Turo guest towing my truck

[DaBagBoy]

Yesterday a Turo guest pickup up my truck for a 24 hour rental. I noted they stopped at a local store about a mile from pickup and called as the cameras suggested they were working on the tires, so I asked about a flat?

No they were strapping it down on a flatbread to haul it about 100 miles away. Why? "they didn't want to pay the mileage charge" while I understand as the mileage was limited to 100 miles/day and the overmileage rate would have been about $3.25/mile.

Guests are not allowed to tow cars per Turo TOS. The truck has been returned (on the flatbed again).
Now I don't mind letting people "use" my truck but now that the car is back I need to confirm there was no damage. What things are the mostly likely to be damaged by an inexperienced flatbed operator?

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[DaBagBoy]

Grok wasn't much help stating

Since the Tesla Cybertruck was running fine before and after being loaded onto the flatbed, some of the more severe risks—like motor overheating or fire from wheel spin—are likely avoided, assuming the vehicle was properly secured and Tow Mode was engaged to prevent wheel rotation. However, an inexperienced flatbed tow operator can still cause other types of damage to the Cybertruck, even if it appears to run fine afterward. Here are potential issues to look out for:

1. Undercarriage and Suspension Damage: If the Cybertruck was improperly loaded—such as being dragged onto the flatbed without Tow Mode activated (which disengages the parking brake)—the undercarriage, suspension components, or wheel assemblies could have been stressed or scraped. The Cybertruck’s air suspension, if not set to the correct height during loading, might also have been damaged.
2. Body and Structural Damage: The Cybertruck’s stainless steel exoskeleton is tough, but incorrect tie-down methods can cause dents, scratches, or stress on the frame. If the operator didn’t use the proper eight-point tie-down method or secured the vehicle using incorrect points (like the wheels instead of the designated tow hooks), it could lead to subtle structural damage or misalignment over time.
3. Tow Hook and Mounting Point Stress: The Cybertruck has specific tow hooks under the front fascia. If the operator used improper attachment points or applied excessive force while winching, the tow hooks or surrounding mounting areas could be bent or weakened, affecting future towing capability.
4. Electrical and Sensor Damage: The Cybertruck relies heavily on sensors for its Autopilot and other systems. If the vehicle was mishandled during loading (e.g., scraping against the flatbed or improper angling), sensors, cameras, or wiring harnesses could have been damaged. This might not be immediately noticeable but could lead to issues like misaligned cameras or faulty proximity sensors later.
5. Battery Pack Damage: The Cybertruck’s battery pack is located in the floor. If the flatbed loading process involved dragging or excessive tilting without proper support, the battery pack could have been impacted. Even minor damage to the battery pack can lead to long-term issues like reduced range, charging problems, or, in rare cases, thermal runaway (though this would likely cause immediate symptoms).
6. Alignment and Tire Wear: Improper loading or securing can put uneven stress on the wheels, potentially leading to misalignment. This might not be obvious right away but could cause uneven tire wear, vibrations, or handling issues over time.

What to Check:

• Inspect the Undercarriage: Look for scratches, dents, or damage to the battery pack, suspension, or skid plates.
• Check Sensors and Cameras: Test Autopilot features and look for warning messages about sensor malfunctions.
• Examine Tie-Down Points: Ensure the tow hooks and mounting areas aren’t bent or damaged.
• Monitor Driving Behavior: Pay attention to any new vibrations, pulling, or unusual noises that might indicate alignment or suspension issues.
• Battery Health: Watch for changes in range or charging behavior, and have the battery pack inspected by a Tesla service center if you suspect an issue.

Even if the Cybertruck runs fine now, subtle damage from improper towing can lead to problems down the road. If you’re concerned, a visit to a Tesla service center for a full inspection would be a good precaution. Damage from improper towing isn’t covered by Tesla’s warranty, so documenting the tow process and any visible issues might be helpful for insurance claims.

 

[mongo]

Yesterday a Turo guest pickup up my truck for a 24 hour rental. I noted they stopped at a local store about a mile from pickup and called as the cameras suggested they were working on the tires, so I asked about a flat?

No they were strapping it down on a flatbread to haul it about 100 miles away. Why? "they didn't want to pay the mileage charge" while I understand as the mileage was limited to 100 miles/day and the overmileage rate would have been about $3.25/mile.

Guests are not allowed to tow cars per Turo TOS. The truck has been returned (on the flatbed again).
Now I don't mind letting people "use" my truck but now that the car is back I need to confirm there was no damage. What things are the mostly likely to be damaged by an inexperienced flatbed operator?

Check undercarriage and suspension for signs they hooked to something they shouldn't have

Ideally, the truck would have driven on/ off and tire slings are fairly benign.

 

[Jhodgesatmb]

I haven’t (and wouldn’t) rent my truck out to anyone. With that as a proviso it seems to me that once someone has your truck they are in control, and that renting your truck out is a risky business as a result. By the way, I feel the same way about AirB&B.

 

[65SoYoLO]

you can make any rules you want, in writing, in stone, in blood. But that does nothing to stop people from abusing your property and then you have to deal with the results. I hope there is no damage to your truck.

 

[ABILISK]

Hopefully they drove it on and off the flatbed, but just in case I’d check the front tow hooks and the rear safety chain attachment points. As an added precaution I’d check the control arms just in case they were stupid enough to put hooks on those. And wouldn’t hurt to check the wheels for scratches (hopefully they used straps for those, but I’ve seen people use chains - if you use wheel covers I’d take a peek underneath those).

Just out of curiosity, what do you charge for 100 miles of driving it? That’s basically nothing…

 

[Outdoors]

Lent often my truck, but never would charge. It is unfortunate in today's world many feel like. I paid for it so I get to abuse it. Why I don't know. I knew a guy that cleaned rental cars post use. Said I would be shocked at the crap found and how disgusting people in general are.

 

[ABILISK]

Lent often my truck, but never would charge. It is unfortunate in today's world many feel like. I paid for it so I get to abuse it. Why I don't know. I knew a guy that cleaned rental cars post use. Said I would be shocked at the crap found and how disgusting people in general are.

I bet a lot of us would be. I kinda fear what Cybercab interiors will look like after a couple months of ridesharing.

 

[DaBagBoy]

Hopefully they drove it on and off the flatbed, but just in case I’d check the front tow hooks and the rear safety chain attachment points. As an added precaution I’d check the control arms just in case they were stupid enough to put hooks on those. And wouldn’t hurt to check the wheels for scratches (hopefully they used straps for those, but I’ve seen people use chains - if you use wheel covers I’d take a peek underneath those).

Just out of curiosity, what do you charge for 100 miles of driving it? That’s basically nothing…

I clear about $300/day + over 100 miles is about $3/day

Update-
Truck Inspection was fine - Turo support told me to file it as a late return - but I emailed them pix - they returned it early so I don't want to file a late return - I'm assuming they drove it onto the bed in high or extract - tires were <30% remaining anyway and don't appear to have bald spots so at this point I don't think I will bill them damages.

But since this is the second time I've had clear T&C violations and Turo's answer was "we will give them a warning"

The first was a guest that flew into Detroit from Italy for the North American International Auto Show - drove 4,000 miles around the Midwest - to Canada paid over $4k - car returned with vehicle testing logs for 6 EVs they were testing on the tour = clear "commercial use"

 

[hemiarch]

The flatbed towing thing is super weird

 

[Miznat411]

We have a couple of air bnb’s and some people just destroy things or smoke in the units and then have the nerve to deny all of it. Thankful for Aircover (air bnb insurance)

 

[Docedward]

I had mine towed on a flat bed with no parking brake and it was in full panic mode (red screen of panic with alerts blaring and “Freeroll” on screen). Tow guy never towed a Cybertruck, much less one in freeroll. He strapped down every damn angle and arm and nook he could to keep the CT’s chubby 6,600 lb belly from rolling off into traffic for in the cab of the tow truck and taking us out. 3,000 miles later seems like CT is pretty hard to hurt.

Also note that the brights were on and left on while towing in I40 at night. We got all kinds of middle fingers. But in panic mode, you can’t turn off lights or anything.

 

[Effonefiddy Lightning]

Yesterday a Turo guest pickup up my truck for a 24 hour rental. I noted they stopped at a local store about a mile from pickup and called as the cameras suggested they were working on the tires, so I asked about a flat?

No they were strapping it down on a flatbread to haul it about 100 miles away. Why? "they didn't want to pay the mileage charge" while I understand as the mileage was limited to 100 miles/day and the overmileage rate would have been about $3.25/mile.

Guests are not allowed to tow cars per Turo TOS. The truck has been returned (on the flatbed again).
Now I don't mind letting people "use" my truck but now that the car is back I need to confirm there was no damage. What things are the mostly likely to be damaged by an inexperienced flatbed operator?

I've never heard a Turo story where the renter washed and detailed the vehicle and it smelled like roses when they returned it. Always a negative story. So why people use Turo is beyond me.

 

[hemiarch]

Because if slightly more than half your miles are rental miles, the full value of the vehicle is deductible as a commercial vehicle.

 

[mongo]

Because if slightly more than half your miles are rental miles, the full value of the vehicle is deductible as a commercial vehicle.

Isn’t it proportional to business vs personal use? Are you thinking of the 50% use rule that prevents first year bonus depreciation from being clawed back?

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