Hey guys,

I’m new to the forum and am looking for your thoughts. Is it safe to trailer my 71 with the trans in reverse? As you know, this is the safety interlock so the key can be removed. If not, what are your suggestions?  

Thanks in advance

Once you get it on the trailer, what difference does it make what gear it is in?

I've trailered my '74 4 speed all over the state of Texas for years with it in reverse. As long as the car is anchored to the trailer properly, there should be no issues. I prefer to allow the suspension on the car to do it's job, so I do not tie the chassis down...I anchor the wheels.

Joel Adams
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Any car with an interlock between the ignition switch, the steering column and/or the transmission needs to have the interlock satisfied before the key can be removed from the ignition switch.  With an automatic that usually means putting the transmission in Park.  With a manual that usually means putting the transmission in Reverse.  I personally would never leave a car on a trailer with the key in the ignition.

I've trailered all of my vehicles, past and present, with the transmission in either Park or Reverse without any issues.  I also set the parking brake.  I've secured the vehicle by anchoring via the axles/wheels so the suspension is free or by anchoring via the frame so the suspension is slightly compressed.  Either method does the job but personally I prefer to have the suspension slightly compressed.  The vehicle feels more secure to me that way.  I don't like the extra "wiggle" from the vehicle on the trailer when the suspension is free.

Jim Olson 

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Thanks for your advice. I probably didn’t explain myself well enough in the first post. I read on this forum a post from several years ago where multiple people all but guaranteed damage to the transmission from trailering with the gearbox in reverse. I’ve had dozens of cars over my lifetime but this is my first corvette. I just wanted to be sure this wasn’t a problem that only those fortunate enough to own one experience. 

Thanks for all your help,

Frank

I've trailered my Vette for years and always leave in reverse with the key removed. Like Norski said, set the brake and stap her down.  Never had a problem.

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