Tow Strap

[Rich_NYS]

I want to be prepared for a ride on a flatbed if ever necessary.

I've heard the average sized tow-hooks don't fit the tow loops on our cars, so I'm thinking of getting a tow-strap that I can put through both tow loops and the tow driver can hook to the strap.

Anybody have any input on that idea?

Thanks.

[DMCVegas]

I've never had a problem having my car towed on a flatbed. Comparatively to other vehicles I've owned, I really don't think that there is much of a difference in the size of the loops.

[David T]

As long as you can instruct the tow truck driver to NOT hook onto the lower control arms you should be OK. Most towers are prepared to handle the newer cars and they usually know they need to be careful and have what they need to winch the car onto the flatbed. If you have an automatic you must also let the tower know if the rear wheels can't be lifted, ie, they are only going to lift the front and roll it on the rear tires, they can't go over 35 MPH or more than 30 miles. Best to either remove the half-shafts or just get the whole car onto a tilt-bed. if you still feel you must be prepared, most auto stores sell a short piece of rope with hooks attached made for towing. OR get the car into the most reliable condition you can and you won't NEED a tow! Don't forget to get a AAA card too.

[Rich_NYS]

I heard from two owners who needed a tow and the flatbeds didn't have a hook small enough for the loops on the frame.

[DMCVegas]

I heard from two owners who needed a tow and the flatbeds didn't have a hook small enough for the loops on the frame.

What in the hell kind of monster hooks were they using?!

http://contentinfo.autozone.com/znetcs/product-info/en/US/hld/10146/image/3/

I have a tow strap like the one pictured above. Definitely not small hooks at all. I have personally used it on both front hooks (in tandem with a manual winch pulling from the center) to pull the car up and onto a U-haul car hauler. I've never once had an issue with hooks being too large.

[powerline84]

51555

Rich my preferred method is the recovery strap shown above with some carabiners. Me and Chris have towed my car many times this way. I have also looped it threw itself on the towhook of the delorean and just put the loop on the hitch ball of the truck. Either way works. I think the strap is 50 bucks at tractor supply and it's long enough to pull the car on a trailer if needed .

[DMCMW Dave]

What in the hell kind of monster hooks were they using?!

.

Lots of them have hooks that very easily hook around the lower control arms (and bend them) but won't fit through tow hooks.

[DMC-81]

I want to be prepared for a ride on a flatbed if ever necessary.

I've heard the average sized tow-hooks don't fit the tow loops on our cars, so I'm thinking of getting a tow-strap that I can put through both tow loops and the tow driver can hook to the strap.

Anybody have any input on that idea?

Thanks.

I agree with that method. I had my car towed a couple times and the tow service was required to have flat bed with soft tow straps (no metal hooks) by Hagerty. I instructed the driver to do as you mentioned.

I would get a pair in case a flat bed doesn't have them. Also I would check that your tow loops are solid enough beforehand, as my driver asked me " Do you trust your tow loops?" before loading the car.

[David T]

I agree with that method. I had my car towed a couple times and the tow service was required to have flat bed with soft tow straps (no metal hooks) by Hagerty. I instructed the driver to do as you mentioned.

I would get a pair in case a flat bed doesn't have them. Also I would check that your tow loops are solid enough beforehand, as my driver asked me " Do you trust your tow loops?" before loading the car.

Most towers have small hooks. They have to. On most of the newer cars they give you a small eye bolt to screw into the bumper for the tower to pull on. Another thing to keep in mind. I have towed and winched some VERY rusty cars. Make sure the loops and frame is still intact BEFORE trying to pull. On one Delorean I remember having to tie a strap up to the sway bar, the frame was so bad I was afraid I would pull it apart!

[Rich_NYS]

Lots of good input...thanks!

[Rich]

I agree with that method. I had my car towed a couple times and the tow service was required to have flat bed with soft tow straps (no metal hooks) by Hagerty. I instructed the driver to do as you mentioned.......

Nice to hear this story about Hagerty's towing rules. I've had their Hagerty Plus emergency road service option for a few years now with my D's policy and did not realize they went beyond flatbed-only in terms of special care. Now looking at their webpage, sure enough there it is:

- Guaranteed flatbed towing with soft straps
- Dispatch operators who understand and care about classic cars
- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week coverage in U.S. and Canada

[Farrar]

You could always buy a couple of strong D-shaped shackles and keep them in the car "just in case."