What You Need to Know About Towing Without a Trailer

Ever feel like transporting cars with a trailer is expensive? If you’re looking to move your car without feeling like you could’ve saved quite a bit of cash, then don’t worry – it’s totally possible to tow your car without a trailer!

But, like a lot of great things in life, it isn’t that simple. If you want to pull this off, you need to take the time to carefully plan, have knowledge of the available methods, such as an auto transport dolly, and comply with laws to ensure that the process is safe for you, your vehicle, and the road. 

With all this in mind, let’s discuss the things you need to know before trying to tow your vehicle with no trailer.

1. Trailerless Towing Methods

If you’re thinking about towing a car without a trailer, consider these methods:

• Auto Transport Dolly – A tow dolly is a light two-wheeled trailer that raises its front wheels off the ground and allows the rear wheels to make contact and roll on the road. This is particularly beneficial for front-wheel-drive vehicles as raising the car this way reduces wear and tear on the drivetrain.
• Flat Towing – With this method, the towed vehicle's four wheels remain on the road, with just a tow bar directly attached to the towed vehicle. This approach is frequently used for lightweight vehicles with a neutral gear setting and also leans towards some manual transmission and four-wheel-drive vehicles.
• Using a Tow Rope or Chain – Using a tow rope or chain is riskier, but it is straightforward and cheap compared to the other two options. You just simply use a strong tow strap, rope, or chain to connect the two vehicles. However, this method requires a skilled driver in the towed vehicle and is often illegal on public roads.

2. Check Legal Requirements

If you hate getting into trouble for things you didn’t know, it is essential for you to brush up on laws regarding towing without a trailer. These laws vary by state, so it’s essential to check local regulations. Some jurisdictions require safety chains, proper lighting, and braking systems, especially if you’re flat-towing. Additionally, some areas prohibit the use of tow ropes or chains on public roads.

3. Choose the Right Tow Vehicle

Power matters whenever you’re pulling something of significant weight. As such, the vehicle doing the towing must be capable of handling the weight of the towed car. Check the towing capacity of the towing car in the owner’s manual to ensure it meets or exceeds the weight of the towed vehicle. Not checking the vehicle specifications can give the risk of overloading, leading to mechanical failure, loss of control, and increased stopping distances.

4. Secure Proper Connections

Regardless of the towing method that you will use, it is of the utmost importance that your connections are properly secured. Here is how you can secure or reinforce your towing connections:

• Use heavy-duty tow bars, safety chains, or reinforced tow straps designed for the weight you’re towing.
• Double-check that all attachment points are firmly secured before moving.
• Ensure that the towed vehicle’s steering is unlocked if using a tow dolly or flat towing.

5. Consider your brakes and lights

Braking and visibility are essential when towing another vehicle to minimize the chances of accidents during transport. In some states, a supplemental braking system for the towed vehicle is mandatory to avoid putting too much pressure on the tow vehicle’s brakes. If the lights on the towed vehicle are not functioning, external tow lights should be installed to indicate braking and turns.

6. Drive with Caution

When towing a car with an auto transport dolly and these other options, follow these driving precautions:

• Drive at a reduced speed to maintain control and reduce the risk of swaying or jackknifing.
• Make wider turns to account for the additional length of the towed vehicle.
• Allow extra space for braking since stopping distances will be longer.
• Avoid sudden acceleration or braking to prevent jerking between vehicles.

7. Know When to Call a Professional

If you’re unsure about towing safely or if the vehicle requires special handling (such as all-wheel drive with no neutral setting), it’s best to call a professional auto transport or towing service. Leaving it to the professionals ensures safety, prevents damage, and avoids potential legal issues.

Towing a car with a car dolly rental can be a viable and cost-efficient option when done correctly and legally. By understanding the right towing methods, ensuring proper vehicle compatibility, and following safety precautions, you can successfully transport a car using a tow bar, an auto transport dolly, and even tow straps without unnecessary risks.

Just make sure to avoid complications by always checking local laws and considering professional assistance if needed to ensure a smooth towing experience.