Tow Bar Problems
The efficiency, safety and problem-free use of a tow bar to pull another vehicle depends on the right gear, the installation of all required equipment, and knowing the limitations of the tow vehicle that hauls another. Every tow situation is as different as the vehicles towing and being towed -- even with vehicles of the same make. Whether you're an experienced or inexperienced tower, consider these differences to set the parameters for using tow bars, and understand the problems that occur with them.
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Hookup
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Hooking up the tow bar requires experienced use of tools. Parts of the hookup assembly include the receiving hitch, safety cable and the baseplate used on the hauled vehicle. Improper hookup of the tow bar system leads to immediate problems that include broken parts, personal injuries and unsecured vehicles. Having the tow bar assembly installed by a professional assures fewer problems.
Wiring
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Tow bars come with electrical hookups that allow the brake and turn signal lights on the pulled vehicle to work in unison with the one pulling. To connect this wiring, you must know the location of the wiring harness of the particular vehicle. You must also know the specifications for wiring the electrical of the tow bar to any particular pulling agent hauling the attached vehicle in order to avoid tow bar vehicular violations that create a road hazard.
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Weight
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All vehicles towing any other type of vehicle have tow weight guidelines. Sedans typically have a limitation of 1,000 pounds, about the weight of a small boat. Larger vehicles such as minivans have a towing capability up to 3,500 pounds. Noncommercial pickups and SUVs may pull as much as 5,000 pounds.
Suspension
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Upward-give suspension of the vehicle towing another puts extreme stress on all tow bar parts if the hauled vehicle dips and pulls down at the same time. In particular with this continued abuse, the suspension parts, tires and alignment of the towed vehicle noticeably begin wearing away, or worse, may break during the towing.
Angle
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It is critical for you to identify when the angle of a tow bar is not parallel with the ground. The ball coupler attaches with a baseplate onto the hauled vehicle and connects to another ball on or under the rear bumper of a tow vehicle. Angled-upward tow bars cause more vertical stress on both vehicles. Improper alignment can cause the tow bar to snap off or the coupler to twist off, resulting in a dangerous runaway vehicle. Ideally, the tow bar installation is no more than four inches higher than the connection plate. At this height, the tow bar is even with the ground.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Runew
