How to Tow With a Pickup Truck
Towing a vehicle with a pickup truck is relatively simple if you are properly prepared. Although there are many ways to tow a vehicle, the safest way is to use a trailer that has been designed to support the weight of the car that you are transporting. Using a car trailer does not hinder the performance of your pickup truck nearly as much as some of the other options available to you.
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Instructions
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1
Rent or buy a trailer that has been specifically made for towing a vehicle. Make sure that the one you choose comes with a set of ramps, so that you can roll the vehicle up onto the trailer without much effort. Some trailers also come equipped with a towing winch, which will keep you from having to manually push the vehicle.
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Connect the trailer's light cable hookup and hitch assembly to the back of the truck. The trailer hitch fits over the tow ball or hitch on the back bumper of the pickup. The light hookup is a female connector, into which the truck's male connector fits. Connect any safety chains that were included with the trailer purchase or rental, as well.
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Slowly drive, or winch, the car up onto the trailer, then secure it with the safety straps and included chains. Place the vehicle in park, and set the parking brake to prevent the car from rolling backwards.
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Lift or remove the ramps from the back of the trailer. Your pickup truck will now be ready to transport the vehicle to its new destination.
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Tips & Warnings
If your pickup truck does not come with a trailer hitch, you can purchase a kit and install one yourself.
Be cautious as you place the vehicle onto the trailer, especially if you are pushing it up from behind.
Make sure that the vehicle that you are attempting to tow meets the towing specifications for your model pickup truck before attempting these steps.
