tow points on 500 abarth

[WTFiat]

Finally I got stuck in some snow and ice. A couple of cool guys stopped to help but there was no good spot to hook onto. Especially since their truck was so high and the Strap would've been pushing on the bumper or diffuser. It wasn't anything very deep so pushing and spinning worked out but it raised a good question that I haven't been able to find a qood answer to yet. maybe asking how are they're pulled onto flatbeds if their engines die might help? Appreciate your thoughts

[DuckDodgers]

Manual only says "Use only tow bars and other designed for this purpose...Attach a tow bar or other towind device to main structural members of the vehicle, not to bumpers or assicoated brackets"

Short answer is no attach points for towing or tow eyes in the bumpers.

[James Turner]

I use to drive tow truck and assisted my old boss in loading my Abarth on a flatbed...also recovery (as OP is concerned)

Before I explain I am very disappointed of the lack of jack points, tow hooks, etc...

TOWING:

We just used a J-hook on the control arm to pull it up on. Not the way I'd prefer...However there are locations I believe for T-hooks. (these go in and you rotate them to "lock" them into holes near the pinch weld) This would be the preferred way in my opinion.

Best way to strap down would be wheel straps or again T-hook for the front and rear.

When we did we just put the J-hook around the rear axle. I tightened it down very slightly.


RECOVERY:

Considering FIAT thinks the cars will never get stuck or break down this is going to be a issue. How they didn't include Eye bolts or tow hook is beyond me.


In the event of a recovery (which can vary immensely depending on the angle or position of car) You are pretty much limited to hooking onto suspension components. The T-hook points are NOT strong enough.

You can also use a strap and wrap it around the tire (behind) or go through the wheel itself.


Hope this helps.

[lammie200]

I agree that there should be J-hook. One of my old cars had to be "extracted" from a parking garage by being dragged up 5 floors to the exit. Ceilings heights were too low to get it out any other way.