Towing Hook Up Question
 

I thought I read /heard somewhere that if you do breakdown and need a tow they shouldn't hook onto the front axle to pull the car up onto the flatbed, and they shouldn't pull down hard on the front axle after the car is loaded.

I guess that would mean pull on the front bumper and or bumper brackets and then use tire straps for holding down the car.

I don't know if this is correct so any comments on this would be appreciated. I'm driving to the MARC Meet in Morgantown and while I don't think I'll breakdown, I'd prefer not to make a bad situation worse by ruining the front end. Thanks for the help.
Jim

Re: Towing Hook Up Question
 

You don't want to pull from the center of the axle, pull from close to the spring perch.

Re: Towing Hook Up Question
 

Agree, also to tie down!

Re: Towing Hook Up Question
 

I have always had the flatbed tow trucks pull me up from the rear. This way when I got home, I could steer it off the tow truck and stop where needed.

Re: Towing Hook Up Question
 

Had long haulers of russian decent tie down my rear by the spring......

result broken spring.

they stuck a 4 x 4 in between the frame and spring, to make the car look even and quickly left............

amateurs!

Re: Towing Hook Up Question
 

The Russians must have been accustomed to towing a GAZ.

Re: Towing Hook Up Question
 

I've had to have both the A and my 40 flatbedded. J-hook or bridal by the perches is the best way but a strap around the front axle (JMO) is OK. Most haulers now use "basket" straps over the tires now.
Don't forget to tip the driver.
Paul in CT

Re: Towing Hook Up Question
 

Put the toe around the front spring brackets.

Re: Towing Hook Up Question
 

I carry axle straps in the trunk to protect the no so good paint.

Re: Towing Hook Up Question
 

Hello Jim,

First off you should never flat tow a Model T.
You should trailer it or put it on a rollback
tow truck if you need it hauled.

Second - to winch a Model A onto or
into a trailer or rollback tow truck
you can use a nylon tow strap to
the rear axle near the center pumpkin
or at the front to either side of the center
of the axle.

You can safely fasten to the center
of the axle as well - if the Model A rolls
freely there is no danger of bending the axle.

The tow truck driver should have axle straps
and ratcheting nylon straps to safely tie down
your Model A to the rollback or trailer deck.

For transport in an enclosed trailer - I developed
this method of securing Model A and Model T
vehicles that I have used for several years:

@ https://youtu.be/hYTGYxw34Pc


Jim

Re: Towing Hook Up Question
 

Tipping is not something that is done here. He is paid to do his job and that should be enough. If he doesn't like it, get another better paid job. That said, when I have given a tip it is often something like "Don't eat yellow snow."

Re: Towing Hook Up Question
 

Hi Paul

I always tip the rollback drivers I call out.
Usually $20 minimum.

Any good service should be acknowledged.


Jim