linderpat

Called AAA this am for a tow to my preferred shop. Told them I had a P-car, that sits very low to the ground, and would need to make sure truck had planks for additional ramping. I had in advance pulled down the AAA Towing Guidelines for Porsche cars - found in a link from Rennlist (this site is great). Guidelines say that the only approved method is to winch up onto flatbed with tow hook from front or rear. Also, due to clearance issues, Guidelines (not to mention plain common sense) say must use 2x6 planks to allow for clearance of chin spoiler.
So, I easily get to hook into front (plug was already removed, thank God!) and wait. Truck shows up at my house. Guy jumps out and I tell him we are ready to go - tow hook in. He says "Sorry, I don't pull with the tow hook, too many break". I'm like wtf. Then I ask where wood planks are. He says he doesn't use them. I say there is no way to car onto bed without them, and that new spoiler is $350, not including labor to install (mine is brand new from last fall). He says I got to sign a waiver. I say so long pal.
Called AAA back, and they said same thing as that truck driver "nobody carries wood planks, and you must sign a damage waiver for a car like mine" Total BS. Called around and finally found a good shop to tow. they came and did it right. Cost me $129, but I figure that was cheaper than a new steering rack and a chin spoiler, on top of everything else.

I did check all of the suggestions on the tranny issue. Half shafts are snug (altho some in - out movement on passenger side shaft); no reverse, no park, no drive or any other gear. Car shifter works with nice, solid shifts clicking into each gear, it's just that there is nothing in there, when put in gear, just hear this horrible grinding/knocking sound. Nasty. Best case scenario, no tranny fluid. This could be very ugly.

jpitman2

drive shaft inside tt

RicerSchnitzzle

Send the bill to AAA.

whitefox

I found AAA to be and complete pain in the *** when I locked the keys in my car, 2 locksmiths they sent couldnt open it, they wanted me to sign a damage waiver too, then I asked for a tow truck, and the driver showed up with a car on his flatbed and tried to fight me when I got pissed off.

Bill Ball

We have ridiculously cheap towing insurance through our car insurance (State Farm). Normally I do not believe in insurance for things that you can easily afford, but they just make it way too cheap. I call the truck. They pay. Used 3 times in 4 years. They paid out almost $1K - rather expensive tows (one 160 miles, another 3 hour emergency tow in snow storm at $200/hr). Cost is $8.50/year/car. WAY cheaper than AAA and the pay-out is much more liberal. Note that they pay for a tow to the "nearest repair facility", but they are very conscientious about the way they define that. I was 3 miles from a repair shop, but it was the beginning of a 3 day holiday weekend. So, I had the car towed home 160 miles. After I submitted the claim, the insurance company called the towing company and investigated what it would have cost to tow and store my car then tow it to the dealer on Tuesday. The storage charges were ridiculous and it ended up being almost as much as my tow home. AAA probably would have only paid for a 3 mile tow.

jpitman2

I have heard of a case where continued spinning of shaft cut through the TT wall.
jp 83 Euro S AT 50k

linderpat

I hope it's the TT - would be much cheaper than a tranny....

bd0nalds0n

I have had great luck with AAA and towing companies in San Diego. I always get a flatbed, and they've always carry different lengths/thicknesses of wood in a bin on the side of the truck. With AAA+, they'll tow your car up to 100 miles at no cost, up to 4 times per year, per vehicle.

The drivers have even offered to drop my off at home on the way to or from the shop. Next time I have too many drinks, I'm thinking about having my car (and me) towed home. Would beat taking a cab + having to get a ride back to my car in the AM.

perrys4

Tow trucks around here always have planks. Everytime I get mine towed (to many for sure) the truck shows up with a great driver and the proper equipment. I don't use AAA.

Kaz

I use AAA and I don't recall ever seeing a flatbed without wood planks. Probably cause every other car in So Cal is something super low to the ground.