Towing using a solid tow pole

[loverboy]

Hi, I had to tow another car the other night. All I had was a tow rope.The fun and games I had was unbelievable.The rope broke 5 times. So i decided there and then, when I eventually reached my destination, that never again, I would invest in a solid tow pole, one that splits into three.
However when I looked into my handbook it warned that a solid tow pole should not be used on the FRONT towing point. Its ok at the rear but not the front.
Anybody any ideas as to why because I really wanted a solid tow pole rather than a toe rope.
My car is a Ford Focus Mk2.

[gonzo00]

just to let you know...i was stopped and cautioned by the police only last week for using a proper towing strap..apparently since the change in the towing laws ,you must use a towing pole!

[loverboy]

Thanks for that gonzo00. It looks like my options are limited. I will just have to take a chance with the tow pole and hope for the best.

[tufty7]

the advice regarding the towing pole on the focus may be because it could shock the airbag into activating,
As for the rope snapping , that I am afraid is the problem of the rope not being strong enough or most probably you and the driver of the car being towed,
When towing a car it is for the driver being towed to brake first to keep the rope taught to stop the rope snatching and snapping when you accelerate off,
in a nutshell use a rope up to the job , keep it tight between the vehicles and no sudden acceleration then you should be just fine.....

To add to that towing poles are not fool proof either , I once witnessed the AA rescuing someone who had broke down at some traffic lights, he put the pole on and got in and pulled the car straight into the traffic light pole smashing the front end badly , the moral of the story , always make sure your key is in the ignition and the steering lock is off ......

[loverboy]

Thank you for your answer tufty7. I know what you mean about trying to keep the tow rope taught but it is not as easy as it seems especially due to the car being towed having no ignition therefore no servo with the brakes.