How to Tow a Car with a Truck: 2 Methods [Easy Guide]

At some point in our lives, we may face the painful task of towing a car with a truck. Whether it's because of a breakdown or an accident, towing a car requires utmost care and attention to ensure that both the towed vehicle and the towing truck are safe.

Towing a car with a truck might seem easy, but it can quickly become complicated and dangerous if not done correctly. Whether helping a friend move or transporting a broken-down vehicle, knowing how to tow safely and efficiently is crucial.

So keep reading to learn the proper steps to tow a car with a truck effectively and safely.

How to Tow a Car with a Truck like a Pro?

Towing a car for the first time can feel like navigating a treacherous mountain road. Fortunately, dollies and trailers are two surefire methods to get your vehicle home safely.

#1 Use a Dolly to Tow

A dolly is ideal if you have a broken-down car needing towing. A tow dolly is a small, lightweight trailer with two wheels and a ramp. It is designed to tow a car by lifting only its front or rear wheels off the ground. Below are the steps to follow when using a dolly to tow a car.

Step 1: Connect the Towing Dolly

First, slide the towing dolly underneath the front or rear wheels of the towed car and line up the dolly hitch with your truck's hitch receiver. Once the hitch is secure, tighten the locking pin and attach the safety chains to your truck's hitch.

Step 2: Align the Towed Car

Ensure that the towed car is aligned straight with the towing dolly. You can do this by checking the front and back wheel tracks of the towing dolly and the towed car.

Step 3: Load the Towed Car

Now, drive or push the towed car onto the ramp of the dolly until its front or rear wheels are securely in place. Once the vehicle is in place, engage the emergency brake to prevent it from rolling during transportation.

Step 4: Secure the Towed Car

Now tighten the tie-down straps on the towed car's wheels to keep them securely in place. This will prevent the car from moving during transportation, even if you encounter bumps or potholes.

Also, ensure that the towed car's wheels are centered and straight on the dolly to ensure that it does not sway from side to side during the tow.

#2 Use a Trailer to Tow:

Using a trailer is another popular way to tow a car with a truck. Here are the steps you should follow to accomplish this task effectively.

Step 1: Connect the Trailer

The first step in using a trailer to tow a car is correctly connecting it to your truck. Start by backing your truck up to the trailer and aligning the hitch ball with the coupler on the trailer. Raise the trailer and lower it onto the hitch ball until it's securely in place.

Hitch up the safety chains, ensure enough slack to allow turns, and attach the electrical connector.

Step 2: Align the Towed Car

After attaching the trailer to your truck, the next step is to align the towed car with the trailer. Position the car in front of the trailer and then back it up slowly until it's lined up squarely with the trailer.

Step 3: Load the Towed Car

Now it's time to load the towed car onto the trailer. Ensure the car is in the park and the emergency brake is engaged. Attach the winch to the front of the towed car and slowly winch it up onto the trailer, taking care not to damage the car or the trailer.

Step 4: Secure the Towed Car

Once the towed car is in place, securing it to the trailer is important to prevent it from shifting during transport. Use ratchet straps or chains to secure the car to the trailer, being sure not to over-tighten them, as this can damage the car.

Towing a Car with Truck: Things to Consider

Towing a car with a truck may seem simple at first glance, but there are several things to consider before hitching up and hitting the road.

Know Your Maximum Towing Capacity

The first and perhaps the most important thing to consider when towing a car with a truck is your maximum towing capacity. The manufacturer and the hitch you use determine your truck's towing capacity.

If you find yourself in a situation where you need to call a tow truck, knowing your maximum towing capacity can also help you communicate effectively with the tow truck operator to ensure they have the appropriate equipment to safely transport your vehicle.

To determine the maximum towing capacity of your truck, consult the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer. You should also take into account the weight of anything else that will be in the trailer, such as luggage or equipment.

Check Your Tow Hitch Specification

Another essential factor to consider before towing a car with a truck is the type of tow hitch you're using. Various tow hitches are available, each with its weight limit and specifications. It's essential to ensure that the tow hitch matches the weight and size of the trailer you're towing.

For instance, if you plan to tow a large vehicle, you'll need a weight distribution hitch instead of a standard ball hitch. A weight distribution hitch helps distribute the vehicle's weight more evenly, improving driving safety and stability.

Know the Car Towing Laws

The final consideration when towing your car with a truck is car towing laws. The laws regarding towing vary from state to state, so it's essential to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of the state where you'll be driving.

Many states restrict the weight and length of trailers that can be towed, while others require safety chains, breakaway brakes, and other safety features.Be sure to familiarize yourself with your truck's tow haul mode and use it when appropriate to ensure a safe and smooth towing experience.

Conquer Towing Car with the Right Knowledge and Tools

Towing a car with a truck can seem daunting, but it can be done safely and effectively with the proper knowledge and tools. Once you have the necessary equipment, using a dolly or a trailer will help you to transport a car safely and efficiently.

Always prioritize safety and follow the tips outlined in this post to avoid accidents or damage. Feel free to contact a professional towing service if you need help with towing a car or need assistance.

We hope this blog post has provided you with the necessary information on how to tow a car with a truck. Following these steps, you can tow a car with your truck like a pro.