nightrider Posted May 3, 2010 Posted May 3, 2010 How far will the rescue services such as the RAC/AA/Greenflag tow or transport a broken down vehicle? I have heard that the government has banned recovery companies from towing more than 100 miles at any one time, true or false?
Keithl Posted May 3, 2010 Posted May 3, 2010 Malcolm, When being towed recently by the RAC in a relatives car which had broken down the patrolman said he could only tow us for 50 miles on his 'dolly' which raised the front wheels of the car. We asked what he would do if we had asked to be towed over that distance and his reply was that he would have to contact another patrolman from the other end of the journey to meet him half way and transfer us over. It seems as though recovery 'dolllies' are being misused and technically can only be used for recovery purposes and not just moving vehicles from A to B. From memory I think they are also limited to much lower speed limits than for normal towing, although that didn't seem to bother him! He also said that if he was stopped it would be easy for the police or authorities to check how far he had travelled as he had to start using his tacho when towing. Keith.
nightrider Posted May 3, 2010 Author Posted May 3, 2010 malc d - 2010-05-03 9:10 AM Not heard that one. Where did you hear it ? I am a member of a Mechanics discussion forum and one of the members wrote in saying that he had broken down on a return trip from Alton Towers, the car in question was a Fiat Brava. On phoning the rescue service (not sure which one) he requested a flat back truck to take him home, the person on the other end of the phone said that they would have to check the car out and it must have a valid tax disc and they would not take him any further than 62 miles, can't quite figure that one out. Of the 3 people in the car 2 were qualified mechanics and the other one was an auto electrician.
malc d Posted May 3, 2010 Posted May 3, 2010 That doesn't necessarily sound like a 'government ban' , it may just be that recovery companys' own rules. Sounds a bit odd though doesn't it.
nightrider Posted May 3, 2010 Author Posted May 3, 2010 malc d - 2010-05-03 5:00 PM That doesn't necessarily sound like a 'government ban' , it may just be that recovery companys' own rules. Sounds a bit odd though doesn't it. I have been a member of the RAC for about 30 years, only had to call them out 3 times, think I will give them a ring to clarify the matter. Am a bit concerned that if they had to bring me home on a transporter, would they get my M/H on one? the back end is very low slung and has on occasion grounded on the tow ball.
rupert123 Posted May 3, 2010 Posted May 3, 2010 knight of the road - 2010-05-03 9:02 AM How far will the rescue services such as the RAC/AA/Greenflag tow or transport a broken down vehicle? I have heard that the government has banned recovery companies from towing more than 100 miles at any one time, true or false? Friend of mine had a Mazda Bongo transported from Chamonix in French Alps to North Wales in Feb. no problem.
PJay Posted May 3, 2010 Posted May 3, 2010 We had an accident last september in Glasgow, (well near by) We were towed from there to our home in Portsmouth. The van was not driveable front suspension and wheel badly damaged. We had to stop overnight at Birmingham services, and had to have stops every so often, due to drivers regulations and tacograph Total journey was 24 hours.(SPeed was governed to 50mph) The driver had then to return taking two days to get back. Had an interesting journey, very entertaining guy. Ex GI now living UK. Was told by the Scots guy who first came on scene (but did not have large enough tow truck) that we would not be able to understand his accent!! For us was easier to understand than the scottish accent!! No offence meant to any Glasweigons (hope that the right word) Pauline PS cost of tow to the insurance (not ours) co. was about 2k + and cost of repair over £6000 plus the cost of the other vehicle, which was probably written Off Bet his next premium is high!!!!
fred22 Posted May 3, 2010 Posted May 3, 2010 knight of the road - 2010-05-03 5:16 PM malc d - 2010-05-03 5:00 PM That doesn't necessarily sound like a 'government ban' , it may just be that recovery companys' own rules. Sounds a bit odd though doesn't it. I have been a member of the RAC for about 30 years, only had to call them out 3 times, think I will give them a ring to clarify the matter. Am a bit concerned that if they had to bring me home on a transporter, would they get my M/H on one? the back end is very low slung and has on occasion grounded on the tow ball. When I had to be recovered by Green Flag(Mayday) the driver was prepared for the extra length and had thick planks of wood on his truck to lift the rear of the motorhome up to stop the back from grounding. I understand that some of the latest trucks now have these ramp extensions built in. Best to make sure operator is aware of the problem before they start lifting.
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