How to Tow Front Drive Cars
You will probably need to tow a vehicle at some point, whether it is because the vehicle is disabled or you are towing the family car behind an RV. The front wheels must be off the ground to prevent lubrication problems within the transmission as a general rule when towing a front wheel drive vehicle.
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Instructions
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Hooking the Tow Dolly to the Tow Vehicle
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1
Loosen the coupler latch and place the coupler on the ball of the trailer hitch.
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2
Tighten the coupler latch and put the safety pin in place. Tug upward on the tongue of the tow dolly to make sure it is properly seated. It should be secured tightly to the ball.
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3
Connect the wires for the tail lights to the electrical port on the towing vehicle.
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4
Cross the two safety chains under the tongue and secure them to the hitch. Leave enough slack for turns.
Attaching the Vehicle to the Tow Dolly
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5
Ensure the vehicles are on level ground and parked straight.
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6
Lift the ratchet handle and let the safety straps out all the way. Lay the straps out flat off the platform of the dolly.
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7
Release the locking pin from the platform and allow the platform to tilt backward.
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8
Drive the front wheels of the front wheel drive vehicle onto the platform until the tires rest in the wheel stops. The platform will rock forward.
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9
Replace the locking pin in the platform.
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10
Engage the parking brake of the vehicle and place it in low gear if it is a standard transmission and park for an automatic transmission.
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11
Center the ratchets in front of the tires and pull the straps over them. Pull them as tight as you can, and place the ratchet in the down position.
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12
Hook the safety chains from the platform to the frame of the vehicle.
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13
Lock the steering wheel and remove the parking brake.
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14
Test the set up by towing the vehicle about 100 feet and performing a safety check of all connections and safety devices.
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15
Check the set up again after 5 miles and then every 50 miles after that. Perform a safety check each time.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Towing vehicles should be equipped with a 2 inch ball.
Do not exceed posted speed limits.
Do not back up with the tow dolly attached to the towing vehicle.
