How to Flat Tow Cars
Flat towing is the most common way of towing an extra vehicle behind a larger vehicle such as a truck or motor home. It requires the least amount of towing hardware, and is a safe alternative to the single-axle towing jockey. However, because the driving wheels will make contact with the road, it is important to follow a few steps to protect the drivetrain of the vehicle being towed, while ensuring it is securely attached to the towing vehicle.
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Instructions
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Shift the vehicle into neutral and apply the parking brake.
If you have a four-wheel drive vehicle, make sure it is in two-wheel high before shifting the gearbox to neutral. Once the main gearbox is in neutral, shift the transfer case from two-wheel high into neutral as well.
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2
Attach the towbar to the front bumper or frame using the bolts or clamps provided with the mechanism.
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3
Attach the towbar hitch to the trail hitch ball, ensuring the hitch has set completely down on the ball.
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4
Release the parking brake and keep the vehicle in neutral. Turn the ignition to the off position. You are now ready to tow.
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Tips & Warnings
If you're towing a four-wheel-drive vehicle with a transfer case, you may leave the vehicle's main gearbox in gear or "park." This can be done because the transfer box will be placed in neutral.
Never tow your vehicle without properly attaching trailer chains to your hitch. If the hitch unlatches from the ball, the chains will restrain the vehicle in-tow until you can safely maneuver off of the road.
