Product details
Heavy duty 3.5 tonne recovery tow pole – 3 piece, 1.8 to 2.6 metre
This SMC Direct tow pole is the sort of kit you want when things go a bit pear-shaped. It’s a three-piece telescopic pole that extends from 1.8m to 2.6m, rated to 3.5 tonne, and will hook up to a vehicle towing eye or a standard 50mm tow ball. Quick to assemble, simple to stow in the boot and solid enough for short-distance recoveries and emergency roadside use — no faff, just get the job done.
quick overview
It’s built from 50mm and 40mm thick-walled box-section steel, joined with high-tensile locking nuts and supplied with hardy 12mm D-shackle connectors at both ends. A quality German-made trailer hitch is included, so you can attach straight to a 50mm tow ball without fiddly adapters. Finished in a black high-gloss protective coating to resist corrosion, it’s rugged enough to be kept in the boot and used when needed.
what it does well
- Gives a safe, rigid connection for short towing jobs and emergency recoveries when used correctly.
- Telescopes for extra reach in tight parking spots or when a towing eye is awkward to reach.
- Breaks down into three compact sections to tuck away neatly in most boots without hogging space.
- Box-section steel and high-tensile fasteners make it a robust, confidence-inspiring bit of kit under load.
specifications and fittings
Key technical points to keep in mind:
- Rated capacity: 3.5 tonne.
- Length assembled: 1.8m to 2.6m.
- Construction: 50mm & 40mm thick-walled box-section steel.
- Connectors: replaceable heavy-duty 12mm D-shackles at each end and supplied 50mm trailer hitch.
- Finish: black high-gloss protective coating.
when to use it
Perfect for roadside breakdowns, moving a disabled car off a busy lane, farmyard pulls or short transfers between nearby sites. It’s ideal for motorists who want a practical, reliable way to get a vehicle to safety without always waiting for a flatbed. It’s not a substitute for professional recovery over long distances or for vehicles exceeding the rated weight.
safety and a few important notes
Always check the towing eye and vehicle towing limits in the handbook before you use it. Make sure the D-shackles and locking nuts are correctly fitted and fully tightened. You’re responsible for using the pole within legal and manufacturer limits — don’t exceed the 3.5 tonne rating and don’t try to use it for tasks it wasn’t made for. For motorway or public road use, follow local towing laws and ensure both vehicles are secured properly. If in doubt, get a professional to advise.
No one wants to be faffing about on the hard shoulder — this tow pole gets you set up quickly and tucked away just as fast. A sensible, heavy-duty bit of kit to keep in the boot when things go wrong.