turned down by a tow truck
09-30-2006, 08:16 PM
#22
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Typically, a RWD car would be picked up by the rear wheels and the steering wheel would be locked. It would essentially get towed facing backwards. But, with as low as a Z is, there would probably be a clearance problem with the front bumper and the ground, so you would probably either put it on a flatbed, or dolly it. Dollies are essentially a set of bars with tires on them. They lift the tires off the ground, so that you can use a tow truck with a wheel lift to tow 4WD/AWD cars, or gain extra clearance when towing.
And, as was said, AAA contracts out to local towing companies. It is at the towing companies discretion whether or not they will tow a car. Honestly, I can see EXACTLY where that towing company was coming from. They get paid like $30 from AAA for a tow minus, plus mileage if you get towed out of town, versus paying thousands to repair the car if it gets damaged.
And, FWIW, I'm a mechanic who is trained in a tow truck. I work for a AAA contractor.
And, as was said, AAA contracts out to local towing companies. It is at the towing companies discretion whether or not they will tow a car. Honestly, I can see EXACTLY where that towing company was coming from. They get paid like $30 from AAA for a tow minus, plus mileage if you get towed out of town, versus paying thousands to repair the car if it gets damaged.
And, FWIW, I'm a mechanic who is trained in a tow truck. I work for a AAA contractor.
04-12-2010, 01:32 PM
#26
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I thought the whole point of a flat bed is for lowered cars?? when my tire went flat i called a toe truck cause nissan covers roadside assistance and they came with a normal toe truck and i asked them for a flat bed and they came with one no problem.
Last edited by colin8868; 04-12-2010 at 01:34 PM.
04-12-2010, 01:37 PM
#27
i think I could have made it with some 2X4 's but i didnt have any and it was late night and raining. the guy said didnt seem it could make it without hitting so I wasnt gona press him, so plan B was to change my flat which he helped out with because I didnt have the tools. Ive gotten lowered cars on flatbeds just not with a body kit I just wanted to see if anyone else encounter this
04-12-2010, 02:01 PM
#29
Not exactly. The 350 is designed to be towed only by a flatbed which can use the provided tow hook to pull the car up. I had AAA tow mine last month (I'm not lowered) and I simple requested a flat bed and had no issues. the truck that came out WAS an actual AAA truck, and the guy knew what he as doing. He had ramps which he used even though it MAY not have been necessary and took very good care of me. Also talked my ear off about performance cars in general, which added like 30 minutes to the entire process, but I didn't care as long as he did it right, which he most certainly did.
04-12-2010, 06:32 PM
#33
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The problem of getting lowered cars towed is subject to all tow companies. This is my second lowered car. Flat tires, broken cv joints, blown motors. from ohio to w.va to kentucky to georgia. the tow companies did'nt have any experience hauling lowered cars on roll backs. I do. They always need stacked 2x4's or 2x6's. He may also need to put the wood under the rear wheels. Dragging the front bumper, rear bumper, pipe tips and side skirts can happen. This can also happen when getting your car on a repair lift or allignment machine. Price to pay for lowering a car.
04-13-2010, 09:32 AM
#35
It all depends on the tow truck driver and the respective shop's policy. My first car was a civic that I had lowered to 2.5 inches from the ground. I had it towed by both flatbed as well as standard trucks without any damage. The trick is to not say the car is lowered on the phone, just let them come out to get it. The receptionist is more likely to say "no" due to company policy, while the driver wants to get paid for the tow. When the driver's there, let him/her know how concerned you are about damage and let them take their time.
Also, be sure to tip them after, they don't have to be extra careful , and you should let them know you appreciate it.
Also, be sure to tip them after, they don't have to be extra careful , and you should let them know you appreciate it.
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