Flatbed Towing

[hauser]

Might need to send my car to the shop on a flatbed.  Other than the toe ring what is a good spot to secure the tow hook?

[thelews]

The tow ring has been used on mine twice when the fuel pump failed.  Just get some thick material, rags, etc, between the hook from the truck and the car's tow ring.  Once on the truck, it's secured without tension on the ring.

[hauser]

About twenty years ago I took my car 528e to Daytona for the day.  As the day was winding down the tide started coming in.  By the time I got things together the water was reaching the front tires.  A couple more waves and had reached the rear tires.  I needed to get out of there quick!  I started the car, put it in gear and the rear tires just sunk down.  I was stuck!  I tried rocking the car but just made things worse.  I spotted a guy with a 4x4 truck and asked for help.  The results were not so good!  The tow ring snapped off and took the under bumper Bosch fog light along with it.  A group of guys noticed what had happening and managed to lift and push me out of there.  The car was sold a few months later as a trade-in on a new BMW.

I'm a little worried as I'm having these flashbacks.

Also I have about 3/4 tank.  Will it spill out once the SL is pulled up the flatbed?

[Raymond]

When my car was first being delivered some years ago, the tow ring weld broke loose on one side.  The car carriers I have used since then have used 2-inch wide fabric straps around the inner part of the A-arm on both sides at once, with a D-ring in the middle.  (I wouldn't let them do it on just one side.)  Once on the flatbed, the car is secured using tire harnesses that hold the tires in place and not the body. 

The first question I ask when I call is, "Do you have a driver who specializes in antique collector cars."  The first time, that got me the owner of the company.  Fortunately, I haven't had the need very often, but I now have their card and two drivers' names in my file. 

[thelews]

Now that you mention it, they did loop the webbed tow strap through the tow hook so as not to cause any damage.

[IXLR8]

The "tow hook" is not a tow hook.

It is a tie-down hook.

If you use the hook to tow your car, you will likely rip it off, and not move the car.

[Dahlknudsen]

I had no problem towing my SL a couple of kilometers using the towhook in front. I towed it my self and i did not have the rope straight all the time, when cornering and at traficlights etc. so it did take some heavy pulls in the ring at it managed just fine, the hook is made for this and even if its 40 years old it still hold up.

I would do it again without thinking twice...

If your gascap is thight why should you spill gas?

[Benz Dr.]

I've had some interesting things happen while towing cars on trailers or when someone else was towing them. The main thing is to secure the car correctly so it can't move around. All four corners is best.
I use the hand brake ( if it's working ) but NEVER leave your car in gear. It can break the teeth off of the locking arm inside of the auto trans if the car starts to move from constant shaking.
Also not a good idea to leave your car in gear while parked with standard trans. Always use the hand brake auto or standard.

The park selection for auto trans is supposed to be for mechanics so they can test things with the engine running but not in gear.