Tips for Protecting Your Transmission When Towing Heavy

When a vehicle is towing a heavier load, it usually does so at lower speeds. This combination causes the vehicle’s engine to use more power (torque) to get the job done. In order to combat automotive transmission damage to a vehicle when towing a heavy load or cargo, you must adhere to some fundamental towing guidelines.

Continue reading to learn some tips that will help you ensure your transmission remains protected while towing heavy freights.

24 Hour Towing and Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484
24 Hour Towing and Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

Manual vs. Automatic Transmission

The style in which you tow a heavy load will mostly depend on the type of transmission your towing vehicle uses, and the weight of your freight. If your towing vehicle has an automatic transmission, you will need to install a towing package. Another option for automatic transmission towing is to install a transmission fluid temperature warning that will inform you if your transmission or coolant gets too hot. If you are operating on a manual transmission, driving up hills and similar feats will be easier to manage, as they won’t heat up the radiator fluid too much. Be sure to refer to your owners’ manual for information for your towing vehicle’s specifications and manufacturer recommendations.

Transmission Overheating

Transmissions tend to overheat when being used in first and second gear, like in the instance of hills and stopped traffic. They can also overheat in 3rd or 4th gear at high speeds, such as interstate driving. If this happens, the torque converter lock might disengage, so you will have to engage the overdrive cancel feature. To prevent overheating, keep your engine above 3000 RMP’s when climbing a hill, and simply downshift from there as necessary. Also, if you are stuck in traffic, be sure to use the break, and do not scoot along the whole time.

Never drive a vehicle that is overheating. This can cause major damages to the engine, and possibly lead to an entire engine replacement altogether. Replacing or purchasing a new engine can be very expensive; which is why people turn to rebuilt engines in order to save some cash.  Stop driving and safely pull over as soon as your car engine begins to overheat. Then contact a local towing company to have your vehicle towed to the nearest auto repair shop for inspection and service.

Where to Find Professional Towing Assistance

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for safe and affordable Indianapolis tow truck services you can trust. Our licensed and insured tow truck operators provide punctual and prompt tow truck services, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week! We also provide numerous community services, roadside assistance services, wrecker and recovery services, and much more. Call 317-247-8484 to request a free estimate, anytime!

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

FAQS About Tow Dollies

There are various ways to transport a vehicle using another vehicle. From flatbed tows and trailer hitches, to crane towing, dingy towing, and more, the option you choose primarily depends on the vehicle you are using to tow and the equipment available to you. Continue reading to review some of the most frequently asked questions about tow dollies, and learn what you need to know before getting started on your towing job.

Indiana Roadside Assistance & Towing 317-247-8484
Indiana Roadside Assistance & Towing 317-247-8484

Which Tow Dolly Do I Use?

Not only is it vital that your hitch and towing vehicle meet the particular weight rating of your tow dolly, it is equally important that you have all the other necessary components to go along with them. In order to choose the right tow dolly for your towing needs, you must refer to the towing vehicle’s owners’ manual for its specifications.

How Do I Install a Tow Dolly?

Tow dollies are installed in a very similar way to most hitch systems. In order to set one up on your towing vehicle, you will need to refer to the instructions laid out in your owners’ manual, as well as, the manufacturer’s instructions that come with the tow dolly. You will basically check the hitch ball height then connect the couple on it, and then attach safety chains and other necessary components, such as lights and brakes, to finish.

Do I Need Brake Lights on a Tow Dolly?

State laws regarding tow dollies vary, but most require vehicles in rear-end tow to be equipped with functioning lights for all operations, including stopping, turning, and running. Tow dollies are not required to have weight distributing, sway control devices

Can I Put a Car Backwards on a Tow Dolly?

The short answer to this question is no. Vehicles in tow should always be loaded facing forward. Not only can you be cited for an expensive traffic offense for loading a car on a tow dolly backwards, you can also cause serious accidents and injuries to other people and property.

Can a Car Tow an SUV or Truck on a Dolly?

So long as the tow vehicle is at least 750 pounds heavier than the vehicle-in-tow, you are in good shape. But before you hit the road, be sure to refer to the towing vehicle’s owners’ manual for accurate maximum weight specifications for the vehicle-in-tow.

How Do I Drive Safely With a Tow Dolly?

The basic rules of safety for using a tow dolly, besides ensuring that your dolly is suited for your towing vehicle and applications, is to ensure all connects are secure and operational, reduce your driving speed, ensure all lights are working, ensure that the hitch, hitch-ball, and coupler handwheel are tight, ensure all mirrors are in place, ensure tires are inflated properly, ensure all ramps securely stored and latched, wear your seat belt, anticipate stops and brake early, and use your turn signals.

Need Some Towing Assistance in Central Indiana?

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour roadside assistance and towing services in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. We are fully-equipped with the right fleets to assist cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, construction equipment, trailers, vans, semi-trucks, airplanes, and much more. Our friendly staff is waiting by the phones, ready to help you get back on the road, safe and sound. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, so you can always count on us. Request a free estimate, today.

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

Will Trailer Towing Damage My Car?

Whether you are planning a big move across the city, or a long road trip to the lake, you might be in need of a trailer. However, the idea of hooking up a trailer to your vehicle might scare you. After all, you love your car, and you do not want even the tiniest scratch or defect inflicted. Furthermore, the thought of paying a huge repair bill as a result of towing a trailer will put you off the idea too. If you are afraid towing a trailer with your vehicle might damage it, you are not alone.

Perhaps some facts about trailer towing, coupled with some helpful beginner tips, can improve your attitude and confidence before your big day arrives. Continue reading to do learn these and more!

24 Hour Towing and Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484
24 Hour Towing and Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

You Must Do the Math to Safely Tow

The first thing you want to think about when you are preparing to tow a trailer with your car is its maximum towing capacity. Also known as gross vehicle weight rating, or GVWR, this value is the total amount of weight your car’s manufacturer says it can safely tow. Keep in mind that this maximum value includes the weight of the trailer, as well as its cargo. Refer to your car’s owners’ manual, or the driver side door jam, for your towing capacity.

Along with gross vehicle weight rating, you will also need to calculate the trailer’s tongue weight, which should never be more than 15% of the total trailer weight, including the weight of its cargo. You also need to know the gross combined weight rating, or GCWR, which includes the total weight of your trailer and the towing vehicle, including all passengers, as well as, fuel, equipment, and the cargo on the trailer. To learn how to do all three of these calculations properly, read our blog, “A Review of Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings” for help getting started on the right track.

Mind the State Laws for Trailer Towing

Another important factor to consider has to do with your own safety, rather than the safety of your vehicle. It is wise to learn all the state laws surrounding trailer towing before hitting the road. Not only will this protect you unintentionally causing risk or danger to others, it will prevent law enforcement confrontations, fines, tickets, and wasted time dealing with all three.

See our blog, “What You Need to Know About State Trailer Laws” to learn what you need to know. Furthermore, knowing how to safely operate a vehicle that is towing a trailer is important to protecting your car from damage. Learning the state trailer laws can help you understand certain safety factors, like taking turns, speed limits, and more.

Need Help With Towing in Indiana?

If you find yourself in a jam while on your road trip, trust Zore’s Towing for help anytime! Call us at 317-247-8484 for prompt, 24 hour towing and roadside assistance in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. Our licensed towing and recovery division retains an extensive fleet of over 35 tow trucks and wrecker equipment, allowing us to assist drivers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, rain, snow, or ice. Request a free estimate, anytime.

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

Special Services Offered By Towing Companies

Wrecker companies are more than just a towing service. They offer a wide variety of roadway, transportation, and recovery assistance. Sure they are equipped and eager to provide tows for illegally parked vehicles, broken down cars, abandoned vehicles, and more; but they are also equipped and trained to provide much more than that!

Continue reading to learn what else your local wrecker company can offer you, because it might just come in handy one day!

24 Hour Towing and Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484
24 Hour Towing and Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

Basic Wrecker Services

When it comes to wrecker services, towing is not the limit. Most well-established and veteran wrecker companies retain an extensive fleet of trucks, rigs, trailers, wreckers, and more that allow them to provide comprehensive towing and recovery services for anyone and everything in town. This means impounding, airplane towing, accident and traffic clearing, disaster emergency response, general roadside assistance, and much more. Here is a breakdown of the principle categories for towing and recovery, and the additional services offered by most wrecker companies near you:

Roadside Assistance

Wrecker companies generally offer roadside assistance options for individuals who experience minor vehicular issues or breakdowns on the road. If someone gets a flat tire, a wrecker service will provide tire changes and replacements. If a battery goes dead, a roadside assistance technician for a wrecker company will drive to them and provide a jump start. If someone is locked out of their vehicle, a wrecker service can get them back in! With just one simple phone call, a short wait, and a small fee, you can have a professional wrecker company provide roadside assistance services any time, 24 hours a day.

Light Towing

Light-duty towing includes regular vehicle towing and recovery. Cars, trucks, vans, small to mid-sized vehicles, motorcycles, jet skis, and more are all included in this category. If a car accident happens, a professional wrecker service is called to promptly remove the damaged vehicles and clear the roads of traffic congestion as soon as possible. Illegally parked vehicles and property management towing also fall into this category of light duty tows. These services are available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week; like most towing services.

Medium and Heavy Towing

Medium and heavy-duty tows include larger-scale recovery and towing missions. Trucks, semi’s, rigs, trailers, boats, airplanes, mobile homes, construction materials, piping, and more are included in this category of towing. Wrecker companies extensively train their technicians to be able to clearly and efficiently react and handle sudden recovery emergencies, disasters, and situations. They are fully prepared to recover large equipment or vehicles on dangerous terrain or hazardous conditions. Severe storm damages, fallen trees and power lines, erupting dams, and more are all circumstances when a professional wrecker company is needed and called on.

Additional Services

Wrecker companies often work together with their local municipality in road and traffic management. They also buy and sell junk cars and trucks, and offer auto auctions open to the surrounding communities. On top of auto auctions, junk car buying, light towing, medium towing, and heavy-duty towing, wrecker services also train and provide disaster response as mentioned before. Mostly wrecker companies that have been around the longest are the ones capable of offering these kinds of services because they have the local community trust, the proper and specialized equipment, licensing, and training. 

24 Hour Towing and Recovery for Indiana

If you need towing help, call Zore’s Inc. at 317-247-8484 for friendly 24 hour towing and recovery in Indiana. We open a family-owned and operated business for 90 years, so you can trust us for prompt and professional service. We are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year, so our certified tow truck operators can be there for you anytime, any day! Request free estimates, anytime.

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

Will My Car Overheat in Hot Weather?

When the Indiana heat index reaches extremely high temperatures in the summer, many of us start to have concerns about health and safety. As a result, we take certain precautions to ensure we are not at risk of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and other serious heat-related illnesses and conditions.

However, there is one thing we tend to overlook when it comes to protecting ourselves in hot weather, and that is our vehicles. Not only can the hot summer sun and climate affect the performance and safety of your car, it can also put you in a dangerous position if your vehicles breaks down.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about driving in hot weather, including what to do if your car overheats or breaks down on a hot summer day.

24 Hour Roadside Assistance & Towing 317-247-8484
24 Hour Roadside Assistance & Towing 317-247-8484

Cars and Hot Weather

A car will overheat if it is operated in excessive sun and high temperatures. As the outside temperatures increase, so does the rate at which your car engine produces and retains heat. As a result, engines can quickly become too hot and stop functioning properly. Also, if your car overheats on a hot summer day, you can be subjected to your own set of health and safety risks, especially if you do not have access to water or air conditioning. This is even more dangerous for children and individuals with existing health conditions.

What To Do if it Happens to You

Operating a vehicle that is overheating is extremely dangerous and should never be attempted.  Instead, if your car or truck overheats, your first step is find a safe spot to pull over immediately. Once you are safely pulled over to the side of the road, turn off your ignition and wait for your car to cool down enough to check the coolant. If your coolant (antifreeze) is low, top it off with the extra bottle you hopefully carry with you at all times. See our blog, “What to Put in Your Summertime Roadside Emergency Kit” to learn what you should have on hand.

If your car cools down enough to start it back up, do so, but without the AC on. The air conditioning uses a lot of energy, so instead, drive with the windows down until you reach your destination. In fact, it helps to put your heat on max; although very uncomfortable, it will pull heat away from your engine and cool it off. If your car will not cool down, contact a local Indianapolis tow truck for assistance. You do not want to be sitting in a hot car in hot weather for too long, as this is extremely dangerous.

Call an Emergency Tow Truck in Indianapolis

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for prompt, 24 hour towing and roadside assistance in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. Our licensed towing and recovery division retains an extensive fleet of over 35 tow trucks and wrecker equipment, allowing us to assist drivers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, rain, snow, or ice. Request a free estimate, anytime.

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

Where to Find Private Property Parking Solutions in Central Indiana

Your private parking lot is more than a convenience, it is an asset. For this reason, it is common for property owners to take certain precautions to ensure their private lots remains private. But how does someone meet these property goals? The answer is property management. To manage and supervise your private parking lot, you need a professional property management service to develop and implement the right plan for your premises.

The challenge is to find a service provider that you can trust to meet your private property parking lot needs, including experience, fleets, resources, flexible scheduling, fair rates, sufficient staff, and more. There are hundreds of fly-by-the-night towing companies here in Indiana that claim to provide such services, but turn out to be a huge loss of time and money.

So where can you find trusted private property parking solutions in Indianapolis? THAT answer is Zore’s Inc.

Zore's Towing Indianapolis 317-247-8484
Zore’s Towing Indianapolis 317-247-8484

Property Management Services

Do you have to deal with nuisance parking infractions, such as unregistered, abandoned, and illegally parked vehicles? Or maybe you want to provide guests and staff with safe and convenient parking lot and vehicular assistance? If so, you are a good candidate for private property management in Indiana.

A property management service provider will ensure your private parking lot is supervised 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year; even on National holidays like Christmas and New Years’ Day. See our blog, “The Benefits of Property Management Towing Services” to learn more reasons to consider private property management.

Here at Zore’s Inc. in Indianapolis, we are those service providers who can meet and exceed your needs for private property management! We understand just how important it is to preserve the professionalism and accessibility of your property, which is why we provide prompt and professional, 24 hour property management solutions for private residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal properties all throughout Central Indiana.

Learn Why You Should Choose Us:

✨ When we tow or assist vehicles in your lot, THERE IS NEVER AN ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU!

🥇 Serving Hoosiers Since 1927
🥇 Open 24/7/365
🥇 Certified Tow Truck Drivers
🥇 Family Owned & Operated
🥇 Computerized Dispatching
🥇 35+ Fleet of Trucks
🥇 GPS Management System
🥇 Competitive, Economy-Based Prices

Primary Services Include:

    ✅ Parking Lot Violation Tows
    ✅ Reserved Parking Tow
    ✅ Handicap Parking Tows
    ✅ Unauthorized Parking Tows
    ✅ Overnight Parking Tows
    ✅ Abandoned Vehicle Tows
    ✅ Fire Lane Tows
    ✅ Collision Tows
    ✅ Breakdown Tows
    ✅ 24 Hour Tows
    ✅ Roadside Assistance
    ✅ And More!

Contact Us for a Free Quote!

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for prompt, 24 hour private property parking lot management in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. Our licensed towing and recovery division retains an extensive fleet of over 35 tow trucks and wrecker equipment, allowing us to assist drivers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, rain, snow, or ice. Request a free estimate, anytime.

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

3 Things You Should NEVER Do When a Car Engine Overheats

An overheating car could be caused by a variety of reasons.  It could be a broken radiator, a kinked radiator hose, a faulty thermostat, and maybe even a lack of coolant.  There are many more reasons as well.  No matter what the cause, if you are ever in a similar situation, there are three major things you should never do while your car is still hot or overheating.

24 Hour Roadside Assistance & Towing
24 Hour Roadside Assistance & Towing 317-247-8484

❶ NEVER Continue Driving

When you first notice that your vehicle is overheating, it is crucial to pull over and stop the car immediately.  An overheating car should never be driven.  This can be very dangerous.  Wait until your car is entirely cooled down before starting the engine again.

❷ Never Check Radiator Fluid

Checking your fluid levels in your radiator when the car is overheating is simply asking for trouble.  It can be extremely dangerous.  There is a lot of pressure built up beneath the radiator cap.  Boiling hot fluids and steam can shoot out at high speeds, potentially burning and injuring anyone in its path.  Determine whether or not you are on an inline for accurate fluid readings.  If the car is not level, the fluids cannot be level.

❸ Never Use Cold Water

When a car’s engine has overheated, do not put cold water in the vehicle.  Not only can this damage the engine block and cause it to crack, it can lead to other severe auto damages and costly repairs.  Let a car cool down completely, as mentioned earlier, before tending to an overheated engine.

Causes for Overheating Engine

The most common reason a car overheats is because it is out of coolant! If you use the improper coolant concentration in your vehicle, you can definitely expect it to overheat at some point. It is important to have the proper water-to-coolant ratio for proper cooling operation. Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual to learn the proper coolant concentration recommended for your make and model car or truck. If you don’t have your owners’ manual, look online for a replacement copy. You can download one for free by visiting your vehicle’s manufacturer website.

What You SHOULD DO

First and foremost, always be sure to let the engine cool down completely before opening the hood. Now, since the most common reason a car overheats is because it is out of coolant, always keep a bottle of radiator fluid in your trunk so that you can be prepared in the case of an emergency. If you are stuck on the side of the road with no one to call for help, contact a local 24 hour roadside assistance tow truck for help.

24 Hour Roadside Assistance in Indianapolis

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour roadside assistance and towing services in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. Our friendly staff is waiting by the phones, ready to help you get back on the road, safe and sound. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, so you can always count on us. Request a free estimate, today.

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

Long Distance Driving Tips for Summer

If you have a summer road trip planned, be sure you are prepared to take on the road, safely and efficiently. Continue reading to learn the top tips for driving long distances.

24 Hour Towing and Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484
24 Hour Towing and Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

Road Trip Safety

Long distance driving can come with many risks and dangers. This is especially true since you cannot trust what other drivers around you do on the road. With this in mind, it is wise to review how you can be a safer, better driver when crossing the state borders with friends and family. Whether you are loading up the family for a road trips to the beach, or getting ready for a cross-country visit to Grandma’s house, there are many things you can do to make the drive safer and more convenient, for yourself and your passengers.

Here are some of the most recommended long distance driving tips to consider when planning your summer road trip:

🚗 Diagnostics and Maintenance

Before taking any road trip that requires long distance driving, your first priority is to ensure your vehicle is up for the job. Have your mechanic inspect and service your ride before hitting the road. You do not want to find yourself on the side of the road with an overheating engine or in a storm with broken windshield wipers.

📲 Cartography Basics

It is helpful to both your time and patience to map out your route ahead of time. It also helps to map out secondary routes in case you run into road construction, backups, and perhaps some attractions you want to stop and see. Be sure to download your route on Google maps on your smart phone in case you find yourself without any WIFI or reception. This way, you have your map at all times.

💽 Entertainment

When you set out on a long-distance road trip, there is not much entertainment you can provide yourself as the driver; after all, your priority is the road. However, there are still things you can do to make the trip more comfortable and convenient, and therefore, more efficient. Include coolers with snacks and drinks, music, blankets, pillows, phone and tablet chargers, and a comfortable seat cushion. Also, be sure you have a medical kit and a roadside emergency kit on hand.

Additional Tips:

⛿ Map out gas stations and schedule stops so you never run out of fuel.

⛿ Map out rest stops and take breaks along the way.

⛿ Avoid driving long distances alone.

MOST IMPORTANTLY: Never drive fatigued or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Long Distance Towing and 24 Hour Roadside Assistance

If you find yourself in a jam while on your road trip, trust Zore’s Towing for help anytime! Call us at 317-247-8484 for prompt, 24 hour towing and roadside assistance in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. Our licensed towing and recovery division retains an extensive fleet of over 35 tow trucks and wrecker equipment, allowing us to assist drivers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, rain, snow, or ice. Request a free estimate, anytime.

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

Trailer Hitch Adapter Installation Tips

Recently, we published a blog discussing why you should not use a hitch-mounted wheelchair or scooter lift with a trailer hitch adapter. In today’s blog, we will further this discussion by giving you a guide to installing a trailer hitch adapter for all your other towing needs and applications. Continue reading to get started!

24 Hour Towing and Roadside Assistance
24 Hour Towing and Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

Why Use a Trailer Hitch Adapter?

Using a trailer hitch adapter comes with many benefits. Not only does it make it easier to use a 2 inch hitch accessory with a 1 ¼ inch receiver, it also provides a steady and reliable  option for hitch mounted bike racks and cargo carriers designed for 2” receiver hitches.

What You Need to Watch Out For

As mentioned above and in an earlier blog, never use a hitch-mounted carrier lift with a trailer hitch adapter. Furthermore, when using a trailer hitch adapter, be sure to use a cargo support system, such as straps, to prevent movement of your load, as well as, decrease extra stress on the adapter.

Additionally, you much check your receiver hitch tongue weight rating before setting up. You want your tongue weight rating to be greater than your combined cargo weight. See our blog, “A Review of Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings” to learn where to find your trailers GWR, and how to calculate your numbers.

Installing a Trailer Hitch Adapter

The most important aspect of installing a trailer hitch adapter is security. Not only do you want to ensure that your hitch is secure, you want to ensure that your cargo will be safe during transport. Fortunately, installation is relatively easy. Start by inserting the trailer hitch adapter into your towing vehicle’s receiver. Then secure the pins and clips. From there, install your 2” accessory, also securing it with pins and clips. Finish by fortifying your load with cargo support straps.

Where to Find Professional Towing Assistance

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for safe and affordable Indianapolis tow truck services you can trust. Our licensed and insured tow truck operators provide punctual and prompt tow truck services, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week! We also provide numerous community services, roadside assistance services, wrecker and recovery services, and much more. Call 317-247-8484 to request a free estimate, anytime!

Zore's Towing Indianapolis 317-247-8484
Zore’s Towing Indianapolis 317-247-8484

Do Not Use a Hitch-Mounted Carrier Lift with a Trailer Hitch Adapter

If you have a hitch-mounted wheelchair or scooter lift that you wish to install on a vehicle, it is not recommended to use it with a trailer hitch adapter. There are many hazards that can arise from this arrangement, such as asset damage, vehicular damage, and even traffic accidents. Continue reading to learn why you should not pair a hitch-mounted carrier with a trailer hitch adapter, and what you can do instead for optimal safety and performance.

Indianapolis Roadside Assistance & Towing 317-247-8484
Indianapolis Roadside Assistance & Towing 317-247-8484

Why It Won’t Work

Why should you not use your hitch-mounted carrier with a trailer hitch adapter? Well, hitch receivers with a 1¼ inch opening are not designed with the proper tongue weight capacity to support the total weight of the carrier and the asset it is holding. For this reason, it is vital that you are fully aware of your vehicle’s limitations before you choose a particular carrier or lift.

Keep in mind, if you were to use your hitch-mounted carrier with a trailer hitch adapter, you are literally cutting your tongue weight capacity in half. For this reason, this combination should only be used on vehicles with stiff suspensions, such as full-size pickup trucks, truck-style SUVs, and large vans.

Hitch Class Ratings and Tongue Weight

Most often, cars and minivans have Class 1 or 2 hitches, while trucks and sports utility vehicles usually have Class 3, 4, or 5 hitches. Knowing your vehicle’s tongue weight, hitch class, and rating is an essential part of safely using a wheelchair or scooter lift. Usually, such lifts require at least a Class 3 hitch rating. How do you find your vehicle’s hitch class? Simply refer to the manufacturer label on the trailer hitch. If it is an old lift and the label is not clear, you can also measure the opening yourself.

As for tongue weight, see our blog, “A Brief Explanation of Tongue Weight (TW)” to learn what you need to know. Basically, tongue weight is the downward force that is applied onto a vehicle’s trailer hitch. In terms of a wheelchair/scooter lift, the tongue weight is measured by adding the total weight of the lift and the asset, together. Beware, an improper setup can lead to your carrier and asset bending downward toward the road and breaking off the trailer hitch.

Refer to your vehicle’s owners’ manual for manufacturer’s recommended tongue weight. If you cannot locate your manual, you can look up these values online, or you can adhere to the general rule of thumb, which is that your tongue weight should not exceed 10% of your gross trailer weight. See our blog, “A Review of Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings” to learn how to measure your vehicle’s gross weight rating, and how to apply it with your carrier.

Alternatives and Tips

Aside from hitch classes, tongue weight, and gross weight ratings, is also important to pay attention to the height of the hitch. Lower hitch heights can put your carrier at risk of scraping against sidewalks, curbs, and driveways. To avoid this, be sure to install a hitch height adapter. If you have not yet purchased a wheelchair/scooter carrier, start by measuring your wheelchair or scooter dimensions. Measure the length and width (from the outside tires), as well as the total weight of the asset, including the battery and any accessories (ramps, straps, etc.).

Indianapolis Towing Professionals

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for safe and affordable Indianapolis tow truck and roadside services you can trust. Our licensed and insured towing operators provide punctual and prompt tow truck services, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week! We also provide numerous community services, roadside assistance services, wrecker and recovery services, and much more. Call 317-247-8484 to request a free estimate, anytime!

Indianapolis Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484
24 Hour Towing & Roadside Assistance (317) 247-8484