Tow straps with hooks

[9COOP5]

Has anyone used the tow straps with hooks for towing a car, for example, a mustang size vehicle? If so, how far is it safe to tow, under 25 miles or under 100 miles, etc..? Thanks for any advice.

 

[extra-medium]

I would only use a tow strap for a couple miles MAX. Keep the distance between the cars to a minimum. You might as well rent a tow dolly from Uhaul and do it the safe way.

 

[9COOP5]

I would only use a tow strap for a couple miles MAX. Keep the distance between the cars to a minimum. You might as well rent a tow dolly from Uhaul and do it the safe way.

This is what it says below when I go to reserve the tow dolly..

U-Haul has chosen not to rent behind this tow vehicle based on our history of excessive costs in defending lawsuits involving Ford Explorer towing combinations. This policy is not related to safety issues. This is an unusual circumstance for U-Haul – we have built our success for over 60 years by saying 'yes' to our customers. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and are committed to working with our customers to find alternative options to help with their move.

 

[IIGood]

I've noticed that as well....UHaul refuses to rent any type of trailer to Explorers. I found that out when I was thinking of renting a trailer for a possible camping trip earlier this month. Ended up not going on that trip because we decided on other plans.

Try another outfit if available in your area...Ryder, Budget, or the like...if they've got any trailers to rent.

 

[TechGuru]

Tell them it's a mercury mountaineer, cover the badges with tape. Go to a dealer NOT a corporate store.

But I just followed a ford ranger pulling a car with a rope about 20 miles the other day. Just need hand signals or radios to communicate braking.

 

[TechGuru]

I've noticed that as well....UHaul refuses to rent any type of trailer to Explorers. I found that out when I was thinking of renting a trailer for a possible camping trip earlier this month. Ended up not going on that trip because we decided on other plans.

Try another outfit if available in your area...Ryder, Budget, or the like...if they've got any trailers to rent.

Ryder and Enterprise Truck do not have trailers at all.
Budget and Penske only allow their trailers to be used on their trucks.
Other than UHaul you would have to find a local equipment rental place like RentalOne, United Rentals, Sunbelt or something but I've never seen any of these have tow dollies.

Is the vehicle needing to be towed a manual transmission? If so you could always install a tow bar on it.

 

[9COOP5]

Yes it is a manual and I need to go 80 miles.

 

[TechGuru]

Yes it is a manual and I need to go 80 miles.

Best option is to buy and install a tow bar. Can be found for $50 ish on EBay or a little more at HarborFreight if you're in a rush.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/261494266447

http://www.harborfreight.com/5000-lb-capacity-adjustable-tow-bar-94696.html

Are we talking though a city or all country roads? If country roads it's doable with a strap.

 

[9COOP5]

Best option is to buy and install a tow bar. Can be found for $50 ish on EBay or a little more at HarborFreight if you're in a rush.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/261494266447

http://www.harborfreight.com/5000-lb-capacity-adjustable-tow-bar-94696.html

Are we talking though a city or all country roads? If country roads it's doable with a strap.

Mapquest gives the option of highway or country roads.

 

[TechGuru]

I certainly would not exceed 45mph.

 

[9COOP5]

I certainly would not exceed 45mph.

My truck has the hitch it is difficult finding a company to rent only the tow dolly or auto transporter like uhaul won't rent for an explorer.

 

[TechGuru]

My truck has the hitch it is difficult finding a company to rent only the tow dolly or auto transporter like uhaul won't rent for an explorer.

Try going to a small UHaul dealer and tell them it's a mercury mountaineer or even a ford expedition. Or go with a friend that has a truck to pick up the dolly with their vehicle then go transfer it to yours.

I know of no one other than UHaul that rents out tow dollies and auto transports.

Now other places do have flat beds, but you'll need a Class III hitch not the Class II, the Class II can only do the dolly or tow bar.

https://catalog.unitedrentals.com/e.../trailers/trailer-equipment-14-16-tandem-axle

 

[9COOP5]

Try going to a small UHaul dealer and tell them it's a mercury mountaineer or even a ford expedition. Or go with a friend that has a truck to pick up the dolly with their vehicle then go transfer it to yours.

I know of no one other than UHaul that rents out tow dollies and auto transports.

Now other places do have flat beds, but you'll need a Class III hitch not the Class II, the Class II can only do the dolly or tow bar.

https://catalog.unitedrentals.com/e.../trailers/trailer-equipment-14-16-tandem-axle

I will check tomorrow about getting the tow dolly or auto transport. Worse case scenario, should I use one or two straps? What needs to be done to the car being towed? What needs to be done for my truck?

 

[TechGuru]

I will check tomorrow about getting the tow dolly or auto transport. Worse case scenario, should I use one or two straps? What needs to be done to the car being towed? What needs to be done for my truck?

What are you towing? You may need to also lie about that to UHaul because if it is a rear wheel drive car they're going to say the auto transport is needed but since you said it is a manual transmission the tow dolly will be fine for it. So tell them you have a Ford Expedition pulling a Ford Escort.

I've never used a strap, I used a long chain, longer the better, give more time for your follow driver to brake if you must stop quickly. The vehicle being towed will need to have it's brakes in good working order and the driver of it will need to be strong enough to operate them without the assistance of the power brake booster operating.

 

[9COOP5]

What are you towing? You may need to also lie about that to UHaul because if it is a rear wheel drive car they're going to say the auto transport is needed but since you said it is a manual transmission the tow dolly will be fine for it. So tell them you have a Ford Expedition pulling a Ford Escort.

I've never used a strap, I used a long chain, longer the better, give more time for your follow driver to brake if you must stop quickly. The vehicle being towed will need to have it's brakes in good working order and the driver of it will need to be strong enough to operate them without the assistance of the power brake booster operating.

Towing a '95 Mustang 5 speed.

 

[TechGuru]

Towing a '95 Mustang 5 speed.

What's wrong with it?

 

[9COOP5]

What's wrong with it?

I am purchasing the car from someone. They said the engine is bad?, but I will not check the status of the car running until tomorrow. The body looks good in the pictures.

 

[RangerX]

80 miles with a strap is dangerous as hell and foolish to boot. Sorry to be blunt. I'm guessing you've never pulled or been pulled with a strap. Try it around the block first. Try stoping and starting, and stopping again. Mix in a downhill or two. Only then decide if it's still a good idea.

 

[9COOP5]

80 miles with a strap is dangerous as hell and foolish to boot. Sorry to be blunt. I'm guessing you've never pulled or been pulled with a strap. Try it around the block first. Try stoping and starting, and stopping again. Mix in a downhill or two. Only then decide if it's still a good idea.

Yes im working on other alternatives now with the tow.

 

[TechGuru]

Got a AAA membership? If you have Plus or higher that includes (3) 100mi tows a year.