How to Use Tow Trucks & Carriers
Towing a car over a long or short distance requires a car carrier. These can be rented from car and truck rental companies and are usually cheaper than renting a vehicle. When correctly set up, a car carrier is a safe way to transport a vehicle. Some rental places will attach the carrier to your tow truck for you, but sometimes you have to reattach the carrier after leaving the rental center. While you are attaching the carrier, always keep safety in mind.
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Instructions
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Put the coupler-locking device in the open position. Put the car carrier's coupling device over the ball of your truck or car's hitch. Firmly put the coupler down on the ball and lock the coupler in place. Lock the coupler in place with either the lock-pin or the handwheel. Crank the tongue jack to the up position.
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Plug the car carrier into your two truck's electrical box. Pass the safety chains through the eyelets of the two truck. Attach the hook at the end of the safety chain back onto the safety chain. Make sure the emergency brake actuator is in the off position. Take the emergency brake actuator cable and attach it to the eyelet on the right side of the truck's bumper.
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Place the carrier's tire straps on the fender side of the carrier. Lower the carrier's ramps by pushing down on the ramp release and completely pulling out the ramps by their handles. Have someone guide you as you slowly drive onto the carrier. Progress forward until the tires are resting against the tire stops. Put the car in park and pull the emergency brake.
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Pull the carrier's tire straps across the car's tires. Tighten the straps as much as possible using the carrier ratchet. Secure the safety pin and use the ratchet handle to attach the safety clip. The ratchet handle should be in the down position. Attach the car carrier's safety chains to the car's frame. The chains should go right above the chain mounts. Be sure that the chains do not go over any of the car's braking mechanisms.
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Replace the ramps to their safety position. Tow the car about 100 feet and then stop to perform a safety check on the carrier. Examine the carrier, chains, and tire straps to make sure everything has stayed in place. As you are towing, routinely perform a safety check.
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Tips & Warnings
Be sure your car's front end is not too low and has the proper clearance to make it onto the car carrier.
Allow for some slack on the safety chains for when you have to turn.
Never back up a car onto a carrier.
