So, you’ve got a lowered car that needs towing? I’ve been there. It’s not as simple as just calling up any old tow truck and hoping for the best. Knowing how to tow a lowered car without damage requires some know-how and the right equipment to avoid turning your pride and joy into a scraped-up mess.
But don’t worry, I’m here to walk you through how to tow a lowered car the right way. I’ve seen too many lowered beauties get mangled by inexperienced tow truck drivers who just don’t get it. It’s not their fault, but it’s heartbreaking to watch.
That’s why I’m sharing my tips and tricks for getting your lowered ride from point A to point B without any unnecessary damage. Trust me, with a little preparation and the right towing company, you can keep your car looking as slick as the day you lowered it.
Understanding the Challenges of Towing a Lowered Vehicle
If you’ve ever seen a lowered car cruising down the street, you know they’re a head-turner. But what happens when that slammed ride needs a tow?
As someone who’s been in the towing service industry for over a decade, I can tell you firsthand that towing a lowered vehicle comes with its own unique set of challenges.
Risks and Considerations
When it comes to car towing, ground clearance is everything. And that’s precisely what lowered vehicles lack.
The reduced space between the undercarriage and the road surface means a higher risk of damage during the towing process. Even the slightest bump or uneven surface can cause the vehicle to bottom out, potentially damaging the bumpers, side skirts, or exhaust system.
Potential Damage to the Vehicle
I’ve seen my fair share of lowered cars come into the shop with towing-related damage. Scrapes on the front bumper from loading onto the tow truck, cracked side skirts from bottoming out, and even bent suspension components from improper tie-down techniques.
The fact is, that a lowered suspension system is more vulnerable to damage during towing. The modified ride height and stiffer springs leave little room for error.
Towing a lowered vehicle? Make sure you’re using the proper equipment and being extra cautious. Trust me, turning an easy tow into a pricey fix is not something you want on your hands.
Preparing Your Lowered Car for Towing
So, you’ve got a lowered car that needs a tow. Now what? As someone who’s coordinated countless tows for modified vehicles, I can tell you that preparation is key.
Choosing the Right Towing Company
First things first, you need to find a towing company that knows how to handle lowered cars. And believe me, not all of them do. Here at Geyers Towing, we are very experienced with towing custom vehicles, including low-clearance cars.
If you need professional towing for a custom vehicle, choose a company familiar with low-clearance cars. They must use proper gear to ensure safe loading and transportation of your ride.
Communicating Your Vehicle’s Specific Needs
Once you’ve found the right towing provider, it’s time to have a chat. And I don’t mean small talk about the weather. You need to clearly communicate your vehicle’s specific needs to the tow truck operator.
Let them know about your car’s lowered suspension, custom body kit, and any other mods you’ve made. The more details they have about your ride, the better they’ll handle it with care.
If you send some pictures of your car to the towing company, it helps them understand what they’re dealing with. That way, they’ll know exactly how to handle it and reduce any chance of harm.
How to Tow a Lowered Car: Step-by-Step Guide
Alright, so you’ve found the right towing company and communicated your vehicle’s needs. Now it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty of actually towing your lowered car.
Positioning the Tow Truck and Ramp
The first step is to properly position the flatbed tow truck and ramp. And let me tell you, this is where many tows go wrong.
The tow truck should be parked on a flat, level surface with plenty of space to extend the ramp. The ramp angle is crucial for lowered vehicles. You want it to be as shallow as possible to minimize the risk of scraping the undercarriage.
Some tow trucks have adjustable ramps or even special ramps designed for low-clearance vehicles. If available, these are always the best option.
Loading the Lowered Vehicle
Once the ramp is set up, it’s time to get that vehicle loaded. This part can be a bit of a challenge.
Pace yourself and don’t rush it. A spotter should help direct the driver so that the car doesn’t hit bottom on its way up or down the ramp. Precision is more important here than strength.
If the front bumper is still at risk of scraping, wooden blocks or shorter ramps can provide additional clearance. I’ve even seen some creative solutions like using a 2×8 board as a makeshift ramp extension.
Securing the Car on the Flatbed
Once the vehicle is safely on the flatbed (it has to be a flatbed), it’s time to secure it for transport. And no, a few bungee cords won’t cut it.
Use high-quality straps or chains to secure the vehicle at the proper tie-down points. Avoid putting excess pressure on the suspension components, as this can cause damage.
Tire stops or chocks should be used to prevent the wheels from rolling during transport. The last thing you want is your lowered car shifting around on the flatbed.
Unloading the Lowered Vehicle
When it comes to unloading, the process is essentially the reverse of loading. But that doesn’t mean it’s any less important.
Make sure the ramp is properly positioned and at a shallow angle. Use a spotter to guide the driver and ensure the car clears the ramp without scraping.
If additional clearance is needed, don’t be afraid to break out those wooden blocks or shorter ramps again. Slow and steady wins the race when it comes to unloading a lowered vehicle.
Alternatives to Traditional Towing for Lowered Vehicles
While flatbed towing is often the go-to method for lowered cars, it’s not the only option. Depending on your vehicle’s specific needs, there are a few alternatives worth considering.
Using a Tow Dolly or Trailer
For lowered vehicles with extremely limited ground clearance, a tow trailer or dolly might be the way to go.
With these options, you can tow your lowered car with its rear wheels off the ground. This way, there’s no worry about scraping the undercarriage—it’s like giving your ride a boost when it needs one.
However, it’s important to note that not all vehicles are suitable for dolly or trailer towing. It depends on factors like the drivetrain, weight distribution, and manufacturer recommendations. Always consult with a professional before going this route.
Flat Towing with a Tow Bar
Another alternative is flat towing with a tow bar. This method involves attaching a tow bar to the front of the lowered vehicle and pulling it behind another car or truck.
Flat towing can be a great choice for lowered cars because it keeps all four wheels on the ground. As long as your car has enough ground clearance to avoid obstacles and rough patches, this method works well.
However, flat towing also comes with its own set of challenges. The towed vehicle’s steering and braking systems must be properly disengaged, and the transmission must be set to neutral. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, but it can work well for certain lowered vehicles.
Preventing Damage and Ensuring a Smooth Towing Experience
Your lowered car is prepped for towing, and you’ve figured out the right method. Next up, it’s important to focus on preventing any damage during the tow and making sure everything goes smoothly.
Monitoring Clearance During Loading and Unloading
One of the most critical aspects of towing a lowered vehicle is monitoring clearance during loading and unloading. And trust me, you don’t want to leave this job to chance.
Assign a dedicated observer to watch the vehicle’s clearance as it moves on and off the tow truck. This person should keep a close eye on the front bumper, side skirts, and undercarriage, alerting the driver if the car comes too close to the ramp or ground.
Imagine you’re playing a high-stakes game of “how low can you go?” A keen eye could be the difference between smooth sailing and expensive repairs.
Working Closely with the Tow Truck Driver
Towing a lowered car is a team effort, and the tow truck driver is your most valuable player. Establish clear communication and work closely with them throughout the entire process.
Feel free to share your thoughts, ask any questions you might have, and give advice when needed. An experienced driver will value your input and make every effort to tow your vehicle safely.
Remember, you’re both working towards the same goal: getting your lowered car from point A to point B without any damage. Collaboration is key.
Inspecting for Damage After Towing
Once your lowered vehicle is back on solid ground, there’s still some work to do. A detailed post-tow inspection should be next on your list.
Examine your car’s bumpers along with its side skirts plus the undercarriage including all suspension elements carefully for any signs of wear or tear no matter how small they seem. Should anything catch your eye that doesn’t seem right document it by taking clear photographs then contact the towing service promptly about what was found.
It’s smarter to tackle any issues right away instead of finding them later. Also, having a record of your vehicle’s condition before and after the tow can be helpful if you need to file an insurance claim or argue about any damage.
In my experience, most reputable towing companies will work with you to resolve any issues that may arise. But it’s always better to be proactive and catch any potential problems early on.
So, there you have it – the lowdown on how to tow a lowered car. It may seem daunting at first, but with the right preparation, equipment, and mindset, you can ensure your lowered ride gets the care it deserves during the towing process.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, folks – the lowdown on how to tow a lowered car without the stress and heartache. It’s not rocket science, but it does take a bit of know-how and the right equipment. Remember, communication is key when it comes to getting your ride towed safely.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and make sure the tow company you choose knows what they’re doing. With the right approach, you can keep your lowered car looking as smooth as ever, even when it needs a little help getting from here to there.
The most important thing to remember is to choose a towing company that is not only reputable but experienced in towing low-clearance vehicles. Geyers Towing is the company you need so if you need to tow your custom or low-clearance vehicle, contact us.
