"to Tow Or Not To Tow?", That Is The Question...

[Steve J]

Just to settle a discussion we had at Le Mans about towing an Elise. I had a conversation with Ian at Nick Whale yesterday.

 

Lotus don't recommend towing the car not because of knackering the engine or box (it won't) but for the following reasons:

 

1. Front towing eye is designed for pulling the car onto low loaders or out of gravel. It's not strong enough for towing the car any distance.

 

2. Towing with the front wheels in the air isn't recommended either, as "some sort of damage to the clam or chassis is bound to happen"

 

So there you go. Nothing to do with the engine or fluids in the box, rather the somewhat fragility of the structure.

 

[Ladders]

Yeah I'd never risk it steve, I hired trailors when I had to transport mine around recently. Only cost about £40 per day as well!

[PeterField]

Thanks for clearing this up Steve.

[Mark H]

Yeh I've seen how much those towing eyes stretch just loading them onto low loaders over time so there is noway I'd tow it. Would end up ripping your front clam apart when the bar snaps.