Towing backwards and Caster

[C M Smith <cmsmith@domain.elided>]

Caster is indeed caster but towing backwards reverses caster unless the 
raised angle of the car being towed is sufficient to reverse the position 
of the center of the contact patch relative to the notional center of 
rotation of the steering axis where it meets the ground. So, hold onto the 
wheel firmly whenever reversing at any sort of speed as a tiny bit of off 
center can and will produce full lock pretty quickly, and avoid reverse 
towing unless you know that by raising the rear of the car you will also 
move the center of the contact patch far enough towards the front of the 
car that caster will be reversed. You can lock the steering so that the 
wheels will track straight. Much better to trailer the entire car, or tow 
with the rear wheels on the ground at modest speeds. It's also a good idea 
to chain down the body against the springs, to the trailer frame or deck, 
when trailering to reduce wight shifting due to suspension movement when 
cornering or going over sizeable bumps.
Michael Smith
Calgary, Alberta
Canada
91 Alfa 164L, White, original owner

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