Pence
Waycross, Ga.
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I recently restored a 1978 Mercury Bobcat, 4 speed standard transmisssion. Does not have power-steering. I outfitted this car to be towed behind my motorhome 4 wheels down. But it will not track. The
front wheels turn in the opposite direction that I want them to. There is no control over the steering. Some say that I need to tie the steering wheel to limit movement. Is this true? Is it safe? Thanks in advance for your response!
Pence Evans
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Bumpyroad
Virginia
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I would "think" that if you tie the wheels straight you will get lots of "scrubbing" or whatever in turns and be hard on the front end stuff. at least when I forgot to release the front tires on my S-10 pickup one time it was not a pleasant sight. 
it's one thing to sort of restrict movement and another to totally eliminate it.
bumpy
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fourfurz
Memphis
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Sounds to me like a problem with the geometry of the baseplate. There should be no issues with towing a car like that with tracking. Certainly, you shouldn't tie the steering wheel, it has to be free or you'll grind your tires to nothing.
You don't mention how you hooked your car up. Please give us some detail as to the baseplate and towing setup, that's probably where your problem lies.
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Based in Memphis area
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rebel462
ontario canada
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tow dolly may be your only way
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goodcruisin
Greenwood, IN
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I would take it to an alignment shop and have it checked. Negative caster will cause a vehicle not to track well. You should have the same amount of positive caster on each side. However, don't disregard camber and toe because each variable (caster, camber & toe) interacts with the others.
John (USN Ret) and Debbie
The Paw Pack (Freckles, Stinky & Ranger)
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heavyputer
Ontario, Canada
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Goodcruisin is correct. Bad alignment can cause your problem with towing. Been there, done that......
Heavyputer, 1 DW,
1999 F250 SD SC 4X4 V10 3.73 Husky 16K 4way tilt hitch
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Bumpyroad
Virginia
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rebel462 wrote:tow dolly may be your only way
I assume it is rear wheel drive and towing backwards is not recommended either.
bumpy
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MN Ben
Minnesota
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I think this thread belongs in he dingy/tow forum. 
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bob b
Grants Pass, Or
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Back in the days(60s) we would tie the steering wheel to the door post with a loose connection to allow some steer action. Some cars would tow strait and some wouldn't. I agree that positive caster is needed and may have been the cause of our problems back then. Bob
bob b
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jfbryant
Sequim
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I once towed a 1976 Pinto with no problems. How about using two bungi(sp?) cords/straps to secure the steering wheel, allowing it to turn but return to the straight?
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