Tow a Volvo long distance (100 miles)

Post by **MrAl** » 21 Jul 2023, 19:52

Hello there,

Any ideas the best way to do this? The car is dead and has to be towed from NJ to NY which is about 100 miles.

Post by **scot850** » 21 Jul 2023, 20:03

If it is a FWD car, then a Tow/come-along if you have a tow hitch available. That gets your front wheels off the ground. Issue is getting the lights to show.

Buy a AAA membership? Seriously!

Have your spoken to Dr. Abscate?

Neil.

Post by **MrAl** » 21 Jul 2023, 20:44

scot850 wrote: ↑21 Jul 2023, 20:03 If it is a FWD car, then a Tow/come-along if you have a tow hitch available. That gets your front wheels off the ground. Issue is getting the lights to show.

Buy a AAA membership? Seriously!

Have your spoken to Dr. Abscate?

Neil.

Hi Neil,

I'd have to check on that FWD issue.

Don't think AAA would help much do they tow when you already have a broken-down car and you just join?

No haven't talked to Steve yet, was hoping he could help here somehow.
It's not actually my car, someone else I know from MVS bought a car in Manville NJ and it broke down almost right after he drove it away. Right now it is stuck in a parking lot. Interestingly, Steve knows him too he went to help him one time in NY.

Post by **FireFox31** » 21 Jul 2023, 22:09

The previous owner of my busted Geronimo used AAA to have it towed twice to my garage from their home with known problems, not a roadside breakdown. Across state lines too. Be sure to enroll in the plan which allows tows greater than your distance.

Bummer about the immediate break down. Sounds easier to ask for money back.

jsrnsis · Post by **jsrnsis** » 21 Jul 2023, 22:19

FireFox31 wrote: ↑21 Jul 2023, 22:09 The previous owner of my busted Geronimo used AAA to have it towed twice to my garage from their home with known problems, not a roadside breakdown. Across state lines too. Be sure to enroll in the plan which allows tows greater than your distance.

Bummer about the immediate break down. Sounds easier to ask for money back.

It's me, I'm the mysterious lemon buyer. I reached out to MrAl since he lives close by, and he has been keeping in touch. Thanks MrAl.

I did ask if he'd take the car back, I asked half jokingly, but I did ask. Sold as is, no warranty, all that.
Funnily enough, before I picked the car up, it seemed every third vehicle on the road was a rollback tow truck... Maybe it was a sign...

I'm going to look into AAA, U-Haul, all that.

Unfortunately its a v70xc with an intact AWD system, can that be winched/chain hoisted in neutral up a trailer ramp?

Post by **scot850** » 21 Jul 2023, 23:05

The answer is yes. Put it in neutral (shift park switch) and off you go onto the back of a tow truck. Here, our tow trucks have a scoop that fits under the front wheels and a pair of wheels that can jack themselves up under the rears to lift them off the ground for towing. Also of course the regular flatbed loader.

Neil.

jsrnsis · Post by **jsrnsis** » 21 Jul 2023, 23:21

It looks like AAA is only supposed to tow vehicles registered in the members name, but other places say it applies to the member, if you're in your friends car and it breaks down, AAA should tow it.
Now, it's still plated to the previous owner, but I have the title. The registration is almost current, but not quite. There is insurance on the car.

Anyone had any experience like this? The car is very obviously broken down, it's in a parking lot and cranks with no start. I'd like to avoid U-Haul box truck/trailer combos as I am a bit clumsy and it's not exactly a wide open Walmart lot.

Post by **MrAl** » 22 Jul 2023, 01:17

jsrnsis wrote: ↑21 Jul 2023, 23:21 It looks like AAA is only supposed to tow vehicles registered in the members name, but other places say it applies to the member, if you're in your friends car and it breaks down, AAA should tow it.
Now, it's still plated to the previous owner, but I have the title. The registration is almost current, but not quite. There is insurance on the car.

Anyone had any experience like this? The car is very obviously broken down, it's in a parking lot and cranks with no start. I'd like to avoid U-Haul box truck/trailer combos as I am a bit clumsy and it's not exactly a wide open Walmart lot.

Hi,

Is that in Manville?

I had a car break down in a parking lot one time right in the middle of an isle. Someone offered to help me push it into a parking spot several parking spots away. I might have managed myself but not sure.
You can push it to another area maybe if it is not accessible enough where it is now.

What do you mean the registration is 'almost' current.

Post by **abscate** » 22 Jul 2023, 04:06

1oo miles is bit far for a ‘ hard bar tow’ which I’ve used a few times. Once did Glens Falls to Albany , 60 miles

I would bring down ramps, tools, dolly - disconnect propeller shaft , and dolly home

See your attorney to verify compliance with local laws before departing

The law firm of Toss, Plonk, and Wank are recommended

Post by **Krons** » 22 Jul 2023, 05:26

AAA requires 72 hours before service kicks in if I recall right. Can’t sign up and have an immediate tow. 100 miles would not be covered in base service either.

I’d look at renting a uhaul truck and flat bed tow trailer, assuming you have a way to get it on the trailer.