When I was stationed in Germany back in the mid-80s. I fell in love with autobahn driving. Since I was of meagre means, but addicted to driving, I had lots of -on it’s last legs- (TUV relative) cars. So, I got towed from time to time
by well intentioned locals. Getting hauled down the autobahn at 160+ kph by a mercedes W123 class vehicle in a VW van was the very soul
of excitement.
All that said, the handiest piece of gear one
could (and was required to carry) was a tow
rope.
These tow ropes, (the better ones) were hookless
polypro ropes. One would loop one end through
the towing eye on a car, then force the strands
in the rope apart, and stuff the end of the rope
back down inside the rope sheath, where it would
be grabbed and held like those old chinese finger
trap/hand cuff toys of old. This worked really
well.
I’ve been looking for this product for many
years, (without success) in the US. That, and
a proper German first aid kit, like you could
buy in any fuel stop over there.
Anyone have any idea where I could find such a thing?
I always used tow straps or chains, not ropes, so I can’t help you on that one.
However, on the first aid kit, google DIN 13164 and you will find several vendors.
Since I am relatively cheap, I would build my own from this item list, DIN 13164 approved:
(DIN 13164)
Contents according to DIN 13164, the industry standard first aid kit solution for cars, vans and commercial vehicles when on the move.
Contents
Adhesive Tape X 1
Adhesive Bandages X 8
Large First Aid Packet X 1
Medium First Aid Packets X 3
Large Bandaging Cloth X 1
Small Bandaging Cloths X 2
Large Gauze Bandages X 3
Small Gauze Bandages X 2
Gauze Dressings X 6
Triangular Bandages(size 9) X 2
Gloves (pairs) X 4
Emergency Foil Blanket X 1
Scissors X 1
It’s illegal to tow a car on a tow rope in NH. A tow bar with backup safety chains is required. I suspect many states have similar laws.