First post here: horrible story

[wood86]

Originally Posted by MikeM7

Do you need to drive the car faster than 20mph to get it up a ramp? Why did you tow it at all?

You are right. I just followed the instructions from the tow truck guy and... I could never imagine this could happen.

[ashtray]

Tow operator error - combined with a non-oem part which wasn't up to the abuse.

As soon as the whole car was on the truck, you lift the bed flat.

Since the car was drivable, you could pick your spot to load it too - so no cars should have been near you ideally.

Its the tow operator's fault but since the part was not oem, I can see them giving you trouble over it.

[richardM]

Thanks for posting. I never gave much thought to towing and what the tow hook was designed for.

A little analysis: The OP was feeling worried about getting his baby on the flat-bed. The operator seems to know what he is doing and hooks up to the tow hook.. worried about the obvious danger from the ramp... looking right at the cable angle... you can't see the force vectors at work.. The OP is worried about his car and the ramp! That situation doesn't make for good decisions.

Vector math gives you some crazy results about forces. You would think "It CANT be that much force! All we are doing is pulling at an angle!" But yes, it is that much force.

Even knowing all the theories, real life experience counts for a lot too.

Thanks for posting your experience. No lives lost. If I have a vehicle towed I am going to stop, look, think back and remember "now.. what is that thing about tow hooks again?" I find that when there is a situation involving fear, excitement or danger extra F###ups happen.

Great post.

[Turbo95eg6]

Both parties are at fault, lesson learned and move on. Maybe you can ask back the fat tip that you praised him with.