Attaching Tow Strap Without Hooks
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to tow a car but don’t have tow hooks, don’t worry! There are several methods that you can use to do this. In this article, we will discuss the best methods for towing a car without tow hooks. We will also provide tips on how to safely tow a car using these methods.
Tow straps can be attached in a variety of ways, but the most common way is by using tow hooks. However, if you came across this article, most likely your vehicle is not equipped with them.
On most modern cars you can find a small plastic cover that is located in the bumper or grill insert. When you remove it, you will see a large threaded hole. In the trunk, you will find a tow hook that has got threads into it. Usually, it is placed along with your spare tire.
If you have got an older vehicle that features steel control arms, you can use them to hook up the tow strap. These control arms are A-shaped and feature two longer legs that mount to the subframe of the vehicle. So, you will need to place a large J hook into the closest lower leg of the A.
Note, that it is always a bad idea to hook to an aluminum control arm! Also, if the control arm does not look A-shaped, but rather resembles an I, do not hook to it. Some vehicles feature suspension that has got several I-shaped links. In this case, you will need to hook up to the knuckle.
If the vehicle is equipped with a solid axle, it is a good idea to hook to the axle if there is no tow hook. Alternatively, you can search for the oval in the frame. Its dimensions are around 1 1/2″ x 3/4″, so it will accept a mini J. Still, it is better to keep those free for your tie downs unless there are more than four of them.
Feel free to check the owner’s manual, in the index, it will be listed as “emergency towing”.