Need a Tow With a Roof Box or Bike Rack? Here’s What to Tell Dispatch

A car with a roof box or bike rack can often be towed safely without removing the attachments. The towing operator will need to check how they’re fitted and whether they can stay in place during loading and transport.

When you call for winter roadside assistance in Calgary, mention the roof box or bike rack and any bikes or skis you’re carrying. Ask whether anything needs to come off and how your belongings will be handled if it does.

What Should You Tell Dispatch When You Need Winter Roadside Assistance?

When you call for a tow, the dispatcher will usually ask for your location, vehicle details and what happened. You don’t need to prepare a long list of information, but there are a few things worth mentioning if your car has a roof box or bike rack attached.

In particular, let them know:

• What’s attached to your car: Mention the roof box or bike rack and whether you’re carrying bikes, skis or other gear.
• Whether anything is damaged: Tell them if the attachments are loose, broken or frozen in place.
• Where your car is parked: If you’re in an underground garage, mention any posted height limits or tight spaces that could affect access.

You don’t need to know the exact height of your car or how the attachments should be removed. The dispatcher can ask further questions if needed.

A photo of the roof box, bike rack or garage clearance sign may also help. You can ask whether dispatch would like one, but only take photos when it’s safe to do so.

Can Your Car Be Towed With a Roof Box or Bike Rack?

In many cases, yes. A roof box or bike rack can stay attached, provided there’s enough room to load the car and the attachment is secure. The tow truck driver will check this before moving your vehicle.

Towing a Car With a Roof Box

You may be able to leave the roof box on your car. But the extra height can cause problems when the car is loaded onto a flatbed truck or needs to come out of a parking garage with a low ceiling.

The box must also be closed and firmly attached. Thule’s roof-box safety instructions advise checking the lid, locks and mounting hardware before travelling.

If the box has come loose, the lid won’t shut or the mounts were damaged, tell the driver before loading begins. Don’t climb onto your car to inspect the box if you’re stopped beside traffic.

Towing a Car With a Bike Rack

A bike rack can also stay on in some cases, but where it’s mounted makes a difference. A hitch-mounted rack extends behind the car, while a roof-mounted rack makes it taller. A trunk-mounted rack may affect access to the rear of the vehicle.

If your bikes are still on the rack, mention how many you’re carrying and whether any are heavy e-bikes. The driver can check if there’s enough room to load the car with everything attached.

Your car may be suitable for a flatbed tow truck or a wheel-lift truck. This depends on the vehicle, the rack and the space available. The driver can explain which method is suitable and whether anything needs to come off first.

Further Reading: When Should You Choose Flatbed Towing Over Other Towing Methods?

What if Your Roof Box or Bike Rack Has to Come Off?

The tow truck driver may need to remove your roof box or bike rack before loading the car. But where will it go afterward? Your skis might fit inside the car, but the roof box itself may be too large. Finding room for several bicycles could be difficult too.

Before taking anything off, ask the driver whether the equipment can travel with your car. If there’s no room on the truck, you may need someone to collect it. You should also check who can help with removal and whether it will cost extra.

If the locks are frozen or the mounts are damaged, tell the driver. Don’t try to force them loose, especially if you’re stopped beside traffic.

You can raise these concerns when you first call for a tow, so you know what arrangements may be needed for your belongings.

Does Your Parking Garage Have Enough Clearance?

Your car can still be towed from an underground parking garage, even when space is limited. The towing company may need to use a smaller, low-clearance tow truck. If your car has a roof box or roof-mounted bikes, the operator will need to account for their height as well.

When you call for a tow, mention that your car is in a parking garage and share the height limit posted at the entrance. It’s also worth mentioning any narrow ramps, low ceilings or tight turns.

AAA Towing provides specialized underground towing services in Calgary, with low-profile tow trucks and operators experienced in working in tight parking structures. Their team can assess the garage access, your vehicle’s attachments and the equipment needed to recover your car safely.

Further Reading: How Underground Towing Works

What Should You Expect From a Towing Service in Calgary?

When you call for a tow, you want to know how soon someone can reach you and whether your car will be handled with care. If you have a roof box or bike rack attached, you should also be able to ask the driver how it will be handled before loading begins.

AAA Towing customer Mike Cumberland had a tire failure on Deerfoot Trail. In his Google review, he shared that Tyler arrived at the promised time and took care not to cause further damage while loading his car. Tyler also helped get the vehicle into his garage at home.

Carolina Campana had a different experience but was just as pleased with the service. She praised Slavik for being polite and explaining what he was doing while loading and securing her car inside a container.

For Nosheen Swar, getting help quickly was important. Her family had four damaged tires late at night, and she said the tow truck arrived within 15 minutes. The driver waited for them, loaded the car and helped them get home. Arrival times will vary, but you can ask dispatch for an estimate when you call.

Need a Tow in Calgary?

If your car has broken down with a roof box or bike rack attached, call 403-287-9612 or contact AAA Towing. Tell us where you’re parked and what’s attached to your car. We’ll discuss the towing options, whether anything needs to come off and when a truck may be available.

AAA Towing provides towing and roadside assistance in Calgary and surrounding areas. Our team can help you work out the next steps without leaving you guessing about what will happen to your vehicle or belongings.