[Shop-talk] which tie down best for car hauler

[Mullen]

Steven Trovato wrote:
> 
> These are not tow hooks, and according to the factory, using 
> them to tow the car can damage the bodywork/frame of your car. 

To add a bit to this (in the case of the Miata), the hooks are "tucked up"
in the chassis - if you hooked a tow strap to the hooks, the strap would
have to come down, then out from under the car, placing the straps against
the body panels.  Also, they are flat pieces of metal, so any side loadings
could easily bend the "hooks" (actually flat straps with holes in them).  Do
not use them to tow the car (i.e. down the road and around corners).  The
factory isn't going to try to explain (and accept liability) for the proper
use of the hooks, so it is simply easier (and less liable) to say never to
use them.

But for strapping down on a trailer the hold down "hooks" should do fine as
long as the straps are angled down (away from the body) and straight (fore
and aft).

Still, I'd rather use tire "bonnets".

Tim Mullen