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2003-2009 Nissan 350Z

Towing 350z Safety Procedures and Tips

Old Apr 12, 2010 | 10:59 AM
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Unhappy ☼☼☼☼|| Towing 350z Safety Procedures and Tips ||☼☼☼☼

I recently had to tow the Z for a flat tire. I had no cross wrench and it was raining and didnt want to remove spare in the rain, so I called AAA and was going to have them tow me home as I was like 60 miles away.

The tow truck came and said he didnt think he can get my car up flatbed. I have an amuse body kit and dropped on gf210's. Anyone have similar problems? I didnt have 2x4 which might work. I didnt want to risk fkn up my bumper so next best thing was to use the tow guys wrench and low profile jack, put doughnut on, and drive home without a chance of scraping on the tow truck.

He also asked me if there was somewhere to hook up in the front? Im guessing he needed to hook up wench somewhere. I have no tow hook because the bumper blocks the tow hook opening.

Is there another place in front where he can hook up in front? What about straps. So far i've read somewhere that the front tow hook is not a good place to hook and get wenched up to a flat bed.

Just looking for tips next time this happens and I need a tow for something I cant simply just switch my flat tire

Last edited by ALO8; Apr 12, 2010 at 12:30 PM.
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Old Apr 12, 2010 | 11:31 AM
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no real tips from me but I would be happy that he was smart enough not to try and mess up your car.. : )
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Old Apr 12, 2010 | 12:39 PM
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You can do what you said and carry two piece of wood with you. One time in the 300Z the tow truck driver had wood but not enough. He said I used to tow hot rods that were on the ground trust me. He had me get on the wood, slam and hold the brakes. He then pulled me up and the wood stayed under the tire up until I made it on the ramp. I couldn't believe it...
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Old Apr 12, 2010 | 01:36 PM
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Here's a radical idea - why not look in your owners manual and see what it says about towing. It even has a pretty picture to show you where the tow hook goes.

Next time you call a tow truck, aske them beforehand if they have ramp extensions, etc. to facilitate loading a low-clearance car such as the Z.
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Old Apr 12, 2010 | 01:44 PM
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I will look at that. Just that the tow guy asked me and had no clue. Ive had a towing incident once with another car where the guy hooked it or strapped on to a control arm and it got bent.
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Old Apr 12, 2010 | 01:57 PM
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Those guys know virtually nothing about the requirements of individual cars. they have set procedures they follow. Unless you're calling the tow service for Ferrari's, Lambos and other exotics, most won't know what to do about low cars, lack of places to hook onto, etc.
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Old Apr 12, 2010 | 02:30 PM
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Originally Posted by xxxlino
I will look at that. Just that the tow guy asked me and had no clue. Ive had a towing incident once with another car where the guy hooked it or strapped on to a control arm and it got bent.
It is your car - you are the one who needs a clue so that you don't trust it to just anyone. With all due respect....
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Old Apr 13, 2010 | 04:23 PM
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I was reading the manual and it says "Always tow manual transmission in neutral"
Is the manual referring to that if you tow on a flat bed? It doesnt specify. I would think if on a flat bed it should be in first gear with hand brake on?
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Old Apr 13, 2010 | 04:25 PM
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Originally Posted by DavesZ#3
Here's a radical idea - why not look in your owners manual and see what it says about towing. It even has a pretty picture to show you where the tow hook goes.
Z.
I know where the tow hook goes, just that my aftermarket bumper obstructs the opening, i'm looking into seeing what I can do about that.
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Old Apr 14, 2010 | 10:32 AM
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Originally Posted by xxxlino
I was reading the manual and it says "Always tow manual transmission in neutral"
Is the manual referring to that if you tow on a flat bed? It doesnt specify. I would think if on a flat bed it should be in first gear with hand brake on?
When I've been towed on a flatbed, I've left it neutral. This allows the tow truck driver to use the chains on the front and back to secure the car tightly. Otherwise your brake and gears would be fighting against his efforts to use his securing methods.
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Old Apr 14, 2010 | 10:39 AM
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sounds good, I just wana make sure because I dont want to get caught up with a tow service provider who doesnt know what to do.
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