How to Tow With a Towbar

Using a tow bar to tow a vehicle helps avoid costly towing bills.

When vehicles break down, towing bills can be costly. Connecting a tow bar to the rear of your truck is a more affordable way to transport a vehicle. Tow bars are attached to the frame of the vehicle. The actual tow bar itself is set underneath the front wheel axle of the vehicle. Straps are used to secure the wheels to the tow bar to prevent the vehicle from bouncing off of the tow bar.

Things You'll Need

• Truck or SUV
• Safety straps
• Portable trailer lights

Instructions

1. Park your vehicle behind and in line with the towing vehicle.

2. Drive the vehicle being towed slowly over the tow bar so the bar sits behind the front wheel axle.

3. Place the towed vehicle in neutral so the tires spin without resistance.

4. Latch the legs and safety straps on the tow bar to the front wheels of the towed vehicle. Flip the latch on each side of the tow bar with your hand to lock the bar in place. Wrap the safety straps around and over the top of each tire and crank the straps down to secure the front wheels. Crank the winch on the tow bar to lift the front end of the towed vehicle off the ground. Push and position the winch lock down to secure the tow bar.

5. Attach portable trailer lights to the towed vehicle and insert the trailer light plug into the plug on the back of the vehicle. This will light up the trailer lights when the towing truck brakes or signals.

6. Drive the towing vehicle slowly. When using the breaks, remember you are carrying more weight than usual so slowing down will be a bit more difficult. Apply the brakes earlier than you normally would to allow time to safely come to a stop. Use caution when turning. Your vehicle will be twice as long as normal so take wide turns when turning.

7. Remove the tow bar when you have reached your destination. Lift and release the winch lock with your hand and crank the winch down to return the front end of the towing vehicle to the ground. Pull back and release the crank to remove the straps from the wheels. Flip and release the tow bar latches on both sides of the tow bar.

8. Start the towed vehicle and place the gear in reverse. Reverse the vehicle until you have cleared the tow bar.

Tips & Warnings

• Use caution when dealing with heavy tow bars to prevent any accidents.

References

• Aemfg.com: Towing 101