C 7 Corvette towing solution (Tow Hook)

[John H.]

Fellow members just a heads up about towing 2017 Corvettes. Some of you may already know, but in case some don't... The 17 Corvettes have a tow hook provision although the 2017 manual doesn't say anything about it being there. I believe the tow hook provision is on 2015 and up; but sadly, GM doesn't ship car's in the US with a tow hook only exports. The tray above the battery has a cut out, but no hook. They are available from the dealer for 116-dollars, but no local dealers had them in stock. GM cost is 71 so negotiate as you see fit.

My 2017 Gran Sport had a no start issue on Friday with a 1044 miles. Battery was fine, connections good, but no cranking. Initial thoughts was maybe a remote issue so we tried different remotes. After some other troubleshooting waived the flag and called On-Star to arrange towing. Always fun talking with On-Star... His American name was CJ, but spoke with a thick middle eastern call center voice.... Being a car guy I've been left on the side of the road more than once, so I suggested a tow company I was familiar with only to have On-Star select a different company. We were given a time they would be there by and after waiting for the driver past the guaranteed time called them directly only to find out "he can't haul it"... Called On-Star again and another tow was arranged. The new driver and I got off to a bumpy start, but did finish well. He commented at-least I showed up... Well an A for effort was given. He wanted me to sign a damage waiver; which was a deal breaker for me.

Fellow NCRS Member and good friend John Sigmund who helped with the initial trouble shooting, jump starting and poured through the owners manual found nothing about towing. We noticed a provision for a tow hook on the rear bumper drivers side and removed the cover. The front is on the passenger side near the top of the grill. As mentioned above no hook available locally in our area, so we turned to Google and found the size for the bolt from the aftermarket vendors selling them. We were able to get a M20x2.5 forged eye hook for 20 dollars and the car was loaded without a mark. We helped the driver with blocking as the car was winched helps prevent dragging the nose. Hope this helps anyone with a break down.

[Michael J.]

Re: C 7 Corvette towing solution (Tow Hook)

Interesting story John. I had not thought about that with my '12 ZR1, but I guess I should. My wife's '12 SRX Caddy had a major electrical malfunction, shorted alternator, which took out the battery and several other electronic things, the AAA guy arrived (I gave up on OnStar long ago), said there should be a tow hook, in the place it should be in the rear tray, there was nothing. He had one that worked, used it, the dealer said many of the cars they get delivered new do not have the tow hooks included from the factory, we paid $200 to get one in from 400 miles away the next day. It probably pays to look for them in all your cars.

BTW, nice to visit at the National, and the guy who slipped off his ramp loading on Thursday really appreciated you being there........

[John H.]

Re: C 7 Corvette towing solution (Tow Hook)

Always nice to visit with you too. Congratulations on the Four Star Bow Tie for your 81. As for our friend with the 66... I worked in a couple of body shops as a young kid and worked on a tow truck during high school. You learn to block and jack a fair amount to rescue cars. Hopefully the owner didn't do too much harm to the car.

[Michael J.]

Re: C 7 Corvette towing solution (Tow Hook)

Congrats on your Duntov Award too. That is a difficult journey. Your skills and experience showed in deftly getting that car back on the ramps. I don't think there was any serious damage.