Hi,
My wife's small convertible is not starting, I need to get it towed to the Mechanic, I live 20 miles away from nearst towing co.
the cheaper I can tow it for 2 miles is over $100.
I have chevy 2500 with the right towing package, my questions are?
where is the best place to secure the chain to the car?
Is it legal to tow a car that way? of course another person has to be in the car to steer.
the distance I'm going is around 2 miles... is there anything else I need to consider?
As you'll can tell, I'd never done this before.
Thank you.
From experience I can tell you that if any little thing goes wrong in "pulling" the car it'll result in more than $100 in damage.
Have you talked to your mechanic yet about having the car towed? There are many towing companies that don't even advertise in the phone books, they get their work from shop referrals, word of mouth etc. There may be someone that can do the tow that is closer.
If you really do need to move the car yourself, the safest way is with a rented tow dolly. Most of the U-haul etc places carry them.
There really isn't a "safe" way to chain pull a car. Remember that the person steering the car will be driving with no power steering and no power brakes.... And it only takes a little slack in the chain to cause a jerk when the slack is taken up to damage the component that the chain is hooked to.
I agree with Jason, Its a bad idea and someone could easily get hurt!
I know that in some areas (in Michigan for one I believe) that it is illegal to tow a car by that method, and you can get a rather hefty fine for doing so.
Last one here that got pulled over for chain towing recieved over $1,200.00 worth of a citations, its illegal in most states, why else would we spend $60,000 + on a towtruck if we could tow with a pickup & chain legally?
LOL, it's legal here. The procedure it outlined in the legal code nearby to towing regulations.
I've seen people running down the highway 55mph, seperated by 5 feet of chain. Which is a shame, you can find a fly by night tower to do the job for $35.
WOW! I give ya credit for doing some research...
It is NOT safe.. and if you hit or kill someone I would be the first to toss you in jail for the rest of your life...
Is $100 really to much to do it right ??
I have done it... and I will NEVER do it again...I damaged both trucks..Way over $600 in damage
As jason said do 1 thing wrong and ya get more damage than $100
I am sure your shop knows someone...Just tell heim to do it when they are close...
Good luck and stay safe...