A tow device having a mounting bracket adapted for vehicle mounting, a spring-loaded bobbin, a hollow telescoping rod, a tow line, and a handle. The hollow telescoping rod, which can be automatically extended, has one end attached to the mounting bracket while the other end is mounted for pivotal movement. The tow line extends longitudinally through the hollow telescoping rod and is attached to the handle at one end and the spring-loaded bobbin at the other end.