Are you going to tow a vehicle behind your motor home?Are you going to bring your toy car to the sand dunes?Is it possible to use a moving van to carry your car across the country?You need to know how to prepare your car for towing.wikiHow can help guide you through the process.
Step 1: Pick the best towing option for your situation.
It's up to you to decide which method is best for your situation.There are three options that are covered in this article.There is a strap, rope, or chain that can be used to pull your broken down car to the shop.The method calls for someone to sit in the car and work on the steering wheel, brake pedal, and turn signals.If it's not an emergency, or if you have more than a few blocks to go, don't try this method.Remember to let the towed car handle the brake loads and not let your rope, strap, or chain get too much slack if you have to tow it this way.The hazard lights need to be put on.
Step 2: You can use a trailer.
If you want to raise all four wheels of your towed vehicle off the ground, the first option is to use a trailer.Your local moving van service may have something you can rent.If you want to use the trailer, drive your car up onto it.The strongest nets you should place over the front wheels are locked down.
Step 3: Think about using a dolly.
The next option is a tow dolly, which allows the rear wheels to roll on their own.These are useful for front wheel drive vehicles.Pull your car onto the dolly.Wrap your wheels in the nets and tighten them up a bit.Depending on the dolly, there may be a chain for your front axles.The drive shaft should be disconnected for long distance travel if you are using the dolly to haul rear wheel or four wheel drive vehicles.There is a consensus that leaving the towed car in neutral is not a good idea for long hauls, but there are differing opinions as to the necessity of disconnecting the drive shaft.
Step 4: You can try using a tow bar.
The tow bar is a popular choice for RVers.It is often used for long distance travel.All of your wheels will be left on the ground when using a tow bar.You can leave them on your towed vehicle as a permanent part of the car's setup, and they are much cheaper to buy than a trailer or dolly.The model of tow bar you use will affect the way you connect it to your car.Tow bars can connect to the frame of your car or the front bumper.You are good to go when you unhook the bar.
Step 5: There are other types of tow bars.
Tow bars connect to the towed car via "D-Rings".It is put on in the same way, but can be removed more easily from the towed car, and you can leave the d-rings on if you are just moving it occasionally.The third variety, commonly available from a moving company, just uses straps and pads to create a temporary hitch-able connection, which can be completely removed when you are done with your move, and requires no alterations to your towed car.The snug connection to your towing rig is a result of the cushions being pressed up against your bumper.
Step 6: Before towing, check the lights on your trailer or tow dolly.
You don't have to worry about lights when towing a car with a trailer.Make sure that your towing vehicle has a compatible tow wiring receptacle, and have a buddy help you check to make sure all the trailer lights work.The license plate should be illuminated for legal reasons.The pigtail on the trailer side matches the lighting receptacle.Your moving company or auto parts store can be found with all of the different types of accessories.Tow dollies have lights as a rule, and will connect to your car's light in the same manner.External lights can be mounted to your car's bumper for improved visibility.
Step 7: Magnetic lights can be used to illuminate your RV or truck.
You have two options if you pull your car directly with a tow bar.The magnetic lights can be placed on the trunk or bumper of the towed car if they are connected to the trailer lighting receptacle.This helps other cars see when you are turning.You can find wiring kits that allow you to plug your trailer lights directly into your car and use it's own drive lights to signal.Depending on the make, model and year of your car, these can be as simple as plugging in to a pigtail, or as complex as re-wiring the car.If you want to find out what kind of lighting your car needs, run an online search.Leave your car battery on and your running lights on, just for added visibility, no matter what method is used.This isn't a legal requirement.
Step 8: The hazard lights are a last resort.
Leave the battery turned on and run your hazard if you can't find or get your hands on external towing lights or trailer lights.To keep the battery alive, stop every so often and run the engine on the towed car.For a one time emergency day trip, this method is fine, but if you go more than a few miles, you'll want real trailer lighting.It is absolutely necessary for your safety and the safety of those you share the road with to maintain as much visibility as possible if you encounter a state patrolman with no tolerance of such shenanigans.
Step 9: Determine if you need to lock the steering wheel.
If you are towing your car on a trailer or dolly, all you need to do is lock your steering wheel.If you pull your car on the ground, you should leave the steering wheel unlocked so your front wheels can turn a little.Most people secure the wheel with bungee cords or rope to prevent the front wheels from turning too much and getting stuck in a sideways position.It's a good idea when towing to avoid backing up.When going backwards the front wheels can turn sideways and be damaged.
Step 10: Use a special towing device.
To find out what your manufacturer has to say about towing options, check with your owners' manual.If you do a lot of car-hauling, consider using one of the following devices.In the same way as normal operation of the car would, a lube pump provides lubrication to the automatic transmission.Damage to the transmission can be prevented by this.There is a device that can be installed on a vehicle.The device lets you pull a lever to disengage the drive shaft without having to clean your hands.Older 4X4 vehicles have locking hubs that can allow you to remove your wheels from their drive axles, and thus from the transmission.
Step 11: Decide what to do with the axles.
If you want to tow your car on its own wheels, you need to get a little dirty.If you are not confident in your abilities, you can have a mechanic do this for you.The following steps will show you how to do it on your own.
Step 12: Put your car under it.
To keep it from rolling off your jack or ramps, raise it up if you must, and be careful to leave it in park or with the parking brakes on.When you go under your car, bring a set of tools, spray lube, and a bungee cord.
Step 13: Find the drive shaft where you want it to connect to the differential.
Four bolts that hold the drive shaft to the differential housing can be found on the end of the yoke.
Step 14: You can secure the drive shaft with a strap or bungee cord.
Don't use your exhaust pipes or anything loose; look for something solid to connect it to.When you loosen it, make sure to secure it so that the drive shaft doesn't fall on you.
Step 15: The bolts need to be removed.
Depending on the make and model of your car, you might need to knock some dirt off and apply spray-on lubricant to get the wrench to come loose.If the drive shaft is not properly secured, it will fall, so use extra caution when the last bolt comes loose.
Step 16: The drive shaft should be pushed up as far as possible.
If you want to play, tighten the strap or adjust the bungee.You just want it up and out of the way so you don't flop around or fall while you are towing the car.
Step 17: Remove the bolts from the yoke on the differential housing.
If you put the bolts back in this spot, they will not get lost in the moving process.After you have towed your car to your final destination, you can keep them in a baggie in your glove box.
Step 18: If you have one, repeat this process for it.
The main idea here is to make sure that the drive shafts don't fall and hit the pavement while you are towing the car.
Step 19: You should tow your car.
You can get the bolts back in if you use your strap to lower the axle back into the range of the yoke.Get those bolts in as securely as you can, and you're ready to drive again.