Towing is the process of pulling or hauling a vehicle, trailer, or other object with another vehicle. It can be done for various reasons, such as moving, transporting, recovering, or assisting a disabled or stranded vehicle.
Towing companies carry out tasks that can be challenging and risky, so having adequate knowledge, skills, and equipment to ensure safety and efficiency in providing roadside assistance is crucial.
In this post, we’ll explore the world of towing, including various towing methods, equipment, and technical know-how.
Towing Methods
There are different methods of towing, depending on the type, size, and condition of the vehicle or object being towed, as well as the road and weather conditions. Some of the standard towing methods are:
Flatbed towing
This is the most preferred and safest method of towing, as it involves loading the entire vehicle or object onto a flatbed trailer or truck, securing it with straps or chains, and transporting it to the desired destination. Flatbed towing minimizes the risk of damage, wear, and tear to the towed vehicle or object and the towing vehicle. Flatbed towing is ideal for vehicles or objects that are heavy, large, fragile, or have all-wheel drive, four-wheel drive, or low clearance.
Wheel-lift towing
This method of towing involves lifting the front or rear wheels of the vehicle or object off the ground, using a metal yoke and a hydraulic system, and dragging it behind the towing vehicle. Wheel-lift towing is cheaper and easier than flatbed towing, but it also exposes the towed vehicle or object to more stress, friction, and damage, especially to the tires, suspension, and transmission. Wheel-lift towing is suitable for cars or objects that are light, small, and have two-wheel drive or high clearance.
Hook and chain towing
This is an outdated and rarely used method of towing, as it involves wrapping a chain around the frame or axle of the vehicle or object and attaching it to a hook on the towing vehicle. Hook and chain towing can cause severe damage, scratches, and dents to the towed vehicle or object, as well as the towing vehicle, which is why reputable towing companies no longer use it. Hook and chain towing is only used for vehicles or objects that are severely damaged, wrecked, or junked and are not intended for further use.
Integrated towing
This method of towing involves using a specialized vehicle with a boom and a wheel lift integrated into one unit. Integrated towing is mainly used for heavy-duty purposes, such as towing buses, trucks, or other large vehicles or objects. Integrated towing offers more stability and control than other methods of towing, but it also requires more skill and experience to operate.
Towing Equipment
Towing equipment is the essential tools and accessories that are used for towing. Towing equipment can vary depending on the towing method, vehicle, and object, but some of the common towing equipment are:
Tow bar
This rigid or adjustable bar connects the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle or object. Depending on the design and function, the tow bars can be fixed, self-aligning, or A-frame. Tow bars are used for flat towing, which is a method of towing that involves towing a vehicle with all four wheels on the ground using a tow bar and a base plate. Flat towing is usually done for recreational vehicles, such as motorhomes, campers, or trailers.
Tow dolly
This is a two-wheeled trailer that attaches to the towing vehicle's hitch and carries the towed vehicle's front or rear wheels. Tow dollies are used for dolly towing, a method of towing involving towing a vehicle with two wheels on the ground and two wheels on the tow dolly. Dolly towing is usually done for cars with front- or rear-wheel drive that cannot be flat towed.
Tow sling
This fabric or metal sling wraps around the bumper, frame, or axle of the towed vehicle or object and attaches to the hook or boom of the towing vehicle. Tow slings are used for sling towing, which is a method of towing that involves towing a vehicle or object with two or four wheels off the ground using a tow sling and a boom. Sling towing is usually done for vehicles or objects that are damaged, disabled, or illegally parked and need to be quickly removed or relocated.
Tow strap
This strong, flexible strap connects the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle or object. Tow straps can be made of nylon, polyester, or other synthetic materials and can have hooks, loops, or shackles on the ends. Tow straps are used for strap towing, which is a method of towing that involves towing a vehicle or object with all four wheels on the ground using a tow strap and a hitch. Strap towing is usually done for cars or objects that are stuck, bogged, or need a short-distance pull.
Towing Know-How
Towing know-how is the practical knowledge and skills that are required for towing. Towing know-how can include:
Towing laws and regulations
This pertains to the rules and guidelines that govern towing, such as the towing license, permit, insurance, registration, inspection, weight, speed, and safety requirements. Towing laws and regulations can vary depending on the state, county, or city and the type and size of the vehicle or object being towed.
Tow truck companies follow the laws and regulations not only to avoid fines, penalties, or legal troubles but also to ensure the safety of their customers while providing wrecker or towing services.
Towing safety and precautions
These require knowledge of the measures and practices that ensure towing safety, some of which are:
- checking the towingequipment
- vehicle, and object
- securing the load
- adjusting the mirrors
- lights, and brakes
- maintaining a safe distance and speed
- signaling and changing lanes
- avoiding sudden stops, turns, or swerves.
Towing safety and precautions are observed by towing companies and are implemented to prevent accidents, injuries, or damages during roadside assistance, wrecker, or towing services.
Towing service and maintenance
This means knowing which services and repairs are needed for towing vehicles, such as:
- changing the oil, tires, and fluids
- inspecting the brakes, suspension, and transmission
- replacing the filters, belts, and hoses
- cleaning and lubricating the towing equipment and tow truck.
Towing service and maintenance is scheduled regularly to ensure tow companies can offer top-of-the-line emergency roadside assistance with high-quality performance, efficiency, and longevity for their tow trucks.
Towing is a complex and diverse activity that requires mastery of different towing techniques and equipment. It can also be a rewarding and satisfying experience, as it can help you move, transport, recover, or assist a vehicle or object. By learning and applying the towing methods, equipment, and know-how, tow truck companies master the art of towing, and residents of the area enjoy its benefits.
If you need towing or roadside assistance in Colorado Springs, call Anthony’s Towing, the best tow truck company in town. They offer affordable towing, wrecker service, car lockout assistance, emergency fuel delivery, and more.
Contact them at the first sign of trouble and get help reliable and professional help fast.
About The Author
Jack H. is a tow truck maintenance worker in Colorado Springs who interacts with towing companies regularly to keep their vehicles in tip-top condition. He is especially interested in restoring vintage tow trucks in his spare time.
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