Tommy'sRoad RescueCall live dispatch816-588-8888Loading geometry and vehicle instructions
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A low bumper, splitter, rocker panel, long wheelbase, modified suspension, or underbody battery can contact a ramp even when the car's published ground-clearance number looks adequate. Safe planning depends on the exact vehicle, approach and breakover geometry, current damage, loading surface, and approved attachment points.
Provide the year, make, model, trim, VIN when appropriate, drivetrain, suspension type, factory lift or transport mode, aftermarket lowering, aero parts, wheel and tire changes, and any prior underbody damage. Similar-looking cars can have different instructions and clearances.
Check the lowest front, center, side, and rear points—not only nominal ground clearance. Consider front and rear overhang, wheelbase, approach angle, breakover angle, ramp transition, curb, crown, garage slope, and the carrier or extraction route.
Tell dispatch whether the vehicle powers on, recognizes a key, can enter the manufacturer-approved transport or neutral mode, rolls, steers, and brakes. Report locked wheels, a parking brake that will not release, flat tires, suspension failure, collision damage, and fluid or battery hazards.
The model instructions control whether and how a tow eye or another designated point may be used. Tesla, for example, warns that pulling from chassis, frame, or suspension components can cause damage. A visible opening or strong-looking component is not automatically an approved attachment point.
The operator must assess ramp length, extensions, cribbing or other approved aids, surface grip, cable line, vehicle alignment, suspension movement, and clearance at each transition. Stop if a tire slips, a body part approaches contact, the vehicle shifts, or the planned angle no longer matches the scene.
Vehicle-specific instructions determine securement points and settings. Tesla's transporter guidance, for example, specifies tire securement and warns against attaching straps to body, chassis, or suspension parts. The procedure for one make or model must not be generalized to another.
Safe photos of the front, sides, rear, wheels, damaged areas, lowest components, garage entrance, ramps, turns, curbs, and loading space—without entering traffic.
Current owner or transport manual for the exact year, model, trim, drivetrain, suspension, and power condition; do not rely on a different model's online forum procedure.
Keys, power, gear state, parking brake, steering lock, wheel rotation, tire inflation, suspension position, tow-eye availability, and collision or underbody damage.
Posted and measured height, slope, surface, tight turns, columns, gates, speed bumps, overhead equipment, curb transitions, and space for alignment and loading.
Not as a universal rule. The approved transport method depends on the exact vehicle, drivetrain, wheels, damage, access, geometry, and manufacturer instructions. Even a carrier must have a workable loading angle and appropriate securement plan.
No. Overhang, wheelbase, approach and departure angles, breakover angle, suspension position, ramp transition, surface crown, tire condition, and body or underbody modifications can matter as much as the lowest static measurement.
No. Use only the exact attachment or pulling points allowed by the manufacturer and the equipment instructions. Chassis, suspension, steering, battery, body, and aero components can be damaged or unsafe attachment points.
From a safe position, photograph each side, wheels, lowest body parts, damage, the vehicle's position, ramp or driveway transitions, garage entrance and turns, and available loading space. Photos supplement—not replace—an on-scene assessment.
A model-specific example covering approved transport position, Tow Mode, pulling point, slow loading, tire securement, and power-loss limitations.
Manufacturer manual lookup illustrating why the exact year, model, and configuration must be checked before transport.
Federal tool for identifying VIN-encoded vehicle details; it does not replace the model's towing or transporter instructions.
External resources are provided for convenience. Tommy's is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of those organizations.
If anyone is injured, in immediate danger, facing a fire or hazardous spill, or blocking an active traffic lane, call 911 first. Move only when you can do so without entering traffic or increasing the danger.
Call live dispatch. An online form or email does not dispatch a truck.