Rollback towing - I have an idea....
02-12-2005, 08:17 PM
#1
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Rollback towing - I have an idea....
Since I only have a general idea of what not to hook up to when rollback towing our cars - and not really a clear idea of the proper rollback hookup, I'd like to get some more info. so that I'll be prepared if I need to load my car on a rollback.
I imagine needing a tow for some reason or another (hopefully never). I also imagine it being dark for some reason, and I imagine the tow truck driver being a searly know-it-all who doesn't want to waste any time getting this guys Porch up on his truck so he can make some $$. I picture me standing by, trying to suggest the best places for this guy to put his hooks, and even worse, where not to put his hooks....in the dark. My lack of knowledge will just confirm his first impression of me.
So, what is the best method to hook up, and if that involves wheel straps or something that the average rollback doesn't have on board, what is the best hook placement?
Even after I know the proper method, how do I tactfully instruct this guy on what to hook to, and what not to hook to, without him taking the "I've done this for 16 some years, and I think I know how to hook up a car"?
My idea:
If I get the proper direction from those in the know, I'll do a comprehensive writeup with pictures, etc. in a .pdf format to post on Nichols' site (gotta love Greg's site) It can be downloaded, printed, folded, and stored by all, along with our manuals.
We'd simply hand it to the driver, so that he can save face by not being ejumakated by a Porch owner.
Any thoughts?
I imagine needing a tow for some reason or another (hopefully never). I also imagine it being dark for some reason, and I imagine the tow truck driver being a searly know-it-all who doesn't want to waste any time getting this guys Porch up on his truck so he can make some $$. I picture me standing by, trying to suggest the best places for this guy to put his hooks, and even worse, where not to put his hooks....in the dark. My lack of knowledge will just confirm his first impression of me.
So, what is the best method to hook up, and if that involves wheel straps or something that the average rollback doesn't have on board, what is the best hook placement?
Even after I know the proper method, how do I tactfully instruct this guy on what to hook to, and what not to hook to, without him taking the "I've done this for 16 some years, and I think I know how to hook up a car"?
My idea:
If I get the proper direction from those in the know, I'll do a comprehensive writeup with pictures, etc. in a .pdf format to post on Nichols' site (gotta love Greg's site) It can be downloaded, printed, folded, and stored by all, along with our manuals.
We'd simply hand it to the driver, so that he can save face by not being ejumakated by a Porch owner.
Any thoughts?
02-12-2005, 08:26 PM
#2
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jp,
i've had my cars on rollbacks several times. the drivers have all been great and taken great care in loading the cars. they also all hooked into the front tie down points without me having to tell them anything. the chains they have fit quite well there.
as far as the rear, just be sure they don't hook around the flat part of the rear suspension arm. i usually run a tiedown around the lower shock mount.
i've had my cars on rollbacks several times. the drivers have all been great and taken great care in loading the cars. they also all hooked into the front tie down points without me having to tell them anything. the chains they have fit quite well there.
as far as the rear, just be sure they don't hook around the flat part of the rear suspension arm. i usually run a tiedown around the lower shock mount.
02-12-2005, 10:21 PM
#4
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For the rears, wrap a strap around the axle shafts.
The biggest problem with using a rollback is to not rip the chin spoiler off (ask me how I know x 3) Have the tow company bring some 3 foot long 2x6's to use as extended ramps.
Scott
The biggest problem with using a rollback is to not rip the chin spoiler off (ask me how I know x 3) Have the tow company bring some 3 foot long 2x6's to use as extended ramps.
Scott
02-13-2005, 12:56 AM
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Maybe I'm making a big thing out of nothing....
02-13-2005, 05:20 AM
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No you're not making a big thing out of nothing... I've had horror stories with incompetent and expensive tow services, and I also had wonderful service. You need to find a tow service who is experienced is towing "exotic" cars, which are, in general pretty low and require special attention.
Either that or bring along lots and lots of 2 x 8's of different lengths for making good ramps that complement those of the trailer or tow truck
In general, straps around suspension parts worked best along with pulling from the rear, while chin spoiler was damaged everytime the car was pulled from the front
Either that or bring along lots and lots of 2 x 8's of different lengths for making good ramps that complement those of the trailer or tow truck
In general, straps around suspension parts worked best along with pulling from the rear, while chin spoiler was damaged everytime the car was pulled from the front
