Posts by See Lion

  • Towing a slingshot

    [quote='See Lion','https://slingshotinfo.com/index.php?thread/7476-towing-a-slingshot/&postID=261993#post261993'][quote='kev','https://slingshotinfo.com/index.php?thread/7476-towing-a-slingshot/&postID=261991#post261991']

    Seelion

    When towing in Reverse,


    For A little clarification of towing in reverse you might want to talk to the guys who have thousands of miles experience verses speculating , while the intentions of many of those with no dollying experience are good, there is still a lot of speculation that needs clarifying by those with the experience. . You can ask me with over 6000 miles of towing in reverse or you can ask one of the original tow dolly guys from this forum, a very respected member known as scootertrash , the answers will be the same . He , his group, myself and some of my customers, have accumulated many , many miles in reverse without any real incidences to date that I know of.


    One of the main misunderstandings is not thinking through the geometry, There is a 3.5 / 1 ratio difference in raising rear tire height to lowering front spoiler height,. so using a low rear tire design such as mine, the front spoiler is about one inch lower when towing . but this does not have the anticipated result everyone thinks it does . the damage to front spoilers going forward occurs because the spoiler comes into contact with a steep incline before the front tires do. which can damage spoilers. when towing in reverse the front tires come into contact with the base of the incline first and start rising the spoiler maintaining the same ground clearance up the incline .


    The other myth is that toe in and camber are set for going forward and towing in reverse will cause wear .I couldn't follow the logic there either when designing so I spoke with a process engineer from firestone to confirm my suspicions. it makes so much sense. The tire manufacturers have to spec a compound that will not wear too prematurely when running toe in going forward, so why would that same compound capable of withstanding the rigors of skidding slightly across the pavement continuously, care that it is now skidding slightly toed out when towed in the other direction. the rubber compound is capable of withstanding a slight toe in skidding when running forward , why would it not withstand a slight skidding to the right verses to the left for a change . like I said I and scootertrash and many more have accumulated thousands of miles towing in reverse and all 6000 of mine are on the same set of front tires and I challenge anybody to show me any indication of uneven or premature wear on those tires , it doesn't happen.


    Is it true tread is designed to dissipate water better in one direction on a directional tire ? probably , But the difference would be minimal and given a towed tire is following hitched to a fixed position, how is it near as detrimental as a tire hydroplaning a bit when it curves into wet conditions going forward. The wee bit less capable a directional tire is of clearing the water off the pavement running backwards is a wash (no pun intended ) as a towed vehicles rear tires aren't being subjected to the same loads or parameters of a front steering tire.


    There are many advantages and disadvantages to all types of trailering or towing your slingshot . the advantages to dollying are portability ,the dolly doesn't tie up near the space a full size trailer does when not in use and not all Slingshot owners reside on large rural lots. The other advantage is ease of use . They are small and easy to maneuver around by hand and can be loaded in little to no time at all. Where as loading a full size trailer with ramps can be a chore to say the least.


    Albeit, a full size trailer can serve many other purposes as well when not in use for your Slingshot . So one has to weigh out all the pros and cons when deciding if dollying is right for him. But as far as whether or not it is right or safe for your slingshot . please contact myself or Scootertrash for actual facts based on experience. . While He does not manufacture them commercially , as he is retired and does not want the hassles or manufacturer liabilities he has not hesitated to assist a group of close friends in obtaining one for themselves . That in my mind speaks for itself.

    [/quote]

    <p>Thanks for the info Kev. But I'm planning on towing forward. I have already test fitted the SS on the tow dolly and have removed the belt by jacking the rear end up. I did discover that I need to remove the bottom bolt to the shock, no big deal. I also had to build my own "pre" ramps to drive onto the dolly. Again no biggy there either. But I do thank you for your input and expertise in towing backwards.</p>
    <p><br></p>
    <p>Sent from my SM-T350 using <a href="http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=89765">Polaris Slingshot Forum mobile app</a></p>
    [/quote]Also I have the Corbin saddle bags which would present a problem in Towing backwards.


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  • Towing a slingshot

    [quote='kev','https://slingshotinfo.com/index.php?thread/7476-towing-a-slingshot/&postID=261991#post261991']

    Seelion

    When towing in Reverse,


    For A little clarification of towing in reverse you might want to talk to the guys who have thousands of miles experience verses speculating , while the intentions of many of those with no dollying experience are good, there is still a lot of speculation that needs clarifying by those with the experience. . You can ask me with over 6000 miles of towing in reverse or you can ask one of the original tow dolly guys from this forum, a very respected member known as scootertrash , the answers will be the same . He , his group, myself and some of my customers, have accumulated many , many miles in reverse without any real incidences to date that I know of.


    One of the main misunderstandings is not thinking through the geometry, There is a 3.5 / 1 ratio difference in raising rear tire height to lowering front spoiler height,. so using a low rear tire design such as mine, the front spoiler is about one inch lower when towing . but this does not have the anticipated result everyone thinks it does . the damage to front spoilers going forward occurs because the spoiler comes into contact with a steep incline before the front tires do. which can damage spoilers. when towing in reverse the front tires come into contact with the base of the incline first and start rising the spoiler maintaining the same ground clearance up the incline .


    The other myth is that toe in and camber are set for going forward and towing in reverse will cause wear .I couldn't follow the logic there either when designing so I spoke with a process engineer from firestone to confirm my suspicions. it makes so much sense. The tire manufacturers have to spec a compound that will not wear too prematurely when running toe in going forward, so why would that same compound capable of withstanding the rigors of skidding slightly across the pavement continuously, care that it is now skidding slightly toed out when towed in the other direction. the rubber compound is capable of withstanding a slight toe in skidding when running forward , why would it not withstand a slight skidding to the right verses to the left for a change . like I said I and scootertrash and many more have accumulated thousands of miles towing in reverse and all 6000 of mine are on the same set of front tires and I challenge anybody to show me any indication of uneven or premature wear on those tires , it doesn't happen.


    Is it true tread is designed to dissipate water better in one direction on a directional tire ? probably , But the difference would be minimal and given a towed tire is following hitched to a fixed position, how is it near as detrimental as a tire hydroplaning a bit when it curves into wet conditions going forward. The wee bit less capable a directional tire is of clearing the water off the pavement running backwards is a wash (no pun intended ) as a towed vehicles rear tires aren't being subjected to the same loads or parameters of a front steering tire.


    There are many advantages and disadvantages to all types of trailering or towing your slingshot . the advantages to dollying are portability ,the dolly doesn't tie up near the space a full size trailer does when not in use and not all Slingshot owners reside on large rural lots. The other advantage is ease of use . They are small and easy to maneuver around by hand and can be loaded in little to no time at all. Where as loading a full size trailer with ramps can be a chore to say the least.


    Albeit, a full size trailer can serve many other purposes as well when not in use for your Slingshot . So one has to weigh out all the pros and cons when deciding if dollying is right for him. But as far as whether or not it is right or safe for your slingshot . please contact myself or Scootertrash for actual facts based on experience. . While He does not manufacture them commercially , as he is retired and does not want the hassles or manufacturer liabilities he has not hesitated to assist a group of close friends in obtaining one for themselves . That in my mind speaks for itself.

    [/quote]

    Thanks for the info Kev. But I'm planning on towing forward. I have already test fitted the SS on the tow dolly and have removed the belt by jacking the rear end up. I did discover that I need to remove the bottom bolt to the shock, no big deal. I also had to build my own "pre" ramps to drive onto the dolly. Again no biggy there either. But I do thank you for your input and expertise in towing backwards.


    Sent from my SM-T350 using Polaris Slingshot Forum mobile app

  • Towing a slingshot

    [quote='EjFord','https://slingshotinfo.com/index.php?thread/7476-towing-a-slingshot/&postID=260656#post260656']
    Quote from See Lion

    Couldn't agree any more on that, but I'm having some work done on it and it will take all day. That's the only reason for towing. The wife and I have driven there for the past 2 years. And loved it.


    Sent from my SM-T350 using Polaris Slingshot Forum mobile app

    My wife won't be coming to Maggie Valley, So your wife can ride with me for the day

    (everybody will tell you I'm a Dirty Old Man) and you can watch the guys work on the Slingshot or find a gal with an open seat---there will be some there.

    [/quote]

    Haha she just might, she thinks I drive to fast. She has nooo idea how fast it can really go lol.


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  • Towing a slingshot

    Thanks to all for the input, I figured some one on here has addressed this situation before. I am going to see just how easy the belt is to remove by jacking it up. I have noticed how the belt loosens when jacked up. Time will tell again thanks to all for your input, greatly appreciated.


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  • Towing a slingshot

    [quote='EjFord','https://slingshotinfo.com/index.php?thread/7476-towing-a-slingshot/&postID=260650#post260650']
    Quote from See Lion

    Have heard that you need to remove the drive belt if using a tow dolly. If this is a manual transmission it should lubricate itself. Right !? I had planned on using my tow dolly to tow the SS to SSITS. If this is a bad idea can someone please explain why. And yes I know the trans. needs to be in neutral when towing.


    Sent from my SM-T350 using Polaris Slingshot Forum mobile app

    Half the fun of SSITS is getting there "driving" the Slingshot. For me a little over 600 miles. Have done it 3 years now and looking to do it this year.

    [/quote]

    Couldn't agree any more on that, but I'm having some work done on it and it will take all day. That's the only reason for towing. The wife and I have driven there for the past 2 years. And loved it.


    Sent from my SM-T350 using Polaris Slingshot Forum mobile app

  • Towing a slingshot

    Have heard that you need to remove the drive belt if using a tow dolly. If this is a manual transmission it should lubricate itself. Right !? I had planned on using my tow dolly to tow the SS to SSITS. If this is a bad idea can someone please explain why. And yes I know the trans. needs to be in neutral when towing.


    Sent from my SM-T350 using Polaris Slingshot Forum mobile app

  • Hood Scoop

    Quote from Bigdog

    After looking at the factory vent I think I can cut openings into the verticals on it. Has anyone ever attempted modifying the vent in this way?

    Yep, it's not perfect but it looks good. Cant say it really helped with the heat in the cabin, but I'm sure it helps with the engine heat. I just drilled two holes on each side of the vent then used a dremel with a cutting wheel to connect the holes. Finished off with a file on the dremel.


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