Towing Issues: Damage to Landcruiser

Question
My 1999 Toyota Landcruiser was towed with rear wheels up and
from wheels down. It was taken about 65 miles. I just got it
back and it now has a horrible noise in the transmission. I
asked a mechanic friend and he thought that because of the
4x4 set up they should have used a flat bed or put a dolly
under the front wheels. If you were to tow this vehicle, how
would you tow it. Also what is the liability of the towing
company if they did screw up my transmission. Thanks...

Answer
Well from what you describe happened, it is possible that there is transmission damage to the vehicle.

According to an ONLINE towing specification site, where they list the recommended towing methods the vehicle has to have the wheels all the way off the ground either via a flatbed or use of dollies on the other end of the vehicle when towed.

http://www.towspec.com/vehent/vehview.aspx?ID=1306

I would be talking to the tow company and see what they say, but do not get pushy about it. They should take responsibility but you most likely will have then deny it at first. Then you will have to keep on them, generally you start with either driver or dispatcher there and have to work up to the owner in order to get things handled.

Keep real good notes, get a statement from your mechanic, and repair costs on an estimate. Collect as much information as you can, and you should be ahead of the curve in battling this.

If you keep getting told it was not possible to damage it when it was towed or it was pre existing damage keep trying. You might have to take them to small claims court in order to get something done.


Good luck