Cobra Tools to keep in the Trunk?

[RedBarchetta]

Originally Posted by Rickd

-AAA card and names of flat haulers if needed

Good advice! I recently learned that there are "split bed" flat bed haulers available in some areas. I now keep the name and number of the one in So Cal handy (Blairs in Lake Forest) that has this special type of flat bed that actually lays almost flat on the ground so that the car can be rolled onto it. Was made specifically for exotics (Lambos, Ferraris, etc.).

I have had a flat bed tow TWICE now and each time it was an ordeal. The best way to grab a SPF is from the back and use ample quantities of 2x4 and 4x4 to create the correct "angle" so that you can pull the car up without denting the tank, etc. It's really tricky and takes some expertise, and unfortunately most of the tow operators you are dealing with through AAA (which I use) are on the clock and they need to turn the tows around quickly to make money. Done right you will have about 1/2-3/4" clearance both front valance and back tank (pull chain). I need to buy a tow strap and keep it in my traveling tool satchel from now on to avoid the potential chain nightmare.

Next time I have to call AAA, I'm just going to INSIST on the split bed from Blairs and I will wait it out if necessary. Otherwise, you need to be prepared to tell the tow operator with XX years of experience how is the best and only way to tow your car (good luck getting them to listen to you). Trust me, if I had let the last yahoo do this without my direction he would have cracked the front oil cooler opening and shoved my radiator about 4 inches upward. He wanted me to sign a waiver to tow it backwards and when I said "Sure, show me the paperwork!" he got quiet and started to listen to what I was telling him.

-Dean