Birty Dastards Jeep Club

Tech Forum => Workshop => Topic started by: Willinot on May 22, 2011, 12:46:06 AM

Title: Towing eye
Post by: Willinot on May 22, 2011, 12:46:06 AM
Hi guys,

I've got a 2003 grand cherokee, 2.7crd.  I've been asked recently to lower a car down a ramp by way of tying the car to mine and me driving to lower it down a ramp and then the reverse to pull it back up later.

What I want to check is this,  if the fixing to front or back designed as a towing eye or a lashing eye.  I don't want it sheering off mid tow cos the car im dropping/pulling has no engine.

Thanks.

Paul.
Title: Re: Towing eye
Post by: Bishops Finger on May 22, 2011, 01:27:43 AM
Err make sure the rope isn t some some squiirly thingy and be prepared for the screams when you start doing damage to the car...apart from that with care should be OK.....
Title: Re: Towing eye
Post by: Willinot on May 22, 2011, 01:33:17 AM
Wow, that was quick.  I'll be using the ratchet straps so they won't break hopefully, the car is being lowered into a hotel ballroom down set of ramps appox 5mlong over 2m drop so fingers crosse.

Would it matter which eye I use.  I was considering the front one to lower in and the rear to pull out as vsiblity is gonna be poor otherwise
Title: Re: Towing eye
Post by: Bishops Finger on May 22, 2011, 02:20:33 AM
The hopefully has just filled me with fear.....pics diagrammes etc mon...
Title: Re: Towing eye
Post by: wrangler07 on May 22, 2011, 09:17:28 AM
A car that's being placed on show in a ballroom is likely to be a nice one? In which case I might look at an alternative way of lowering it.. :017:
Title: Re: Towing eye
Post by: Willinot on May 22, 2011, 09:45:37 AM
  :iagree: Good point and alternatives being looked at too but I'm down as the backup option  :017:

Title: Re: Towing eye
Post by: IrishCJ6 on May 22, 2011, 10:19:07 AM
The hardest thing to overcome will be the possible loss of traction of your vehicle as the other is lowered over the bank (weight vs friction), usually in a recovery the recovering vehicle would be stationary (i.e. tied to a tree/another vehicle) and then using your winch?? you would retireive the vehicle. If I was doing it I would want to do it this way.
Title: Re: Towing eye
Post by: Dave The Sparky on May 22, 2011, 10:32:28 AM
Heres an idea go to your local lifting place and hire a tirfor, it may be slow but it wont let go either. If need be you can use your car as an anchor then instead and at least you may look like you know what you are doing and have some Jeep action at the same time. :icon_winkle:
Title: Re: Towing eye
Post by: Dutch on May 22, 2011, 10:38:21 AM
Tying it to the rear towbar I wouln'd see any probs, but tying it to the front towing eye .....ehr....no.

Block & pully to the nearest tree with Jeep at the bitter end makes more sense and more controllable.

Ratchet straps for towing ....hmmm dunno if that works.
Title: Re: Towing eye
Post by: Bubba on May 22, 2011, 11:04:58 AM
a winch is the best answer control and vision
Title: Re: Towing eye
Post by: Dave The Sparky on May 22, 2011, 06:31:52 PM
a winch is the best answer control and vision

That could be an expensive option since he may have to buy one specially for the job  :017:
Title: Re: Towing eye
Post by: Bubba on May 22, 2011, 07:13:10 PM
no dafty i realy meant that a truck with one on might be a better answer  i dont realy see a problem with doing the job other than relying on others guiding you
Title: Re: Towing eye
Post by: eastryjeep on May 24, 2011, 01:11:21 PM
Due to possible value of show vehicle I'd suggest a moving and rigging company do the job as they will have the experience and the insurance also.

If you are going to tackle this yourself, ensure the ramp is strong enough on paper, 'SWL' signed off by someone qualified etc, make sure the ramp isnt just relying on friction keeping it in place as ballroom floors are noted for being particularly slippy! And ramp on carpet is just suicidal.

Also check the approach, departure and breakover angles of the show vehicle with respect to the ramp as gouges in a ballroom floor would probably not go down too well.

Edit:
Obamas driver can explain all about 'breakover' can't he, in fact he's probably availiable at a Job Centre right now!

IMO, I'd stay well clear, but if you do go ahead I'd make sure I had a nice watertight document absolving you of any flukes, accidents, delays, rainy days, etc whether they were intentional or not and cash on completion!
Title: Re: Towing eye
Post by: Bulldog67 on May 24, 2011, 03:30:36 PM

IMO, I'd stay well clear, but if you do go ahead I'd make sure I had a nice watertight document absolving you of any flukes, accidents, delays, rainy days, etc whether they were intentional or not and cash on completion!

 :imwitstupid: there was a the thread on the kent forum bout a dood that had helped a bloke out of a ditch after he slid into it in the snow, despite him tellin the dood in front of several witness that it would damage his bumper the dood said he didnt care coz he wanted his car out of the ditch, so he towed, mangled his bumper coz of the angle and naturally enough ended up fightin a claim against him for a damaged bumper  :jpshakehead:
Title: Re: Towing eye
Post by: Bishops Finger on May 24, 2011, 09:55:55 PM
If you ever ever get involved in recovery make sure the eurobox driver asks...never volunteer....fact...end of...