How to Tow a Truck

If you need to tow a truck, you can possibly do it yourself if you have a vehicle with the capacity to tow the weight of the truck. Larger trucks will likely need a heavy duty tow truck with an open platform to complete the job. The following are the steps you can take to tow a smaller truck or sports utility vehicle.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tow dolly
• Towing chains
• Vehicle with hitch

1. Use a tow trailer that can fit the size of truck that you plan to tow. Due to the likely heaviness of the truck, a tow dolly will probably be the best choice since it will not add on as much weight as a full size trailer.

2. Check the towing capacity of your hitch to ensure that you can safely tow the truck. The hitch will give you a number that you must not exceed when towing a truck. To get the figure, add up the truck's weight as well as the tow dolly that you plan to use.

3. Load the truck onto the tow dolly. Line up the wheels with the ramps and slowly drive the front wheels until you are flush with the wheels and the weight is evenly distributed. You may want to use a person on ground to direct you during this process. Turn on the emergency brake of the truck before exiting.

4. Connect the towing chains to the truck. Use heavy duty forged chains to ensure that the chains hold during towing. Secure the truck to the dolly by wrapping the chains around the tires and under the body of the truck.

5. Release the emergency brake and start to accelerate in the tow vehicle. Go slowly at first to ensure that the truck is properly secured and you are able to pull it without difficulty. Avoid busy streets and highways and keep at a moderate speed. Also, plan to make wider turns when you tow a truck.