How to Tow a Car by using another Car

Most experts would think it’s more beneficial for a vehicle to be towable using either a tow truck, or pickup/trailer combo than with another vehicle, however not every is able to access that kind of heavy-duty equipment. Perhaps you’re in an remote area that makes it difficult to find help, or your membership has expired and you simply can’t afford the expense of a tow truck. Sometimes you just have to come up with an alternative and think: Can I tow a vehicle with my vehicle?

To determine if you can use your vehicle to tow another car, you’ll need make some fundamental research. You’ll have to know the tow rating of your vehicle (how many pounds of your vehicle can tow), if your vehicle is equipped with a tow hitch, if the car you’re towing comes with two wheels (2WD) or 4-wheel drive (4WD) and if the vehicle that is being towed has an automatic as well as a manual. If your vehicle is equipped with 2WD, are they the front wheel drive (FWD) or rear-wheel drive (RWD)? If you are unsure about any of these, consult your owner’s manual.

Before we dive deep into the specifics of towing a car with your vehicle, these easy guidelines to follow:

First, the tow vehicle must be heavier and larger than the car being towed because it needs more power, both in terms of engine and brakes to stop and motivate two vehicles instead of just one.
Then, ensure that there’s no one in the vehicle being towed. It’s not only illegal for a person to ride in a towed vehicle and it’s extremely dangerous. The same rules apply for pets. They should never ride in the vehicle that tows them.
Third, turn on your ignition of the car that is being tow, so that the steering wheel isn’t locked. The last thing to do is when you’re driving at night, switch on the towed vehicle’s parking lights so that drivers following in the rear can see it.

In the next article, we’ll go over various ways to tow a car with another car. No matter which method you select, you’ll need an tow hitch for the vehicle you want to tow. The tow hitch is attached on the frame. Many trucks and SUVs come equipped from the factory equipped with tow hitches however most passenger cars don’t. Tow hitches are relatively simple to set up, but. It is possible to do it yourself, but we recommend hiring a professional to do this for you for the best results.

how to tow a Car a Chain

Towing cars using a chain or tow rope must be considered a last resort and should only be used for short distances and at low speeds on local roads. No highways.

If you choose to go with this option, you need for you to know how to pull the vehicle using rope or chain. Don’t just use any rope or chain that may be lying around. Frayed or thin ropes as well as broken or rusty chains could easily snap under the stresses of towing, which can create an extremely risky situation.

Check that the chain or rope isn’t too short or long, as this can also cause problems. If towing using rope or chain be sure to stop since the vehicle being tow will likely be in neutral with no brakes in operation and may hit the tow vehicle possibly causing the cars to suffer damage.

Do you know how to load a Car with a Dolly

An effective method of towing another vehicle is by using a tow dolly, which is basically smaller than a trailer. The use of a tow dolly helps keep the front tires of the vehicle being towed away from the ground, which helps to reduce both wear on the driveline as well as the tires of the vehicle being tow. One benefit of a tow dolly is that it eliminates “pushing” (discussed below) of the rear vehicle when it is braking. Tow dollies are light, and you can rent one at many storage and moving facilities.

The best method to help tow your Car using an tow Bar

Another option for car-to-car towing is to use a tow bar which you can rent towing bar if you don’t own one. Typically, tow bars have an A-frame design and mount on top of the towing vehicle. The tow bar connects with the tow vehicle using its rear hitch.

Note that safety chains are required when using tow bars. Be cautious when you are simultaneously turning and brake because tow bars are prone to pushing to the side, and that’s when the forward momentum of the vehicle is able to push the rear end of the towing car to the outside of the turn.

How to Tow a Vehicle with an Trailer

A car hauling trailer, whether enclosed or open, is the best and most secure method of towing the car of another. With a car hauler all four wheels of the towed vehicle are placed within the trailer. Simply push the car onto the trailer, and fix it using straps or chains.

You’ll require a truck as your tow vehicle in this technique because the total weight of the trailer and vehicle will surpass the tow capacity of almost any passenger car, and also many of today’s SUVs.

Towing a Car with 2WD and 4WD. 4WD

It’s important to know if the vehicle you are towing has two-wheel drive or four wheel drive. If your vehicle has 2WD it is important to determine whether the front or rear wheels generate power.

If the vehicle to be towed is FWD or FWD, you should use a tow dolly for the best results. This will prevent the wear and tear of driveline components. If the towed vehicle features RWD it is necessary to disconnect the driveshaft by using the switch (if fitted) as well as manually. Once you’ve done that dependent on the transmission type, you’ll either have to put the vehicle in neutral and lift the brake for parking (for manual transmissions) as well as unlocking the drive axle (automatic transmission).

Refer to the owner’s manual to learn more about these procedures in case you’re unsure.

How to Flat Tow an automobile with a 4-Wheel Drive

One of the most popular options among those who travel is towing a four-wheeled vehicle for use in an off-road park or another local attraction. However, you don’t need to have an RV to pull an automobile with 4WD. It can be done by a regular automobile as well, provided the tow rating is sufficient for it.

Depending on the type of transmission that is used in the vehicle to be towed The flat-towing process is slightly different. For a towed 4WD vehicle equipped with a manual transmission you’ll have to remove the transfer case as well as the lockout hubs as well as the transmission. You’ll likely need to reference the owner’s manual for this procedure.

If you have a 4WD vehicle that is towed equipped with an automatic transmission you’ll need a driveshaft coupler to disconnect the driveshaft in the rear. Also, consult the owner’s manual for specific instructions.

Driving Tips for Towing Another Car

The rules for driving while towing another car are similar to the rules for driving semi-trucks. Be aware of the following guidelines in mind when towing another vehicle

Drive slower than you normally would. The extra weight of the vehicle being tow will result in longer braking distances so you’ll need to alter your speed in line with the distance. Make sure you leave plenty of space between your car and the one ahead.
Easy on the brakes. Avoid sudden braking or panic stops when you are towing a car along with another vehicle. Since the vehicle you are towing might weigh less than the car you drive, the physical laws of motion are in effect. Check that your brakes are up to the job and your rotors and pads are in good condition.
Use your mirrors as well as turns signals. Being aware of your surroundings is especially essential when towing a vehicle or driving with another vehicle. Make sure your mirrors are properly placed and secured, and clean, not cracked, and properly adjusted to the driver. We recommend towing mirrors on long-lasting trailers and vehicles. Also, use your turn signal! It’s essential to inform other drivers what you’re going to do so they don’t create additional difficulties for you.
Take care in moving paths. After you’ve activated your turn signal and examined your mirrors slowly change lanes as you are able to do doing so. Combination vehicles can create blind spots, and as it is stated on the back of a lot of semi-trailers “If you can’t see my mirror, I can’t see you.”
Take care not to make abrupt turns. Since a tow bar or A-frame tow bar can connect the two cars, sharp turns could result in an rear end of the vehicle towing impacting the front of the vehicle being towed. This could result in the cars to suffer damage.

What Can Happen to the Towed Vehicle If You Do It Wrong?

Finally, before you use your car to tow another vehicle ensure that you have read the owner’s manuals for both vehicles. If you do not properly tow a vehicle, it could cause damage to the driveline of the vehicle being tow and could void the warranty. Replacing driveline parts can cost a lot of money, so it is recommended to avoid this at all costs.

Make sure you check the tow rating and payload ratings of the tow vehicle. And keep in mind that although it might be safe to tow with your vehicle, the vehicle you’re towing may not be made for towing such a task.