideways, which as I am sure you can imagine, is another Bad Idea.
https://www.quora.com/Why-do-cars-st...ir-back-wheels
(Go down to the discussion on steering geometry.)

 

I use to drive heavy farm machinery for a living - rear wheel steer - top speed of 40MPH, a lot different to the front wheel drive machines and vehicles. Very easy to get wobbles if you over correct

I also haven't seen a vehicle being towed backwards either, only in stories.

Again - when I was younger - I was transporting my Dodge home on the back of a car trailer, something broke - can't remember what, chain or winch.

My poor Dodge fell off the back of the trailer - didn't fall all the way as the back post of the trailer went through one of the rear doors and stopped it. We then had to get her back on the trailer and resume the drive home.

It was my introduction to panel repairs

When my Jag got to town (to the transport depot), I thought about getting a trailer, then I realized it was just easier to get the tilt truck in.

I put it down to all part of the learning process

Cheers
Steve

 

Hi Someday

According to the XJS Handbook that came with the Car, if you haven't got a Flatbed Trailer they suggest you Tow it Backwards, using a Spectacle Lift, unless you want to take the propshaft off

 

Presumably (hopefully) that's safe (more or less) as the car has steering wheel locks when the key's out of the ignition.

 

Hi Someday

Well suppose the Steering Wheel Locks but 'Not Necessarily in the Straight Ahead Position'

Then I would imagine you could Kiss Goodbye to about £400 for New Front Tyres, or if you are really unlucky it could break the Steering Lock, which could be the job from Hell to replace and just as blinking expensive

 

Then Jaguar has a lawsuit on their hands, as their manual apparently tells you to tow that way.

 

Hi Someday

Like everything else that probably seemed a good idea at the time but the big 2 operators have probably got low loading Trailers ideal for the job

 

I carry, what we call here in the states, roadside insurance thru my insurance company and it covers all 3 of my vehicles, mine will cover tower but only for a certain distance then I have to pick up the rest. But that is how I have it set up. Have used it in the past several times, once for a break down with the XJS, the other times for a flat. It also covers lock out service and fuel/petrol to get you to the nearest station

 

Hi Dave

We have similar options over here the only problem being for me anyway, is that my Insurance Company wanted me to take out separate Breakdown Cover for each Vehicle, even though I can only be driving one Car at once!

So I didn't really have much choice but to go with one of the Market Leaders, where after my 'freak breakdown' I signed up for every optional extra, as having the engine cut out on you without any Warning!

Is really the Stuff of Nightmares, as well as an experience that puts Bungee Jumping in the Shade and no I wouldn't want to do that either!

 

Yeah, bungee jumping should always be done in the sun, not the shade....

 

That rig is known to the professionals as a "roll back". I've watched some operators by my smart VIZIO TV.
Amazing recoveries of even severely damaged cars.

Yhe last one used his very new rig to move a fellow operators back yard "shed" About 20 x 8 feet. Full woood construction. It was built on "skids". so, the winch was used to "drag it on to the bed of the truck. And then maneuvered out under wires and in close quarters.

Getting square to the load. At times, by using ties on the bed side and "****** blocks" to pull at an angle to get square Oh, a "puilley in a block.

Carl

 

Hello

Realize this post is a bit old - but got home from work yesterday - bit late in the afternoon and a bit cold to work on her at night - so I read my book instead.

In my Repair operation Manual - Page 34, says the car can be towed with precautions taken.
If the gearbox is suspect - then the back wheels need to be off the ground or tail shaft removed.
Goes against what I have always believed in a automatic car, but it is in the book