Knowing how to tow your car can be a great asset to you. If you are moving to another state and have to carry your other car with you, you can tow it yourself instead of hiring a tower. Towing is not difficult if you remember to keep safety first in mind. Towing incorrectly can cost thousands of dollars, therefore, utilize these tips to refrain from causing damage to the vehicle.
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Trailers Types
When towing another vehicle, you must to choose which towing method is right for you. You can choose a trailer that keeps all four wheels of the vehicle you are towing off ground. Or you can use a dolly which keeps the vehicle's front wheels off the road, but allows the rear wheels to stay on the road during movement. Choosing a trailer or dolly depends on your vehicle's weight and type of drive. If the vehicle you are driving has a front-wheel drive, use the trailer. If it has a rear-end drive, use the dolly.
Hitches
You must also determine if the vehicle and the hitch that will be towing the other vehicle is capable to do so. Keep in mind that only a truck or minivan has the weight capacity to carry another vehicle. Hitches have different capabilities depending on the total weight of capacity. To find this total add up the weight of your vehicle with the weight of the trailer or dolly you are using. If the total is within 50 pounds of the hitch's towing capacity, opt for another rig. Adding another rig will help provide more stability and capacity. Extra passengers in your vehicle can influence the total weight of the vehicle you are driving, thus putting strain on the hitch.
Attach/Drive
The most dangerous part of towing is the attachment process--any mistake made can prove fatal. The first step is to connect your trailer or dolly to the car. A wire harness adapter may be needed to further connect the vehicle properly. Then, lower the ramp of the trailer or dolly and line it up with the front wheels of the vehicle. It helps to have someone watch you as you do this, so they can warn you if the ramp and wheels are not in sync. Once the vehicle is on the ramp, proceed further up the ramp, keeping a steady foot on the accelerator of the vehicle. If you use a trailer, position your own car evenly on the axles of the towing machine. This prevents excess weight or too little weight on the car while towing.
