How to Tow a Vehicle
Are you planning a vacation trip in an RV and want to take your car with you? Bringing your regular vehicle with you will allow you get around on quick excursions when driving your RV would be inconvenient. Like you, many people are choosing to tow their vehicle when they go on vacation. This article will show you how to safely tow your vehicle so you can enjoy the freedom and adventure of traveling the great outdoors.
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Things You'll Need
- Car tow dolly Tow vehicle with trailer hitch and ball Tow lights Automotive socket wrenches Open end wrenches
Instructions
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Verify what type of drive train your vehicle has. Is it a 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive? Is it front wheel drive or rear wheel drive? Yes, it does make a difference. In order to tow a rear wheel drive vehicle, the drive train must be removed or you risk damaging your transmission.
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Obtain a car tow dolly from local a moving center or rental supply store. Connect tow dolly to ball hitch of the towed vehicle. Secure tow dolly by connecting the chains on the front of the dolly to the frame of the other vehicle. Lower ramps on tow dolly and drive vehicle to be towed up onto the ramps. Secure towed vehicle by using chains on the tow dolly ramp, connecting them to the frame of the towed vehicle.
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3
Disconnect and remove drive train of towed vehicle and place it safely in the trunk of the vehicle or somewhere that you can get to it when you reach your destination. Secure towing light to back of towed vehicle and plug pigtail electric plug into the towing vehicles outlet.
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Verify that all lights and signals are working properly before you begin driving. Make sure the majority of the weight is evenly distributed and not all in the rear of the vehicle. If you ever experience your towed vehicle swaying or not driving evenly, slow down and calmly pull off the road to check all tires and connections.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure when driving you give yourself extra stopping distance from other vehicles to account for the added weight. Check all connections and lights whenever stopping for a break.
Some states require vehicles towing another vehicle to stay in right-hand or slow traffic lane. Always be aware of local roadway laws. Make sure that the vehicle you are using to tow with can handle the weight of towing an additional vehicle. Never tow a vehicle with someone riding in the towed vehicle.
