How to Use a Truck to Tow a Disabled Vehicle
If you have to tow a vehicle a short distance, such as across a property or down the block, you may not want to go through the hassle and expense of hiring and paying for a tow truck. There are a few ways that you can use your pickup truck to tow a disabled vehicle.
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Instructions
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Tow Ropes
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Purchase an automotive recovery strap--a tow rope. Tow ropes are relatively inexpensive and can be used repeatedly. These are great for towing disabled vehicles a couple of blocks or moving them around your property. The downside of a tow rope is that it will only work if the disabled vehicle can still steer, still has brakes and has all four tires in decent condition.
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Hook one end of the tow rope to the front of the disabled vehicle. You can either loop the rope through the bumper or tie it off around the vehicle's frame. Hook the other end of the tow rope to the rear bumper of your pickup, preferably secured to the tow hitch. Leave no more than 8 feet of rope between the two vehicles.
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Have the driver of the disabled vehicle put its transmission in neutral. Turn on its flashers. If the disabled vehicle will still turn on, but not crank or run, turn the vehicle on to engage the power steering and brakes. Note, the disabled vehicle needs to be the one stopping both vehicles. The driver of the disabled vehicle should be prepared to hit the brakes well before a stop in order to slow both vehicles down and avoid rear-ending the tow vehicle.
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Put the towing vehicle in drive, turn the hazard lights on and very slowly begin pulling the disabled vehicle. Keep the strap tight between the two vehicles at all times; you do not want the disabled vehicle to run over the strap and become tangled in it. Communicate turns and stops using hand signals or by staying in constant communication using cell phones. Do not drive over 15 mph or on major roadways.
Car Tow Dollies and Car Haulers
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Purchase a car tow dolly or a trailer especially designed for hauling disabled vehicles and attach it to your pickup. Trailers and dollies both attach to the hitch receiver on the back of your truck. If you do not have a towing package on your truck, you will have to install one.
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Connect the light hook-up and check the lights on the trailer or car dolly to make sure blinkers and brake lights are properly functioning.
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Push, pull, limp, drive or drag the disabled vehicle onto the car dolly or trailer. A winch is the best way to do this, but if you have to push, pull or drag the vehicle, make sure to put it in neutral first.
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Secure the vehicle to car dolly or trailer using ropes and chain restraints. Once the vehicle is secured, you can get into your pickup truck and drive away with it.
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Tips & Warnings
If your disabled vehicle has flat tires, you will want to change them or air them up before you attempt to move or tow it. Towing a vehicle with flat tires makes loading it and unloading it very difficult.
You can rent car tow dollies and trailers from businesses such as U-Haul.
Towing a vehicle can increase your chance of an accident. You should always use extreme caution and drive slowly while towing a vehicle. It is best to avoid towing at night.
Check your trucks' towing specifications to make sure you are equipped to haul the weight of another vehicle. Do not haul too-heavy vehicles because it will increase strain on your truck and may cause it to break down.
References
Resources
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