Picture this: you're miles from home, your car breaks down, and the nearest repair shop is even further. Calling a tow truck can be expensive and time-consuming. But what if you could safely and efficiently tow your car yourself, using a method that keeps all four wheels on the ground? Flat towing, also known as four-down towing, offers a practical and cost-effective solution for many vehicle owners. It allows you to transport a disabled vehicle or bring a second car along on road trips, giving you freedom and control over your situation.
However, flat towing isn't as simple as just hooking up a rope and hitting the gas. It requires specific equipment, knowledge of your vehicle's towing capabilities, and adherence to safety guidelines to prevent damage to both the towing vehicle and the car being towed. Neglecting these precautions can lead to serious accidents and costly repairs. Understanding the proper techniques and necessary components is crucial for a safe and successful flat towing experience.
What do I need, and how do I get started flat towing?
What kind of tow bar is best for flat towing my specific car?
The best type of tow bar for flat towing is a self-aligning, A-frame style tow bar that is compatible with your specific vehicle's baseplate and weight rating. These tow bars connect directly to a baseplate installed on your car's frame, allowing for secure and stable towing, and the self-aligning feature makes turning and maneuvering easier and safer. Always prioritize a tow bar rated to handle the gross vehicle weight (GVWR) of your car with a safety margin.
Choosing the right tow bar goes beyond just its general type. Compatibility with your towed vehicle is paramount. This begins with a correctly installed baseplate designed specifically for your make and model. The baseplate provides the secure attachment point for the tow bar on your car's frame. Next, you must consider the tow bar's weight rating. Exceeding the tow bar's maximum weight capacity is extremely dangerous. Check your car’s GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating), found on a sticker usually located on the driver’s side doorjamb, and ensure the tow bar’s rating meets or exceeds it. It’s also wise to consider the ease of connection and disconnection, especially if you plan on frequently flat towing. Beyond the tow bar itself, it's critical to have a complete and compatible flat towing system. This includes safety cables, a supplemental braking system (required in most jurisdictions), and proper lighting connections to ensure your towed vehicle's lights mirror those of the towing vehicle. Research the legal requirements for supplemental braking in the states or provinces you intend to travel through. Also ensure the wiring harness is correctly installed and tested. Neglecting any component of the flat towing system can have serious consequences for safety and legality.Do I need to disconnect the driveshaft when flat towing?
Whether or not you need to disconnect the driveshaft when flat towing depends entirely on the vehicle being towed. Generally, vehicles with manual transmissions can often be flat towed without driveshaft disconnection as long as the transmission is in neutral. However, most automatic transmissions require driveshaft disconnection to prevent damage during towing. Always consult the vehicle's owner's manual for specific flat towing instructions and recommendations.
The reason disconnection is often necessary for automatic transmissions lies in their internal design. When the wheels of a vehicle with an automatic transmission are turning while the engine is off, the transmission's internal components are still spinning. Without the engine running, the transmission's oil pump isn't circulating fluid, leading to inadequate lubrication. This lack of lubrication can cause significant heat buildup and, ultimately, severe damage to the transmission. Disconnecting the driveshaft prevents the transmission from spinning altogether, eliminating this risk. If your vehicle's manual provides instructions for flat towing without driveshaft disconnection, follow those instructions meticulously. This often involves specific gear selection (usually neutral) and may have speed and distance limitations. If the manual dictates driveshaft disconnection, it is crucial to adhere to that recommendation. There are various aftermarket solutions, such as driveshaft disconnect devices, that can simplify this process if you plan to flat tow frequently. These devices allow for quick and easy driveshaft removal and reattachment, saving time and effort compared to completely removing the driveshaft each time. Ignoring these guidelines can lead to costly transmission repairs.How do I properly set up the supplemental braking system?
Setting up a supplemental braking system for flat towing requires careful attention to detail and adherence to the manufacturer's instructions for both the braking system and your towed vehicle. The general process involves installing the braking unit in the towed vehicle, connecting it to the tow vehicle’s braking system (either electrically or hydraulically), and configuring the system's settings to ensure proper and proportional braking force is applied when you brake in the tow vehicle.
Expanding on that, the first step is determining the right type of supplemental braking system for your needs. There are several types, including proportional and non-proportional systems, as well as those that operate electrically, hydraulically, or using vacuum. Proportional systems are generally preferred as they apply braking force in the towed vehicle relative to the braking force applied in the tow vehicle, leading to smoother and safer stops. Once you have the correct system, carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation. This typically involves mounting the braking unit securely in the towed vehicle, often under the driver's seat or on the floorboard. Next is connecting the system to the tow vehicle. Electric systems usually require wiring a control module and running a cable to the tow vehicle's brake light circuit and/or a dedicated control unit. Hydraulic systems tap into the tow vehicle’s brake lines. Once the physical installation is complete, proper configuration is crucial. This often involves adjusting sensitivity settings to match the weight and braking characteristics of the towed vehicle. Finally, perform a thorough test of the system in a controlled environment before heading out on the road. Pay attention to how the towed vehicle behaves during braking, and readjust the system as needed to achieve smooth and consistent braking performance.What are the state legal requirements for flat towing?
State legal requirements for flat towing vary considerably, but generally focus on safety equipment such as supplemental braking systems, lighting, safety chains, and maximum speed limits. You must always check the specific laws for each state you will be traveling through, as requirements differ significantly.
The most common requirements revolve around supplemental braking. Many states mandate that towed vehicles exceeding a certain weight (often 3,000 lbs) must have an auxiliary braking system that is activated when the towing vehicle brakes. This is crucial for preventing jackknifing and maintaining control. Lighting is another key area. Most states require functioning tail lights, brake lights, and turn signals on the towed vehicle, often accomplished with a magnetic light bar or by wiring the towed vehicle's lights to the towing vehicle. Safety chains are universally required as a secondary connection point in case the primary tow bar fails. Beyond equipment, some states impose specific speed limits for towing, which are often lower than the posted speed limits for regular traffic. Furthermore, the total length of the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle might be restricted in some areas. Finally, be aware that some states may require specific types of tow bars or prohibit flat towing altogether under certain conditions. Due to the inconsistent and frequently changing nature of these laws, contacting the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or state patrol in each state you plan to travel through is essential to ensure compliance and avoid potential fines or safety hazards.How fast can I drive while flat towing a vehicle?
The maximum speed you can drive while flat towing a vehicle generally ranges from 45 to 70 mph, depending on the specific recommendations of the flat tow equipment manufacturer (tow bar, base plate, and supplemental braking system) and the towed vehicle's manufacturer. Always consult the manuals for both to determine the lowest speed limit and adhere to that limit for safe towing.
Factors influencing the safe towing speed include the weight of the towed vehicle, the towing capacity of the tow vehicle, the type of tow bar and braking system being used, and road conditions. Exceeding the recommended speed can lead to instability, increased wear and tear on the towing equipment and towed vehicle, and potentially dangerous situations such as swaying or loss of control. Furthermore, many tow bar and base plate manufacturers explicitly state that exceeding their specified speed limit voids any warranty. Beyond the speed limit specified by the manufacturers, consider the overall safety of the towing setup. Driving at a slower, more controlled speed allows for more reaction time in unexpected situations like sudden braking or encountering potholes. It also reduces the stress on the connection points between the two vehicles. Before embarking on a long trip, practice towing in a controlled environment to get a feel for how the combined vehicles handle at different speeds. Finally, regularly check the condition of your tow bar, base plate, safety cables, and supplemental braking system to ensure they are in good working order.Where do I attach the tow bar to my towed vehicle?
You attach the tow bar to specifically designed mounting points on your towed vehicle's frame. These mounting points are either factory-installed or, more commonly, aftermarket base plates that bolt directly to the vehicle's chassis. These base plates provide secure and reliable attachment points for the tow bar.
Proper attachment is crucial for safe and successful flat towing. Never attempt to attach a tow bar to bumpers, suspension components, or other areas not specifically designed for towing. These areas are not strong enough to handle the forces involved and could fail, leading to a dangerous situation. Using the correct base plates ensures that the towing forces are distributed evenly and safely across the vehicle's frame. When selecting a base plate kit, ensure it is specifically designed for your vehicle's make, model, and year. Reputable manufacturers like Blue Ox, Roadmaster, and Demco offer comprehensive kits that include the necessary hardware and instructions for proper installation. Following the manufacturer's instructions meticulously is paramount to avoid compromising the structural integrity of the towing system and the safety of everyone involved.How often should I inspect the flat tow setup during a trip?
You should inspect your flat tow setup at every stop, and absolutely no less frequently than every 200 miles or every two hours, whichever comes first. This includes checking all connection points, safety cables, lights, and the tow bar itself.
Regular inspections are critical to ensuring the safety and legality of your flat towing setup. Vibration, road debris, and normal wear and tear can loosen connections, damage components, or cause unforeseen issues. Neglecting these inspections can lead to equipment failure, loss of the towed vehicle, or, worse, a dangerous accident. A quick check at each stop gives you the opportunity to identify and address potential problems before they escalate.
When performing your inspection, pay close attention to the following areas: the tow bar's connection to both the RV and the towed vehicle, ensuring all bolts are tight and cotter pins are in place; the safety cables, checking for fraying, kinks, or loose connections; the wiring harness for the lights, verifying that all lights are functioning correctly (brake lights, turn signals, and running lights); and the tires on the towed vehicle, looking for signs of uneven wear or damage. Also, give the tow bar itself a visual inspection for any bending, cracking or other damage. Make sure nothing looks or sounds abnormal as you begin to drive after each stop.
Alright, that's the lowdown on flat towing! It might seem like a lot to take in at first, but with a little practice and attention to detail, you'll be hitting the road with your tow car in no time. Thanks for reading, and safe travels! Don't forget to come back and visit us for more helpful guides and tips.