Towing 300D with tow strap? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

MonsieurBon · #1 02-11-2007, 05:02 PM

Hi folks-

I searched on this and found only one post where a guy destroyed his tranny by pulling a car with a tow strap.

So one of my coolant hoses coming out of my external block heater developed a small leak. I got one end off, but the other end is in a place where even with the car jacked up I cannot see, let alone fit a screwdriver to undo the hose clamp. I assume it's connecting to the bottom coolant connection on the block.

Anyway, I'm gonna call it a day and drop the car at the mechanic tomorrow. So I'll either need it professionally towed or I have a friend with a pretty hefty pickup truck who could pull me with a tow strap. Is that even remotely a good idea?

What do I do, unlock the steering column with the key, put the car in neutral, release the parking brake and use the unpowered brakes and steering while he pulls?

It's about 6-8 miles from my house to the mechanic, and there's a pretty steep downhill on the way there.

If a decent strap costs $30 and a tow costs $75+, but there's a good chance of messing up the car using the strap, I'd rather get it professionally towed.

Should I specifically request a flatbed tow if I do get it towed by a company?

Thanks folks,

PatricdeBoer · #2 02-11-2007, 05:13 PM

If its only 6 miles, you could probably tow at super low speeds without damaging anything. If it is only a small coolant leak, why not just drive it there?

jshadows · #3 02-11-2007, 05:15 PM

I'd pay the $75 all considered. To tow with the strap you need to disconnect the driveshaft which isn't that complicated but requires 2 19mm wrenches/ratchets...that isn't worth $45 of my time personally.

U-Haul rents flatbeds for around $50 during the week..why not do that and cut your losses?

junqueyardjim · #4 02-11-2007, 05:25 PM

Take your time, go slow and plan ahead. Know where the hill is and check your brakes before you get to the hill. You don't have to disconnect the drive shaft to pull the Mercedes. I believe the Owners Manual states that you can tow it for 30 miles, maybe 60 miles before you need to disconnect the drive line. Again though, if you have only a small leak, why not top up the cooling saystem and drive it over there.

vstech · #5 02-11-2007, 05:31 PM

first off, it is usually illegal to tow a vehicle on public roads with a strap. that aside, 6 to 8 miles IF you keep it under 25mph, you should be fine.under 20 is even better. also, a decent tow strap should be available under 10.00 attach the cable VERY WELL to the vehicle. the standard tow straps are ok, but on the down hill runs, the strap connected with just a hook WILL come loose. I would use the heavy strap with sewn or woven loops and get a pair of GOOD caribeeners or U loops with cross bolt. I also find it good to thread the cable through a section of pipe to keep the cars seperated. a nice section of 3" PVC or steel pipe if you have some around is very handy for this. not really needed, but it makes things a bit easier. if you use your brakes to keep the towing vehicle under control, it is not too bad to keep the strap tight. Good luck.

JackG · #6 02-11-2007, 05:39 PM

You may be able to get away with it.....But why chance it? Pay the 75 bucks.

MonsieurBon · #7 02-11-2007, 05:42 PM

Re: why I can't just top it off and drive it in.

Yeah, I should have done that. But I didn't plan well and instead of just topping it up, patching the hose and driving it there, I sliced the hose off!

MonsieurBon · #8 02-11-2007, 05:44 PM

One other thing. I don't have AAA or BWC, so should I call MBZ's roadside assistance first or just call a local tow company directly?

Thanks!

t walgamuth · #9 02-11-2007, 05:55 PM

i have towed many many miles with straps. often past police.

i have never had any interest by them.

tom w

toomany MBZ · #10 02-11-2007, 06:18 PM

Tow straps illegal in this state. However, such a short distance, don't worry about it. Will need a "driver" in towed vechicle to operate brakes, give plenty of room, as no power to brakes. Tranny will be okay. MBZ roadside does not do towing, I think. Good luck.

vstech · #11 02-11-2007, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MonsieurBon

Re: why I can't just top it off and drive it in.

Yeah, I should have done that. But I didn't plan well and instead of just topping it up, patching the hose and driving it there, I sliced the hose off!

also, if you top it off, you could get a pair of vice grips and pinch the two supply hoses to the heater... just a thought.
John

MonsieurBon · #12 02-11-2007, 11:25 PM

I think the hose goes either to the water pump or the thermostat. Whatever it is, it seems to be above the front driving and suspensions components and below the intake, somewhere near the centerline of the car. I can't figure out how anyone could get there.

If I filled it up with water right now, it would all flow out. If I pinch off the heater hoses, you think that will stop it? How far can I drive this thing in 40 degree weather safely?

Thanks again!

kerry · #13 02-11-2007, 11:36 PM

Can't you just splice in a repair piece of hose, using a double ended barbed connector that cost about $1 at the hardware store?
You can tow it a short distance without harming the transmission but your brakes will be VERY hard without vacuum assist.

vstech · #14 02-13-2007, 09:54 AM

what did you do? did you make it there?
John

thorsen · #15 02-13-2007, 10:42 AM

It won't help you this time, but if IRC, a AAA membership costs as much as the tow. Not a bad investment if you own an old car. The gold membership gives you up to 100 miles of towing.

Just my $.02