QuestionQUESTION: What is the proper way for a tow truck to tow a Chevrolet 1500 4 wheel drive that has drive train problems? Should it be towed from the rear or the front? This vehicle was towed from the front and lost right rear axle in tow.
ANSWER: wow, sounds interesting.. First of all when you were talking to the tow truck driver, did you discuss the problem with him..
Was there any indication of the right rear axle going to fall out. It is strange to have it fall out if it did, but it is not unheard of while towing.
But normally with a drive train problem I would hope that the tow truck driver would pick up the end with the major problem. That or load it on a flatbed tow truck where the whole vehicle is off the ground.
But some of these suggestions and ideas do have other problems, such as vehicles being on the freeways and only able to get to the front end of the vehicle. In that case it would be towed from the front and hopefully loaded on dollies..
But I hate to say it that it is hard to really suggest a proper way to tow a vehicle that is 4 wheel drive with a drive train problem. Like I said earlier, best method would be on a flatbed tow truck with all the wheels off the ground.
Sorry for the lack of SPECIFIC INFORMATION, but I sense a few issues and I think you are looking for someone to help you blame the tow company. Just remember they only can do what they can with the information that they are told.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: The driver of the tow vehicle was told that it was possibly a transmission failure or drive train problem as there was no power to the rear wheels and noise present when put in gear with no movement. The vehicle was towed from the side of the road where either front or rear could have been accessed. I am not looking to blame the tow company however I feel that they not only towed improperly but also unsafely as there was no reason to inter a major interstate and tow in the fast lane at speeds of 70mph. The axle did not fall out for at least 15 miles. This driver also was told by his supervisor on the site that he was improperly connected to the vehicle. I do feel they are responsible not for the initial break down however the additional damage caused from lack of prevention should be their responsibility.
Answerfrom what I read the first time and with you follow up, I think that they did make a mistake...
Noise or not, it would of been best to tow it backwards to prevent damages (my thoughts and opinion)...
Well getting on the Interstate was not a good move I think but again I was not there and do not know everything.
I would talk to the tow company about the responsibility but do not expect a lot of help from what I read into your follow up. They might surprise you but you never know...
Worse case is you might have to do the small claims court if you feel that they are not going to help you or accept responsibility
