How to Safely Operate a Vehicle that is Being Towed With a Tow Strap

Indianapolis Towing 317-247-8484

Indianapolis Towing 317-247-8484

Breaking down, running out of fuel, and getting stuck in a ditch are just a few scenarios that call for a friendly tow. One common method for towing vehicles with other vehicles involves using a tow strap. Tow straps are towing ropes that connect one vehicle to another for the purpose of relocating them short distances. Whether to the nearest auto shop or simply back onto the road, tow straps can be a convenient and quick solution for car to car towing.

During the process of using a tow strap to pull another car, each vehicle must be “manned” by a person. Someone must of course drive the car doing the towing, while another person must operate the vehicle being towed. Continue reading to learn the proper techniques to safely navigating a vehicle that is being towed by another, and who to call for professional towing services near you.

Tow Strap Towing

Once both ends of the vehicles are securely fastened with the tow strap, the towing can begin. But there are still three important rules to always follow when towing with a tow strap:

1. Never Tow an Unattended Vehicle
2. Do Not Drive Over 15 MPH
3. Focus on SMOOTH Driving

With these rules in mind, the driver in the towing vehicle can go ahead and begin to slowly press on the gas and move forward until the strap is taught. Once the strap is taught, the towing vehicle can slowly accelerate and begin driving forward. They must keep a safe distance between other vehicles, allow ample time for turning and other maneuvers, and avoid braking suddenly to prevent jolting and jerking the other vehicle.

As for the vehicle being towed, it is important for the person inside to know what they are doing, and to do it right. The person inside the vehicle being towed must pay close attention during the entire hauling period and actively operate its brakes and steering wheel. It is their job to steer the wheel along with the direction of the towing vehicle, and watch intently for its brake lights and turn signals. All while doing these tasks, those inside a car being towed by another car must maintain the right amount of resistance in the tow strap by keeping a proper distance between the two vehicles.

No Tow Strap?

If you don’t have a tow strap, don’t trust a pal to tow your car, or happen to be alone, simply contact a local wrecker service for safe and professional towing assistance. You can get fast and affordable roadside assistance or towing service anywhere in the state! Just be sure to hire a licensed company with an upstanding reputation and years of experience.

Zore’s Towing

Zore's Towing Indianapolis 317-247-8484

Zore’s Towing Indianapolis 317-247-8484

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for fast and friendly roadside assistance and towing in Indianapolis you can afford! We offer a wide range of towing services and roadside assistance services at the most competitive prices in town. Where or when never matters when you call Zore’s Towing, since they provide towing and roadside assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and all throughout Indianapolis! Call 317-247-8484 the next time you need a tow in Indianapolis, IN and its surrounding counties.

Do I Need a Hitch Ball When I Buy a New Ball Mount?

Indianapolis Towing 317-247-8484

Indianapolis Towing 317-247-8484

With the proper hitch and towing accessories, any vehicle can be made into a road-trip worthy, ready-to-go, hauling machine. Depending on the type of vehicle you intend to use for towing, you will need to be sure to properly match the right hitch and accessories and set-ups for safe and effective towing.

One of the most common questions drivers have in regards to towing has to do with ball mounts, hitches, and hitch balls. When a person buys a new ball mount, they often wonder which accessories they need to purchase along with it. Continue reading to learn more about ball mounts and hitches, and who to call for towing service and advice you can trust.

Ball Mounts

Ball mounts are commonly referred to as draw bars or stingers. They are the piece connected to the receiver that holds the hitch ball. They are a long, hollow square tube with a curved plate bolted at the end. The curved plate is the piece that holds the hitch ball. The come is a wide range of sizes and drop/lift levels, each fitting a certain type of trailer ball. Many are reversible, making them capable of providing drop and lift by simple turning them upside down.

Towing Accessories

The accessories that connect the ball mount to the receiver and keeps it in place are the hitch pins and clips. These are inserted through pre-made holes in the square-end of the ball mount that allows the pins and clips to hold the ball mount to the receiver. It is recommended to always use a hitch lock to prevent trailer theft.

What You Need

When you purchase a ball mount, most generally come with a hitch ball, hitch pin, and hitch clip. For this reason, there is usually no need to purchase extra towing accessories when all you need is a ball mount. However, it is highly recommended to buy a hitch lock, as mentioned before, to prevent people from simply removing the hitch pin and clip, and riding off with your trailer. Also, it is important to always use safety chains no matter which class receiver you are using. These ensure added safety and maneuverability on the road.

For professional towing advice or service, contact a local wrecker company with experience. An experienced and established towing company can provide the safest and most secure towing services for any type of vehicle, bike, equipment, and more.

Zore’s Towing

Indianapolis Towing

Indianapolis Towing 317-247-8484

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for professional and prompt tow truck services in Indianapolis. We are a licensed, bonded, and insured wrecker company that has been in business for more than 75 years in Indiana. Are highly trained and licensed tow truck operators provide all types of towing; from light-weight to heavy-duty, to emergency towing, disaster response, traffic accident clearance, recovery services, and more. Call 317-247-8484 to learn more about our towing services and service areas in Indianapolis.