Can You Tow a Car with a Pickup Truck?

Can You Tow a Car with a Pickup Truck?

A powerhouse pickup is capable of challenging tasks, but can you tow a car with a pickup truck? The answer is yes, but you’ll need the proper equipment and the right strategy to get the job done. While most people prefer to use a trailer, in a pinch towing a car with a truck is possible. Find out what you need to know to tow with confidence, and stay prepared on the Logan roads! 

Basics of Towing a Car with a Truck

Before you learn how to tow a car with a truck, be sure to double-check your specs. Do you know your tow rating? Do you have a tow hitch installed? Do you have 2WD or 4WD? Check your owner’s manual or ask our service center if you need confirmation.

• Your pickup truck must be larger and heavier than the car that you are towing, or you won’t have the engine and braking power to get the job done.
• You can only tow a car with no passengers or pets currently in the vehicle. It is illegal for a passenger to be in the towed vehicle.
• You should turn on the ignition of the towed car to prevent steering wheel locking. Also, turn on the towed car’s parking lights to alert other motorists.
• You will need a tow hitch, whether it is pre-installed from the factory or installed as an accessory after purchase.

How to Tow a Car with a Truck

You know the answer to “Can you tow a car with a pickup truck?”, so how do you do it? Learning how to tow a car with a truck. It’s important to remember to drive cautiously, avoiding sharp turns and going easy on the brakes. Here are some of the most popular methods for towing a car with a truck:

• Dolly: You can rent a dolly at moving and storage centers, and this method allows you to raise the front two tires as you tow to prevent wear and tear on a front-wheel drive car.
• Tow Bar: You can also rent or buy a tow bar with an A-frame design. The tow bar and safety chains attach to your hitch to help you pull along the towed vehicle, but they are prone to pushing.
• Trailer: The safest method for towing a car with a truck is using a car hauling trailer. This prevents the most wear and tear on the towed vehicle, but it is also the heaviest method. Be sure to check your truck’s specs.
• Chains: This is not a recommended method except for extremely short distances, because chains lack the rigidity and control of something like a dolly or trailer. This means the towed vehicle is more likely to slam into your pickup if you brake.

Find Out More with Truck Ranch

Whether you need to pick up a tow hitch or you’re in the market for a truck, contact us at Truck Ranch for all of your automotive needs. We’re located in Logan, so stop by and talk to our team about your towing options.