Flatbed Towing procedure?

Most large company towers (AAA or high end towers, auctions,jobbers for mercedes, audi, etc) will have straps that either go over the tires or thru the wheels(spokes). The AAA contractor this am strapped me down thru the spokes(all 4 wheels) He was however without a clue on how to get it up the tilted bed until I told him how (NO factory holes in the frame for his cluster to lock in, you know).
Paul in CT
 
1931 flamingo said:
He was however without a clue on how to get it up the tilted bed until I told him how (NO factory holes in the frame for his cluster to lock in, you know).
Paul in CT
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AAA Contractors go through drivers like water and most only know what is explained to them in the AAA towing guide. Attribute this to poor pay and long hours.

Modern Iron has "T-slots" for the T hooks to slide into.

I always use wheel straps on all 4 corners for securing the load, and use J-hooks on the bridle hooked onto the front axle for winching onto the plate.
 
LukeDahlinger: Well aware of AAA as I towed part time for a AAA provider, yes ,long hours and having to deal with AAA dispachers and customers. Money was fairly lucrative (our shop paid commission) but after 5-6 yrs not worth it. I'mlight/med wreckmaster and TRPC (Towing/Recovery Pro CT) certified. Still go to the monthly TRPC meetings even though I no longer tow.
Paul in CT
 
Paul,

Did you have to work with the MDC dispatch system with the little computer in the truck? I thought they were a pain in the hind end....

I got out of AAA stuff and went back to driving heavy duty wreckers & hauling equipment. More of a challenge and no having to worry about having some drunk puke in your truck on new year's.
 
I would like to share a Model T owners experience on rear axle tie downs. He got a little carried away with the ratchet tension and the trips bouncing and stress cracked the casting where the drive shaft tube connects to the back of the transmission. May have been previously damaged, but who knows? Just sayin'...
 
Luke: No, contacting them by phone was bad enough. H/duty: do you know Tom Luciano?? Works for Miller and does instructing, etc.

G L Greg: I would have to think it was cracked already. JMO
Paul in CT
 
When I picked up my 31 couple last spring, she did not run at the time and I had to work by myself. I used 4 short lengths of 3/16" chain, 2 for the front axle, 2 for the back axle. I hooked a standard ratchet on the chain ends with the loop/turbuckle links. I hooked the ratchet ends into the keyhole-shaped holes found at each corner of the flatbed. I mounted a hand winch on the front of my flatbed so I can crank my 31 coupe up there without starting her up. If you're working alone be sure the trailer is running uphill so she won't run you over. Alone too you have to nudge the steering wheel as needed as you pull her on there. Before pulling out, make a couple quick stops to make sure the chains are still tight around the axles. Happy hauling!
 
When I built my trailer I wanted to test my winch and winch mounts so I winched my A onto the trailer. I took 4' axle straps around axle at the perch mounts and hooked them to the winch hook, forming a V, winched it right up. Hope this is what you wanted to know.
 
I have always evenly chained it in the front and have 3 inch thick tie downs I use in the back. I also criss-cross the tie downs in the back to keep the back off the car from jumping around. Make sure the car is not in gear until it is fully strapped down and secured or else you could chip a tooth in your transmission.
 
EASY guys on cross strapping, especially in an enclosed trailer where you can't see the car while going down the road. If one side were to come loose, break or become misplaced (slide,move) it will pull the vehicle into the side of the trailer, bouncing on the wall causing extensive damage to the vehicle and trailer or an open trailer it could come of the trailer on one side, never say never, I have seen it a happen to some of the nicest concourse cars in the world!
 
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