Road Assistance
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
Road Assistance
I just bought a '01 C5 and was wondering about how these cars are transported when they break down or have a flat. Could not find anything in the manual. Where are they hooked to pull up a ramp truck and where are they tied down? It looks like it would be better to pull them up backwards. Does anyone have any experiences with towing or hauling these cars on flat beds? It certainly would be a nightmare to damage them after having a problem on the road. Not that I expect problems but I would like to e prepared.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 5,020
Likes: 826
From: Rotonda West, FL 2015 Z51 M7 3LT
Oldtimer
I started a different thread but then saw this one so will tag on here...
I have a similar scenario:
Ok, I know there's a runflat vs non-runflat "debate" and I'm not trying to restart/fuel that.
First off let me state that I do have roadside assistance and wouldn't consider cancelling it so that has no bearing on this, but what happens if you're out and happen to get a flat with non-runflats. So now you have a car that sits VERY low to start with, compound that by one corner now even lower because it's sitting on the rim. I suspect most people who are going to show up to "assist" in such a scenario aren't going to have the where-withal to resolve the situation without doing some sort of damage to the car.
I'm sure this scenario plays out more often than we hear about but where's the flaw in my thinking?
I have a similar scenario:
Ok, I know there's a runflat vs non-runflat "debate" and I'm not trying to restart/fuel that.
First off let me state that I do have roadside assistance and wouldn't consider cancelling it so that has no bearing on this, but what happens if you're out and happen to get a flat with non-runflats. So now you have a car that sits VERY low to start with, compound that by one corner now even lower because it's sitting on the rim. I suspect most people who are going to show up to "assist" in such a scenario aren't going to have the where-withal to resolve the situation without doing some sort of damage to the car.
I'm sure this scenario plays out more often than we hear about but where's the flaw in my thinking?
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 11,592
Likes: 1,053
From: Compound in the Grove, Ga.
2026 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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St. Jude Donor '16
I carry a C4 jack (in case I need it) plug kit and 12v air pump. had 3 flats so far was no issue to pull over start the pump and plug tire less than 15 min. I had the tire patched from the inside later. If its a blow out and not repairable guess you would have to take your chances with a rollback.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
I started a different thread but then saw this one so will tag on here...
I have a similar scenario:
Ok, I know there's a runflat vs non-runflat "debate" and I'm not trying to restart/fuel that.
First off let me state that I do have roadside assistance and wouldn't consider cancelling it so that has no bearing on this, but what happens if you're out and happen to get a flat with non-runflats. So now you have a car that sits VERY low to start with, compound that by one corner now even lower because it's sitting on the rim. I suspect most people who are going to show up to "assist" in such a scenario aren't going to have the where-withal to resolve the situation without doing some sort of damage to the car.
I'm sure this scenario plays out more often than we hear about but where's the flaw in my thinking?
I have a similar scenario:
Ok, I know there's a runflat vs non-runflat "debate" and I'm not trying to restart/fuel that.
First off let me state that I do have roadside assistance and wouldn't consider cancelling it so that has no bearing on this, but what happens if you're out and happen to get a flat with non-runflats. So now you have a car that sits VERY low to start with, compound that by one corner now even lower because it's sitting on the rim. I suspect most people who are going to show up to "assist" in such a scenario aren't going to have the where-withal to resolve the situation without doing some sort of damage to the car.
I'm sure this scenario plays out more often than we hear about but where's the flaw in my thinking?
I don't have run flats and plan on carry a can of flat fixer. I had to use it once on my truck. It got me home. There definitely are a lot of pros and cons about run flats.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
I carry a C4 jack (in case I need it) plug kit and 12v air pump. had 3 flats so far was no issue to pull over start the pump and plug tire less than 15 min. I had the tire patched from the inside later. If its a blow out and not repairable guess you would have to take your chances with a rollback.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 23,283
Likes: 905
From: Lake Elsinore, CA
In my non-runflat vette, I carry this kit:
Mercedes jack that forum member Frederick sold many of us here.
Kit which includes compressor with built in light, plug kit, misc tools, gloves, etc.
I carry it in the back, center well with a sheet of some sort to lay down to keep from getting dirty.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 11,592
Likes: 1,053
From: Compound in the Grove, Ga.
2026 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C4 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
2024 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods)
2018 C4 of Year Finalist
2015 C4 of the Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '16
Word of caution on plug kits, some of the handles are one time use or half a time they break very easy and are not to easy on your hand. I got a good set from Napa and have a kit like Patches just move it to the car I am driving.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
Problem with these is that the sealant ruins the tire pressure sensors if you are running them (some don't, most do). I carry some in my dd that I elimnated runflats from. It's the Slime kit with plugs, compressor and Slime inflator/sealant that'e supposed to be friendly to modern tire pressure sensors but that remains to be seen as I've never had to use it.
In my non-runflat vette, I carry this kit:
Mercedes jack that forum member Frederick sold many of us here.
Kit which includes compressor with built in light, plug kit, misc tools, gloves, etc.
I carry it in the back, center well with a sheet of some sort to lay down to keep from getting dirty.
In my non-runflat vette, I carry this kit:
Mercedes jack that forum member Frederick sold many of us here.
Kit which includes compressor with built in light, plug kit, misc tools, gloves, etc.
I carry it in the back, center well with a sheet of some sort to lay down to keep from getting dirty.
I see you have the same CD changer I have. The seller said it was aftermarket, but after further investigation I learned it's a factory/dealer installed unit.
Last edited by JR-01; Sep 21, 2013 at 04:31 PM.
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Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,735
Likes: 14
From: Visalia CA
I have Tire Rack's "ContiKit" I bought after I switched to non-runflats in case of a tire problem.
But I do understand your concern about road assistance. What if our car just craps out and won't start or run. THEN you need a flat bed truck with a very small angled ramp.
If I ever have to call a tow truck I would be sure and tell them it's a Corvette.
But I do understand your concern about road assistance. What if our car just craps out and won't start or run. THEN you need a flat bed truck with a very small angled ramp.
If I ever have to call a tow truck I would be sure and tell them it's a Corvette.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,012
Likes: 23
From: Anaheim CA
We're experiencing "thread drift", so I'll re-ask OP's question a bit more directly:
Has anyone ever had their C5 towed and, if so, how did they get it up on the flatbed? The export models apparently have tow hooks on each end, but not the US model.
(Yes, I'm assuming flatbed...here in SoCal at least, the AAA emergency phone people ask what kind of car it is and have a list of the ones that can't be handled with a hook-truck. And I'm also assuming a tow situation where the car can't power itself up the ramp.)
Has anyone ever had their C5 towed and, if so, how did they get it up on the flatbed? The export models apparently have tow hooks on each end, but not the US model.
(Yes, I'm assuming flatbed...here in SoCal at least, the AAA emergency phone people ask what kind of car it is and have a list of the ones that can't be handled with a hook-truck. And I'm also assuming a tow situation where the car can't power itself up the ramp.)
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,012
Likes: 23
From: Anaheim CA
I can answer one part of the original question, based on an "event" with my previous car: tie-down is easy, they just run a web strap around a couple of wheel spokes on all four corners. I suppose there are aftermarket wheel designs that make this more difficult, but the stock wheels almost look like they're designed with that in mind.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,270
Likes: 29
From: Chilliwack B.C.
Had to have my old C4 towed once (faulty rad drain valve - $5 fix). I told them it was a Corvette and they sent a flatbed. The driver was equipped with extra boards to extend the ramp to clear the front end. No issues loading and the driver took great care of the car. Don't recall what he attached to the car to pull it up but he secured it with over-the-tire straps. I think most if not all the flatbed vehicles have extra boards for low cars.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
Had to have my old C4 towed once (faulty rad drain valve - $5 fix). I told them it was a Corvette and they sent a flatbed. The driver was equipped with extra boards to extend the ramp to clear the front end. No issues loading and the driver took great care of the car. Don't recall what he attached to the car to pull it up but he secured it with over-the-tire straps. I think most if not all the flatbed vehicles have extra boards for low cars.
Looking from behind I don't see anything I would want to hook a cable to.
Sounds like you were lucky to get a skilled and considerate ramp truck driver.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,774
Likes: 361
From: Midland TX
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,012
Likes: 23
From: Anaheim CA
It's not fun to watch but I'm not sure we're seeing the whole story.
At about 1:10 or so, the tow truck driver rolls what I think is the right rear wheel back to his truck and tosses it in. The thing is, it looks like just the rim and tire, no spokes. Given that the car is facing upstream (apparently spun), you have to wonder if the far side of the car took a major hit: it may have been headed to the body shop (or junkyard) anyway.
At about 1:10 or so, the tow truck driver rolls what I think is the right rear wheel back to his truck and tosses it in. The thing is, it looks like just the rim and tire, no spokes. Given that the car is facing upstream (apparently spun), you have to wonder if the far side of the car took a major hit: it may have been headed to the body shop (or junkyard) anyway.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,012
Likes: 23
From: Anaheim CA
That assembly is held on with, what, four bolts? Not sure I'd want to pull the whole weight of the car that way...lower suspension arms maybe?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
There really must be a preferred hook up spot for C5s. Someone must know the answer. Any tow/ramp truck drivers out there?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
It's not fun to watch but I'm not sure we're seeing the whole story.
At about 1:10 or so, the tow truck driver rolls what I think is the right rear wheel back to his truck and tosses it in. The thing is, it looks like just the rim and tire, no spokes. Given that the car is facing upstream (apparently spun), you have to wonder if the far side of the car took a major hit: it may have been headed to the body shop (or junkyard) anyway.
At about 1:10 or so, the tow truck driver rolls what I think is the right rear wheel back to his truck and tosses it in. The thing is, it looks like just the rim and tire, no spokes. Given that the car is facing upstream (apparently spun), you have to wonder if the far side of the car took a major hit: it may have been headed to the body shop (or junkyard) anyway.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 136
Likes: 6
My C5 is a daily driver with 160K miles here in the North of Boston Area - I use AAA at least twice a year. Last time the side wall blew out of rear tire. When I call, the 1st thing out of my mouth is that I need a Flat bed tow. The operator will ask why, Ill tell her it a corvette, and it's always - "Not a problem sir".
I've seen it towed two different ways, and I had no problem with either. They chain the rear and the front over the heavy components and it gets tightened. But my favorite is when they secure it by using Straps that fit over the front two tires.
I've seen it towed two different ways, and I had no problem with either. They chain the rear and the front over the heavy components and it gets tightened. But my favorite is when they secure it by using Straps that fit over the front two tires.