Learning how to tow a car with a truck is a valuable skill that can save you time and money. Safely towing a car using a truck demands the right equipment, including a proper tow dolly or flatbed trailer, and secure attachment points. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from preparation to execution.
Before you connect a single chain, understanding the fundamentals is crucial. Towing incorrectly can damage both vehicles and create serious safety hazards on the road. We’ll cover everything you need to know to get the job done right.
How To Tow A Car With A Truck
The core process of towing involves several key stages. You must assess your truck’s capability, choose the correct towing method, gather your equipment, and follow a meticulous procedure for hitching and driving. Rushing any of these steps is a recipe for problems.
Assess Your Truck’s Towing Capacity
Your truck’s ability to tow is not unlimited. Exceeding its capacity is dangerous and illegal. Start by checking your truck’s owner’s manual for its maximum towing rating. This number is the total weight your truck can safely pull, including the trailer, the car, and any cargo inside.
You also need to know your Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). The GVWR is the maximum weight your truck can handle itself. The GCWR is the maximum weight of the truck, trailer, car, passengers, and cargo all combined. Never exceed these ratings.
To find the weight of the car you’re towing, check its registration or owner’s manual. Add the weight of your chosen trailer (dolly or flatbed) to that figure. This total must be less than your truck’s maximum towing capacity.
Choose Your Towing Method
There are two primary methods for towing a car with a truck: using a tow dolly or a flatbed trailer. The best choice depends on your car, your truck, and the distance you’re traveling.
Using A Flatbed Trailer
A flatbed trailer is often considered the safest and most versatile option. The entire car is driven or winched onto the trailer, with all four wheels off the ground. This method is suitable for all types of vehicles, including all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive cars, with no risk of transmission or tire wear.
- Pros: Safest method, works for any drivetrain, no wear on the towed car.
- Cons: Heavier, more expensive, requires more storage space.
Using A Tow Dolly
A tow dolly lifts only the front wheels of the car off the ground, while the rear wheels roll on the road. This is a common and cost-effective option for front-wheel drive vehicles. For rear-wheel drive cars, you must disconnect the driveshaft to avoid transmission damage, which is a complex task.
- Pros: Lighter, more affordable, easier to maneuver than a large flatbed.
- Cons: Not suitable for all-wheel drive vehicles, can cause tire wear on the towed car.
Essential Towing Equipment Checklist
Gathering the right gear before you start is non-negotiable. Here is a checklist of essential equipment you will need:
- A properly rated tow dolly or flatbed trailer.
- A weight-distributing hitch system (for heavier loads).
- Safety chains that criss-cross under the trailer tongue.
- Correctly wired trailer light connector and functioning trailer lights.
- Robust tow straps or chains and load-rated shackles.
- Wheel straps or tie-downs to secure the car to the trailer.
- A reliable breakaway kit for the trailer brakes (if equipped).
- Side-view mirror extensions for adequate rear visibility.
- The towed car’s ignition key (to release the steering wheel lock).
Step-By-Step Guide To Hitching And Securing
Once you have your equipment, follow these steps carefully to prepare for towing.
- Prepare The Car Being Towed: Remove any personal items, ensure the parking brake is off, and shift the transmission to neutral. For flatbed towing, this is all that’s required. For a dolly with a front-wheel drive car, shift to neutral and secure the steering wheel in a straight position.
- Position The Trailer: Back your truck up slowly to align the hitch ball directly under the trailer coupler. Use a spotter if possible to guide you. Lower the trailer coupler onto the hitch ball.
- Connect The Hitch And Safety Chains: Secure the trailer coupler lock onto the hitch ball. Connect the safety chains in a criss-cross pattern under the tongue; this will catch the tongue if the hitch fails. Make sure the chains are not dragging on the ground.
- Connect The Lights: Plug the trailer light connector into your truck’s tow socket. Test all trailer lights—brake lights, turn signals, and running lights—to ensure they are working correctly.
- Load And Secure The Vehicle: Carefully drive or winch the car onto the trailer or dolly. Apply the car’s parking brake. Use heavy-duty wheel straps or tie-downs to secure the car’s frame or designated tow points to the trailer. Avoid securing to suspension parts or axles, which can bend.
- Perform A Final Safety Check: Double-check the hitch connection, safety chains, tie-downs, and lights. Walk around the entire setup to look for any potential issues.
Safe Driving Practices While Towing
Driving with a trailer requires significant adjustments to your normal habits. The added length and weight change how your truck handles, accelerates, and stops.
First, allow for much longer stopping distances. Begin braking earlier and more gradually than you normally would. Sudden stops can cause the trailer to jackknife or push your truck. Accelerate slowly and smoothly to maintain control.
Turning requires wider arcs. Swing wider than usual to avoid clipping curbs with the trailer. Remember, the trailer’s wheels will track inside the path of your truck’s rear wheels. Use your mirror extensions constantly to monitor the trailer and your load.
Be extra cautious in adverse weather. Rain, wind, and snow magnify the challenges of towing. Reduce your speed significantly and increase your following distance even more. High winds can make the trailer sway; if this happens, do not brake suddenly. Instead, gently slow down by easing off the accelerator.
Plan your route ahead of time. Avoid roads with low bridges, tight corners, or steep grades if possible. Be mindful of your height and length when entering driveways or parking lots.
Common Towing Mistakes To Avoid
Even experienced drivers can make errors. Being aware of these common mistakes will help you stay safe.
- Exceeding Weight Ratings: This is the most dangerous mistake. It strains your truck’s engine, brakes, and frame, leading to potential failure.
- Incorrect Tongue Weight: The trailer tongue should typically put 10-15% of the total trailer weight on the hitch. Too little weight causes sway; too much weight overloads the truck’s rear.
- Poor Load Distribution: On a flatbed, the car should be centered. On a dolly, ensure the car is strapped evenly. An unbalanced load is unstable.
- Neglecting Pre-Trip Checks: Failing to check tire pressures (on both truck and trailer), lights, and tie-downs can lead to failures on the road.
- Forgetting The Towed Car’s State: Leaving the parking brake on or the transmission in park on a tow dolly will cause severe damage.
Legal And Regulatory Considerations
Towing laws vary by state and country. It is your responsibility to know and follow the regulations for your route. Common legal requirements include:
- Possessing a valid driver’s license for the combined vehicle weight. Some states require a special endorsement for heavier trailers.
- Registering the trailer and displaying a valid license plate.
- Maintaining proper insurance coverage for both the truck and the trailer.
- Obeying specific speed limits for vehicles towing trailers, which are often lower than the standard limit.
- Using safety chains and breakaway switches as mandated by law.
Always check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles for the most current and specific regulations before you hit the road.
FAQ: How To Tow A Car With A Truck
Can I tow a car with a truck using just a tow rope?
It is not recommended and is illegal in many areas for highway towing. Flat towing with a rope or strap is only for very short-distance, low-speed recovery in emergencies, not for transport on public roads. It offers no braking for the towed car and is highly unsafe.
Do I need a special license to tow a car with my truck?
It depends on the total weight. In most U.S. states, a regular driver’s license is sufficient for a combined weight under 26,000 pounds. However, if your truck and loaded trailer exceed that weight, you may need a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or a specific towing endorsement. Check your state’s DMV website.
How do I calculate tongue weight for towing a car?
Tongue weight is the downward force the loaded trailer exerts on the hitch. You can measure it with a specialized tongue weight scale. Aim for 10-15% of the total trailer weight. For example, if your trailer and car weigh 5,000 pounds, your tongue weight should be between 500 and 750 pounds.
What is the safest way to tow an all-wheel drive car?
The only safe way to tow an all-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicle is on a flatbed trailer with all four wheels off the ground. Towing it with any wheels on the road can severely damage the drivetrain, as the wheels are mechanically connected.
How much does it typically cost to tow a car yourself versus hiring a service?
DIY towing requires an upfront investment in a trailer or dolly (rental costs $50-$150 per day) plus fuel costs for your less-efficient truck. Professional towing services can range from $2 to $5 per mile for long distances. For a single long move, a professional may be comparably priced, but owning your equipment is cost-effective for frequent use.