Car broken down and you need to tow it with your truck? Whether you’re dealing with a roadside emergency or moving a vehicle across town, this guide will walk you through the entire process safely and legally.
Towing might seem straightforward, but doing it wrong can damage both vehicles, break the law, or worse, cause serious accidents. The good news? With the right knowledge and equipment, most truck owners can safely tow a standard passenger car.
Quick Emergency Assessment: Can You Handle This Tow?
Before grabbing your tow straps, take 30 seconds to assess whether you should attempt this yourself or call a professional.
| ✅ DIY Towing | ❌ Call Professional |
|---|---|
| Your truck has adequate towing capacity | Need to use highways or travel long distances |
| Distance is under 50 miles on local roads | Weather is poor (rain, snow, ice, high winds) |
| Weather and traffic conditions are reasonable | Car is badly damaged or in unsafe position |
| You have proper towing equipment available | You're unsure about any aspect of the process |
| Car isn't severely damaged or in dangerous location | Situation feels beyond your comfort level |
Understanding Your Truck’s Towing Capacity
Understanding your truck’s towing capacity is the most critical safety factor. Get it wrong and you risk brake failure, transmission damage, or losing control entirely.
Every truck has a maximum weight it can safely tow, determined by its engine power, braking system, frame strength, and cooling capacity. This isn’t a suggestion. It’s an engineering limit that shouldn’t be exceeded.
Where to find your towing capacity:
- Driver’s side door jamb sticker (most reliable source)
- Owner’s manual in the “Towing” or “Trailer” section
- Manufacturer’s website using your VIN
- Call your dealership with your truck’s details
Typical towing capacities by truck type
Here’s a quick reference to help you identify your truck’s approximate towing limits based on its size and engine type.
| Truck Type | Towing Capacity | Popular Models |
| Mid-size Pickups | 3,500 - 7,500 lbs | Ford Ranger Chevy Colorado Toyota Tacoma Nissan Frontier |
| Full-size Pickups (V6) | 7,000 - 9,000 lbs | Ford F-150 (V6) Chevy Silverado 1500 (V6) Ram 1500 (V6) Toyota Tundra (V6) |
| Full-size Pickups (V8) | 9,000 - 14,000 lbs | Ford F-150 (V8) Chevy Silverado 1500 (V8) Ram 1500 (V8) GMC Sierra 1500 (V8) |
| Heavy-duty Trucks | 14,000+ lbs | Ford F-250/F-350 Chevy Silverado 2500/3500 Ram 2500/3500 GMC Sierra 2500/3500 |
The car you’re towing (including everything inside it) must weigh significantly less than your truck’s rated capacity. Most passenger cars weigh between 2,500-4,000 pounds, so most full-size trucks can handle them safely.
Pro tip: When in doubt about weights, err on the side of caution. It's better to call for help than risk a dangerous situation.
Legal Requirements: Staying Safe and Legal
Towing laws vary by state, but certain requirements are nearly universal. Violating these can result in expensive tickets and liability issues if accidents occur.
Required in most states:
- Safety chains, properly installed and crossed under the connection
- Working brake lights and turn signals on the towed vehicle
- Maximum speed limits (typically 55 mph or less when towing)
- Proper mirrors for visibility around the towed vehicle
State-specific requirements to check:
- Distance limitations for private towing
- Required safety equipment (flags, reflectors, etc.)
- Restrictions on towing methods (some states prohibit chain/strap towing except in emergencies)
- Insurance requirements for towed vehicles
The safest approach is to check your state’s DMV website or call them directly before towing. Laws change, and violations can be expensive.
Choosing Your Towing Method
Your towing method depends on the type of car you’re moving, available equipment, and distance involved. Each method has specific advantages and requirements.
Tow Dolly (Recommended for Most Situations)
A tow dolly is your best bet for safely towing most passenger vehicles. This small trailer lifts the front wheels off the ground while the rear wheels roll on the road.
Tow dollies prevent transmission damage in automatic cars, are relatively easy to use, and can be rented at most equipment locations for $40-60 per day. They work great for front-wheel drive cars and most everyday towing situations.
Emergency Towing with Straps (Last Resort Only)
If you can’t get a tow dolly and need to move your car immediately, heavy-duty tow straps can work for very short distances.
However, this method has serious limitations:
- Maximum 5 miles
- Speeds under 25 mph
- Requires a driver in the towed car
- Is illegal in many states except for true emergencies
Use this only to get your car from a dangerous location to somewhere safer.
| Comparison Factor | Tow Dolly (Recommended) | Tow Straps (Emergency Only) |
| Best For | Front-wheel drive cars, automatic transmissions, everyday situations | Moving car from dangerous location, very short distances |
| Safety Level | Excellent | Poor |
| Ease of Use | Good | Simple |
| Cost | $40-60/day rental | $30-50 strap cost |
| Distance Limit | Unlimited | 5 miles maximum |
| Speed Limit | 55 mph | 25 mph maximum |
| Transmission Risk | No risk | Moderate risk |
| Legal Status | Legal in all states | Emergency use only |
| Equipment Needed | Dolly, safety chains, lights | Heavy-duty strap, attachment points |
| Experience Required | Beginner friendly | Basic knowledge |
| Vehicle Protection | Good | Minimal |
| Overall Rating | ★★★★★ Best overall choice | ★★☆☆☆ Emergency only |
Step-by-Step Towing Process
Now that you’ve assessed your situation and chosen your towing method, it’s time to get your car moving safely. These detailed instructions will walk you through the entire process from setup to arrival, focusing on the methods you’re most likely to use in real emergency situations.
Emergency Strap Towing (Most Common Emergency Method)
Since emergency situations often require immediate solutions, here’s how to safely tow with straps when that’s your only option.
Remember: This method has serious limitations and should only be used for short distances to get to safety.
Critical Safety Requirements:
- Maximum distance: 5 miles
- Maximum speed: 25 mph
- Must have a driver in the towed vehicle
- Use only on quiet roads with minimal traffic
- Check local laws. Some states prohibit this except in true emergencies
Step 1: Assess the situation safely. Only attempt this if you can set up away from traffic. Use hazard lights and set up warning triangles or flares if you have them. If the location is too dangerous, call for professional help.
If your car is stuck in mud, snow, or sand rather than just broken down, you may need recovery techniques before towing. Only attempt towing once the vehicle is free and on solid ground.
Step 2: Prepare the disabled vehicle. Put the transmission in neutral (works for both manual and automatic for short distances). Release the parking brake completely. Remove or secure any loose items inside that could become projectiles. Take photos of both vehicles for insurance purposes.
Step 3: Inspect your equipment. Use only heavy-duty tow straps rated for your vehicle’s weight (never use ropes or chains). Check that the strap has no cuts, frays, or damage. The strap should be 15-20 feet long. Not too short (jerky motion) or too long (hard to control).
Step 4: Find proper attachment points. Look for designated tow points on both vehicles (check owner’s manuals if possible). Never attach to bumpers, suspension parts, or body panels. Use the vehicle’s frame or manufacturer-designated tow hooks only.
Step 5: Connect the vehicles. Attach the strap securely to both vehicles’ tow points. The connection should be tight with no slack. If available, cross safety chains under the main connection for backup.
Step 6: Coordinate with the second driver. The person in the towed vehicle must understand they’re responsible for steering and braking. Establish hand signals: thumbs up (go), flat hand (stop), pointing (turn direction). Test communication before starting.
Step 7: Start slowly and maintain tension. The towing vehicle should pull away very gradually until the strap is taut. Once moving, maintain constant, gentle tension. Never let the strap go slack and snap tight again.
Step 8: Drive with extreme caution. Keep speeds under 25 mph, accelerate and brake very gradually, and make wide, gentle turns. The towed vehicle should stay slightly behind and to one side for better visibility.
Tow Dolly Method (When Available)
When you have access to a tow dolly rental, this is the much safer option. Here’s the complete setup process:
Step 1: Set up in a safe location. Park on level ground away from traffic if possible. Use hazard lights and set up reflective triangles. Position your truck and the disabled car with 10-15 feet between them for working room.
Step 2: Prepare the disabled vehicle. This is critical for automatic transmissions. Put automatic transmissions in “Park” during loading. For any transmission type, remove or secure loose items inside the car. Take photos of both vehicles before starting. Check that nothing is dragging underneath the car.
Step 3: Connect the dolly to your truck. Back your truck up until the hitch ball lines up with the dolly coupler. Lower the dolly coupler onto the ball and secure the connection. The coupler should click and lock onto the ball.
Step 4: Attach safety chains first. Connect the dolly’s safety chains to your truck’s hitch in a crossed pattern underneath the connection. This creates a cradle that prevents the dolly from hitting the ground if the main connection fails.
Step 5: Prepare the dolly for loading. Lower the dolly ramps completely and ensure they’re stable against the ground. The ramps should be straight and secure before attempting to load the vehicle.
Step 6: Load the vehicle onto the dolly. Drive or carefully push the car forward onto the dolly with the front wheels only. Go slowly and have someone guide you if possible. The front wheels should rest firmly against the wheel stops at the front of the dolly.
Step 7: Secure the vehicle. Use the dolly’s tie-down straps to secure the front wheels according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The straps should be tight enough to prevent any movement but not so tight as to damage the wheels or vehicle.
Step 8: Raise and secure the ramps. Lift the loading ramps and secure them in their transport position. Make sure they’re properly latched and won’t come loose during travel.
Step 9: Connect electrical systems. Plug the dolly’s electrical connector into your truck’s trailer wiring harness. Test all lights. Brake lights, turn signals, and running lights must all work properly.
Step 10: Release the car’s parking brake. The rear wheels of the towed vehicle must roll freely. Ensure the car is in neutral and the parking brake is completely released. This is crucial because the rear wheels will be rolling on the road.
Step 11: Final safety inspection. Walk around the entire setup and verify that everything is secure. Check all connections, ensure nothing is dragging, and confirm the car cannot move on the dolly.
Key advantages: No driver needed in towed vehicle, safer at highway speeds, unlimited distance capability, prevents transmission damage.
Driving While Towing
Towing completely changes how your vehicle handles, so you need to adjust your driving accordingly. The specific techniques depend on your towing method.
For Tow Dolly Towing:
- Starting and acceleration: Be gentle with the throttle. Sudden acceleration can cause the towed vehicle to surge forward, creating instability. Allow extra time for all maneuvers.
- Braking: Your stopping distance will double or triple. Begin braking much earlier than normal and apply pressure gradually. Sudden braking can cause dangerous jackknifing or overwhelm your brake system.
- Speed limits: Keep speeds at 55 mph or less, regardless of posted limits. Many towing setups work best at 45 mph. Higher speeds increase sway risk and reduce your control in emergencies.
- Turning: Make wider turns than normal. The towed vehicle follows a different path than your truck, and tight turns can cause it to hit curbs or other obstacles.
- Lane changes: Signal early and change lanes gradually. Check your mirrors frequently to ensure the towed vehicle is tracking properly behind you.
- Hills and grades: Use lower gears on steep hills to reduce strain on your engine and transmission. Allow extra cooling time if your temperature gauge rises.
For Emergency Strap Towing:
- Coordination is everything: Remember, both drivers must work together. The towing vehicle controls speed and direction, while the towed vehicle provides steering and additional braking.
- Starting: Begin very slowly to take up slack in the strap gradually. Sudden starts will snap the strap tight and could break the connection or damage attachment points.
- Speed: Never exceed 25 mph. This isn’t just a suggestion. At higher speeds, the towed vehicle becomes difficult to control and stopping distances become dangerous.
- Braking: Both vehicles must brake together. The towing vehicle should brake first and gradually, followed immediately by the towed vehicle. Practice this coordination before entering traffic.
- Turning: Make very wide, gentle turns. The strap connection doesn’t provide the same guidance as a rigid dolly, so sharp turns can cause the towed vehicle to swing wide or lose control.
- Communication: Maintain constant visual contact through mirrors. If communication breaks down, both vehicles should slow down and pull over safely.
- Hills: Avoid steep hills when possible. Going uphill puts enormous strain on the strap and attachment points. Going downhill makes braking coordination critical and dangerous.
Safety Tips for Successful Towing
Following proper safety protocols is what separates a successful towing operation from a potential disaster. These essential tips will help you maintain control, prevent accidents, and ensure both vehicles arrive at their destination undamaged.
| 🚀 Before You Leave | 🛣️ During the Trip | 🏁 After Arrival |
| Double-check all connections and equipment Test all lights and electrical systems Plan your route to avoid heavy traffic and steep grades Have emergency contact numbers ready Carry basic tools and emergency equipment | Check your setup every hour or whenever you stop Stay in right lanes and avoid unnecessary passing Be extra cautious in bad weather Pull over if anything feels wrong Don't hesitate to call for help if problems arise | Park on level ground before disconnecting anything Set parking brakes on both vehicles Disconnect equipment in reverse order of setup Store all equipment properly for future use |
When to Choose Professional Towing Instead
Sometimes the smart choice is calling professionals, even if you have the capability to tow yourself.
Professional towing makes sense for:
- Long distances (over 100 miles)
- Highway travel in heavy traffic
- Valuable or classic vehicles
- Bad weather conditions
- Complex recovery situations
- When you’re unsure about any aspect of the process
Professional towers have specialized equipment, proper insurance, and experience with all types of vehicles. The cost is often reasonable compared to the risk of damage or accidents from improper DIY towing.
Final Thoughts: Tow Smart, Stay Safe
Learning how to tow a car with a truck is a valuable skill that can save you time and money in emergency situations. However, it’s not something to take lightly. Improper towing can damage vehicles, cause accidents, or result in expensive legal problems.
The key principles for safe towing are understanding your equipment’s limitations, following proper procedures, and never hesitating to call for professional help when situations exceed your comfort level or capabilities.
Remember that even experienced towers encounter situations that require professional assistance. There’s no shame in recognizing when a job is beyond your skill level. It’s actually a sign of good judgment.
Most importantly: If you ever feel unsure about any aspect of a towing operation, stop and call for professional help. The cost of a tow truck is always less than the potential cost of an accident, vehicle damage, or legal problems from improper towing.
Need Professional Towing in Maryland?
If you’ve decided that professional towing is the safer choice for your situation, Geyers Towing has been serving Maryland drivers for over three decades. Our WRECKMASTER-certified technicians provide safe, reliable towing services 24/7 across Baltimore, Montgomery County, and all surrounding areas.
Why Maryland drivers trust Geyers Towing:
- 24/7 emergency response when you need help most
- Flatbed towing to prevent damage to your vehicle
- Experienced technicians who handle every type of vehicle
- Competitive rates with transparent, upfront pricing
- Full insurance coverage for your peace of mind
Don’t let a breakdown ruin your day. Call Geyers Towing now for fast, professional service that gets you back on the road safely. Save our number in your phone before you need it. Emergencies never happen at convenient times.
Stay safe out there, and remember that getting home safely is more important than saving a few dollars on towing costs.
