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Date:         Thu, 12 Sep 2002 21:24:36 -0400
Reply-To:     Matthew Libby <MLibby1@CFL.RR.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Matthew Libby <MLibby1@CFL.RR.COM>
Subject:      Re: long-distance towing, flatbed madness
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

As a tow truck driver.

Flatbeds cause more damage, period!

Flatbeds require winching, and chaining down of your vechicle, even if the proper points are used, the frame is stressed a great deal. Ive seen many bent. Furthermore low clearance items such as exhausts fairings, etc. can easily get ruined. This is a HIGH stress experience for your vehicle. In fact Porsche manuals (newer) reccommend against using a flatbed.

A wrecker, using a wheel-lift, (what 99% have these days), only touches the front or rear tires. It is as if the car is driving along normally. The weight distribution is the same as if all 4 tires were on he ground. ANY vehicle (except true AWD) can be towed with a wheel-lift!

When a owner requests a flatbed he ties up a valuable truck needed for AWD's and wrecks. And usually he/she will WAIT. Furthemore, many companies have switched to flatbeds because their cheaper, not because their better.

So when going for full service request a wheel-lift!!!!

Matt


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