Safe Towing Procedures for Heavy Vehicles

AWD/4WD vehicles require special handling to prevent drivetrain damage. The preferred method is flatbed towing with all four wheels off the ground. If using a wheel lift, you must either disconnect the driveshaft or use dollies on the remaining wheels. Never tow AWD vehicles with any wheels on the ground unless manufacturer specifically allows it. Some vehicles have a neutral tow mode - consult owner's manual. Maximum towing speed with dollies is 35 mph.

Towing method selection depends on vehicle type, damage extent, drivetrain configuration, and available equipment. Consider: vehicle weight vs. tow equipment capacity, drive type (FWD/RWD/AWD/4WD), extent and location of damage, distance to destination, road conditions, and manufacturer recommendations. Heavy vehicles typically require wreckers, damaged vehicles need flatbeds, and operational vehicles may use wheel lifts. Always choose the safest method that prevents additional damage.

Essential pre-towing checks include: verifying combined weight doesn't exceed equipment ratings, inspecting all attachment points for damage or corrosion, checking winch cable/chain condition, testing all lighting and signals, confirming hydraulic system pressure, ensuring proper tire inflation on tow vehicle, verifying safety chain ratings and attachment, checking for fluid leaks from disabled vehicle, documenting pre-existing damage, and confirming route clearances for height/weight.

Severe weather requires significant procedural modifications: reduce speed by 25-50% below normal towing speeds, increase following distance to 500+ feet, double-check all connections due to increased stress, use additional tie-downs and safety chains, perform stability checks every 10 miles instead of 25, avoid sudden movements or lane changes, use hazard lights continuously, consider postponing non-emergency tows in extreme conditions, and carry extra safety equipment including sand/salt, chains, and emergency supplies.

Accident scene procedures require: coordinating with law enforcement before moving vehicles, extensive photo documentation from multiple angles, checking for and containing fluid leaks, using absorbent materials for spills, collecting all vehicle debris and personal property, using winches to reposition severely damaged vehicles, avoiding additional damage during recovery, completing detailed condition reports, maintaining chain of custody for evidence, and following biohazard protocols if necessary. Never move vehicles until cleared by authorities.

Prevent towing damage by: using proper attachment points specified by manufacturer, never exceeding equipment weight ratings, maintaining proper towing angles, using wheel straps instead of chains on alloy wheels, protecting vehicle body with soft straps or padding, disconnecting driveshafts when required, maintaining steady speed without sudden acceleration/braking, regularly checking load security during transport, using proper lighting to prevent rear-end collisions, and documenting vehicle condition before and after towing.