OWNER'S MANUAL SAYS

"Flat bed - This is the only way your s2000 should be transported.

Wheel lift equipment - Two pivoting arms that go under front or rear tires. The other two remain on the ground. Because s2000 sits so low the body could come in contact with the ground and be damaged. This method is unacceptable.

Sling type equipment - Tow truck uses metal cables with hooks on the ends. These hooks go around parts of the frame or suspension and the cables lift that end of the car off the ground. Your car's suspension and body can be damaged. This method is unacceptable."


I think if he used the wheel lift method to tow your car and you escaped with no body damage you're OK. They know you're in a tight spot so they send what they've got and figure you'll take it.

 

Yeah, thats what I meant, but i could not find my book to write it.

 

I'm in the same position, but the S2K I'm towing doesn't have a front bumper, so if nothing scrapes, is it okay to tow on a dolley with rear wheels up?

thanks

 

A little bit off topic:

I don't understand why the manual says that a flatbed is the only acceptable way to tow an S2000, but it doesn't explain how to GET IT ON the flatbed.

It's been posted several times that the front tow hook cannot support the weight of the car when you try to pull it up the angled surface of the flatbed. Is there something else they are supposed to attach their cable to besides the tow hook? If so, what is the purpose of the tow hook anyway?

 

[QUOTE=CBeyond,Aug 26 2005, 02:52 PM]A little bit off topic:

I don't understand why the manual says that a flatbed is the only acceptable way to tow an S2000, but it doesn't explain how to GET IT ON the flatbed.

It's been posted several times that the front tow hook cannot support the weight of the car when you try to pull it up the angled surface of the flatbed.

 

Eh, that's not what I heard. If the flatbed is tilted, and the car is pulled forward by the tow hook, there is some vertical lifting going on. There have been stories posted here that described the car being pulled onto a tilted flatbed, the tow hook breaks off, and the car rolls backwards, causing more damage to the rear bumper and the exhaust. I'll try to find some links.

OK here's a link: https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.ph...pic=228151&hl=

 

I stand corrected. The tow hook is weaker than I thought. The Owner's Manual and the Service Manual (Helm) support the following post by Woodwork.

Hi All:

I am really sorry about your car.

In the owners manual it does state that the tow hook is for flat towing, and it shows a drawing of pulling a car out of the sand.

An educated tow truck driver will always use a "J Hook" or a "T Hook" into the hole in the frame just in front of the rear tires and just behind the front tires. These are the holes that are used to assemble the car, tie the car down on the ship and also on the truck. The then use a "V" to attach under the car to the winch cable.

If they use either the front or rear tow hook as the cable pulls the car to the winch the cable is pulling down more than it is pulling back and the forces are extreme as Crazy has stated.

An uneducated tow truck driver will grab the big fish hook and close his eyes and reach under the car with the hook. Many times they hook brake lines, fuel lines, fuel tanks, etc. Watch those guys very closely, they are very dangerous.

I agree the tow truck driver is negligent in this case.

HTH,
Woodwork