Towing apparatus for coupling to towed vehicle undercarriage

Apparatus adapted to be disposed on a first motor vehicle for lifting a second motor vehicle at least partly from the ground whereby the first motor vehicle can tow the second motor vehicle, comprising:

• first arm means pivotable about a first pivot point on the first motor vehicle and extending toward the rear of said first motor vehicle;
• first force supplying means coupled to said first arm means and further coupled to the first motor vehicle for providing a force to said first arm means to move the first arm means about the first pivot point, thereby raising a rearward end of said first arm means;
• and further comprising
• second arm means coupled to the rearward end of the first arm means and disposed transverse to said first arm means and having two ends, respective third arm means being disposed pivotally at said ends of said second arm means for movement in a substantially horizontal plane and extending rearwardly, second force supplying means for causing movement of said third arm means, each of said third arm means further including at least two retaining means disposed thereon and extending upwardly and spaced an adjustable distance apart for engaging an undercarriage portion of the second motor vehicle to be towed between said retaining means, adjusting means comprising active third force supplying means being provided for adjusting the distance between said retaining means to accommodate said undercarriage portion, said retaining means being operated by said third force supplying means in opposite directions, said third force supplying means being disposed on said third arm means, at least one of said retaining means on each third arm means being movably disposed on said third arm means, said first force supplying means moving said first arm means whereby when said undercarriage portion of the second motor vehicle is engaged by said third arm means between the retaining means, said first force supplying means can be activated to raise said first, second and third arm means and at least partly lift said second motor vehicle from the ground for towing.