Tow trucks

[Lady_Disdain]

Why do tow companies always feel somewhat sleazy? I can't put my finger on it but I got the same impression from the 3 I have had contact with (including one that was certainly sleazy, since they ripped my friend off).

Yup, guess who had to get her car towed this weekend?

 

[TC1987]

Puh-leeeeeeeze
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPRzh9pyEhI

 

[erinl]

My car was totalled while sitting in front of my house--a drunk stole an ambulance and took it for a joyride--into my car and 4 others. It was a big scene, tons of cops, fire trucks etc. It happened in the middle of the night, whole mess concluded at about 4 am. What I didn't expect were all the unsolicited tow trucks-- I guess a couple neighbors own towing businesses and witnessed the accident. Starting at 4 am, they kept ringing my bell and saying I had to tow my car or the city would ticket me (not true). One of them got pretty rude, I ended up having to bring the police back! So I am a little wary of tow trucks myself.

 

[Karl_K]

I deal only with owner/operators.
They are usual much better to deal with than the large outfits.
I keep a list of a few in my wallet.

 

[davi_el_mejor]

They have a job to do just like many of us... it's unfortunate that most of them give us the creeps (me included)

It's a very dangerous job too...

 

[iheartscience]

Making money doing something that makes people sad/mad is a rough spot to be in. I never blame tow truck companies though. If people get towed it's their own fault! (And yes, I have been towed for unpaid parking tickets before! )

 

[iheartscience]

BTW, I now live in Philly where they ticket and tow every day of the week. Only city in the country that tickets and tows on Sunday! Good thing I don't have a car anymore! (My husband has a car but we pay for a parking spot for it.)

 

[FrekeChild]

Isn't there some crazy tow truck show? we watched it in a hotel a couple years ago, but I can't remember. I think it was in NJ or Philly or something?

 

[audball]

We have a lot of apartment complexes around here that tow. I'm fine with it as long as there are enough marked visitor/guest spots. My friend lives in a complex that has less than 10 guest spots. It frustrates me so much we never do anything at her place because I'm not willing to take the risk of being towed.

 

[Skippy123]

I keep a number of a good tow truck company in my wallet; I have dealt with one bad one so now I hang on to a good company's number. I think the AAA guys are pretty helpful if you don't mind paying for a membership.

 

[FrekeChild]

Isn't there some crazy tow truck show? we watched it in a hotel a couple years ago, but I can't remember. I think it was in NJ or Philly or something?

 

[kefira]

They seem kind of parasitic, if you ask me. They charge you up the wazoo just because they can. So glad I don't drive.

 

[audball]

We have a lot of apartment complexes around here that tow. I'm fine with it as long as there are enough marked visitor/guest spots. My friend lives in a complex that has less than 10 guest spots. It frustrates me so much we never do anything at her place because I'm not willing to take the risk of being towed.

 

[kiett98]

Isn't there some crazy tow truck show? we watched it in a hotel a couple years ago, but I can't remember. I think it was in NJ or Philly or something?

Parking Wars. I enjoy watching it onDemand on the weekends.

 

[missy]

Sorry about your car Lady Disdain!

I feel that way about anyone you need in an emergency. For the most part they have you over a barrel so to speak and you are sort of at their mercy. I always get uneasy when I need help and have few options. Tow truck is but one. When our A/C broke on a hot holiday weekend I was uneasy as well. You will pay whatever you need to in order to get relief. Same thing with Sandy right now. People need help and I am concerned that some will be taken advantage of. Sad but true. Did you guys hear the stories of gasoline price gouging that was happening?

I don't know- I sometimes feel overwhelmed by how many dishonest people there are and I am bit cynical about it all. My dh OTOH is very trusting so perhaps we balance each other out...

 

[kenny]

I just call AAA.
They screen and send a tow truck out.
I've never gotten sleaze vibes from the guys... then again maybe you mean men hitting on women vibes.

 

[Dee*Jay]

I once had a tow truck driver who felt so bad for me after towing my Pontiac Fiero for the umteenth time that he bought me lunch. It was only Al's Italian Beef, but I appreciated the gesture.

 

[kenny]

I once had a tow truck driver who felt so bad for me after towing my Pontiac Fiero for the umteenth time that he bought me lunch. It was only Al's Italian Beef, but I appreciated the gesture.

Some of those guys are cute.
So, was he good in bed?

 

[Lady_Disdain]

I've never gotten sleaze vibes from the guys... then again maybe you mean men hitting on women vibes.

Nope, I mean the "I will rip you off vibes".

Like Missy said, a lot of emergency services charge outrageously, if not outright hold you hostage (my friend's car was held, for example), since you aren't in a position to compare prices. I have no problem with market economy but exploiting people is not ok.

 

[Dee*Jay]

I once had a tow truck driver who felt so bad for me after towing my Pontiac Fiero for the umteenth time that he bought me lunch. It was only Al's Italian Beef, but I appreciated the gesture.

Some of those guys are cute.
So, was he good in bed?

Ha! The relationship only went as far as a dipped shaved beef* and some fries.

(*And why does that sound so dirty?!?)