How to Tow a Car With the Front Wheels Down
Towing a car with all four wheels on the pavement is called flat towing. It is mostly used to tow a vehicle behind an RV or motorhome. The advantages of flat towing are that there is no heavy trailer or dolly, and the tires wear at an even rate. The disadvantage is that many cars cannot be towed this way without modification. Since the car being towed is turned off but the transmission is still in gear, lubricating fluid is not being pumped. This can cause damage to the gears and transmission.
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Instructions
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Consult the owner's manual for your car to see what method the manufacturer recommends for towing. Some modifications may be necessary.
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Select a tow bar that matches the rating on your tow vehicle's trailer hitch.
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Select your type of tow bar. Tow bars come in two types. Self-aligning mounts attach to either the tow vehicle, or vehicle being towed. The advantage of this type is that one person can attach the two vehicles. A-frame mounts attach to the tow vehicle, but require exact positioning. These mounts usually require a spotter.
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Have a professional install the wiring harness and tow hitch, if your vehicle does not come with one already installed.
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Connect the tow bar according to the manufacturer's instructions. Plug the wiring harness into the receptacle in the vehicle being towed.
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Roll up the windows in the vehicle being towed. Make sure the parking brake is in the OFF position, and the steering wheel is centered.
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Check the operation of the brake lights and turn signals by having an assistant stand behind the towed vehicle while you press the brake pedal and use the turn signals in the RV.
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Tips & Warnings
Your vehicle is longer, so give yourself more space for wide turns.
Remember that it will take longer to stop while flat towing a vehicle.
Do not back up while towing a vehicle, since it may damage the tow bar.
