Phoenix Towing is the act of coupling two or more objects together so that they may be pulled by a designated power source or sources. The object(s) may be a motorized land vehicle, vessel, animal, human, or cargo in a trailer. The connection is often made by means of a chain, rope, bar, hook, three-point, fifth wheel, coupling, drawbar, or integrated platform.
While it is far safer and recommended to use a dedicated towing truck, there are times that a regular car and truck can be used for towing – especially in the event of an emergency or for very specific situations. While there is a lot of information and terminology to understand when learning how to tow a car with a truck, it can all boil down to basic measurements and steps to keep you and anyone else who is in your path safe during the process.
Before you begin towing a vehicle, make sure the tow dolly is properly attached to the hitch on your vehicle and that the tow strap is fully extended so there is slack. It’s also essential that the vehicle you are towing is lined up and centered with your vehicle. If it isn’t, the towing vehicle can whip or sway dangerously during transit, potentially damaging the driveline of both vehicles.
The lead or towing vehicle should be significantly heavier than the car that is being towed. This helps to ensure that physics won’t allow the lighter vehicle to initiate movement of the heavier one from a stop and prevent costly damage to both drives. Additionally, the braking systems on both vehicles should be capable of stopping both cars in time to avoid accidents or traffic violations.
The History
If you’re in the business of towing or are thinking about becoming a tow truck driver, you might be curious as to how the industry came to be. It’s actually a very interesting story that goes back to the days before cars were even invented.
Before the age of cars, vehicles that broke down were often pulled by large animals. These animals were used to help vehicles get out of mud or snow, or they were simply used to get the vehicle to its destination. This process could take hours, especially if several men had to be brought in to help.
Once cars came onto the scene, however, things began to change. It wasn’t uncommon for vehicles to break down or become stuck, and it was also very difficult to get them out of these situations – particularly since no effective towing tools were available at the time. Typically, it would take many men and hours to get a car out of a ditch or even back to the road after it had become bogged down in the dirt.
In 1916, an incident occurred in Chattanooga, Tennessee that would ultimately lead to the creation of the first tow truck. A Ford Model T found its way into the Chickamauga Creek, and the effort to retrieve it required a lot of manpower. This effort inspired Ernest Holmes Sr. to create a prototype that would eventually go on to start the towing industry. His solution was a chain and pulley system that could be mounted on the chassis of a 1913 Cadillac – this became the first tow truck or wrecker. It was later improved with the addition of outriggers, which helped stabilize the towed vehicle when it was being hoisted off the ground.
The Basics
When you’re towing, your vehicle and trailer are basically a team. Both need to be able to work together, and both have specific needs for safety and efficiency. The first step is to understand your trailer’s capabilities. The easiest place to start is by reading the towing section of your owner’s manual. It may also be helpful to ask the experts at a local automotive store for more information.
Once you know your towing capacity, it’s important to keep that number in mind. You’ll need to take into account your own vehicle weight, the weight of the people and cargo in it, the weight of the trailer you’re pulling, and the load’s distribution.
If you’re planning on hauling a large or heavy load, it’s a good idea to install a transmission and engine oil cooler. These will help prevent overheating and prolong the life of your engine and transmission. You should also consider upgrading your suspension and installing a more powerful engine. In addition, many vehicles have a Tow/Haul mode that changes the transmission’s programming to hold gears longer and shift slower up hills.
Finally, always make sure that you increase your following distance when towing. Keeping a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you will help prevent accidents. It will also make it easier to stop, and it will give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your vehicle isn’t being damaged by other drivers.
Safety
Whether you are towing a trailer or transporting cargo, safety is one of the most important aspects of your towing experience. It requires a lot of preparation and attention to detail. Fortunately, most accidents can be avoided by putting in the effort to prepare for and execute a safe haul. The towing process includes a number of steps, from selecting the right vehicle and trailer for your needs, to properly hittingching and loading, to inspecting the entire combination before and during transport.
The first step in ensuring your towing safety is identifying the maximum capacity of your towing vehicle and trailer. This information can be found in your vehicle’s manual, though modifications such as new tires and wheels may change these numbers. Towing over capacity can cause serious damage to your vehicle and may even result in a dangerous accident. To avoid this, make sure you have the correct ball size for your trailer hitch and that it is attached securely.
You should also make sure that your trailer’s load is evenly distributed. Concentrated weight in the front or back can cause problems while driving, such as fish-tailing and steering issues. Also, ensure that all of the items in your trailer are securely locked or tied down, and check to see if the trailer’s lights and signals are working. You should also regularly check the condition and pressure of both the tow vehicle’s and trailer’s tires, and ensure that crossed safety chains are in place.
It is also crucial to be aware of your driving skills when towing. You should drive slower and leave a greater distance between your vehicle and the vehicles in front of you. This is because your towing vehicle will not be able to accelerate or stop as quickly as it would without the trailer in tow.
In addition, you should make sure that your towing mirrors are positioned correctly so that you can view the full area of the trailer when making turns. This will help you avoid blind spots and reduce the risk of collisions with other drivers. Additionally, it is a good idea to take a practice run in an empty parking lot to get a feel for the trailer and towing vehicle’s relationship.
Availability
Towing services are available to help drivers when their vehicle is broken down or otherwise unable to move on its own. They can transport a car or truck to a safe location or to an auto mechanic for repairs. Most towing companies operate around the clock and are able to respond to requests quickly. They can even pick up a vehicle on the same day that they receive the call.
Many towing services use a central dispatch office to field calls and coordinate with truck drivers. The staff in the dispatch center may use wireless telephone equipment to communicate with drivers, or they may employ automated vehicle location (AVL) systems that display a map of available trucks and recommend one that is closest to the customer’s location.
In addition to traditional towing, some towing companies offer heavy-duty services for commercial vehicles and recreational vehicle trailers. They can also haul agricultural machinery, buses, garbage trucks, and semi-tractor trailers. These services can help you save money when your vehicle breaks down or needs to be transported for maintenance.
While traditional towing is useful for cars and trucks that aren’t moving, other problems can be more serious and require specialized recovery services. Some examples include engine or transmission issues, cooling system problems, and steering or suspension issues. You should always have your vehicle towed if these problems occur, as they can cause serious damage to your engine or transmission and cost you thousands of dollars.
As you start a towing business, it’s important to have a business plan and to understand the laws of your state. You should also open a business bank account, and separate your personal from business funds. This will protect you in case of legal disputes. In addition, you should purchase a towing truck and liability insurance.
Typically, you’ll need a towing truck that has a flatbed and can carry a large amount of weight. You can also find a towing truck that has a winch or other specialized equipment for certain situations. Towing companies usually charge a flat fee for hooking up your vehicle and an additional per-mile fee. It’s best to ask about pricing up front so you know what to expect.
