The safest and most common way to tow a car with a pickup truck is by using a flatbed trailer or a dolly. This method lifts all the car's wheels off the ground, preventing damage to its drivetrain. For short-distance, low-speed towing of a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, a towing dolly that lifts the front wheels can be a viable alternative. However, the absolute worst method is flat-towing (all wheels on the ground) without proper equipment, as it can severely damage the transmission of the towed car.
The first step is understanding your truck's capabilities. Check your truck's Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR), which is the maximum allowed weight of the truck, trailer, car, passengers, and cargo combined. This rating is found in your owner's manual or on a sticker inside the driver's door jamb. Exceeding this limit is dangerous and illegal. You'll also need a trailer with a sufficient weight capacity.
Next, you must use the correct hitch equipment. For most car trailers, a weight-distributing hitch system is essential. This setup uses spring bars to distribute the trailer's tongue weight evenly across all of the truck's axles, improving stability and control. A standard ball hitch alone is often inadequate for the heavy load of a car. Always ensure the trailer is properly hooked up, with safety chains crossed under the hitch and all lights functioning.
Secure the car correctly on the trailer or dolly. Use robust ratchet straps to tie down the vehicle at its designated tow points, not suspension components. The straps should be tight enough to prevent any movement but not so tight that they compress the suspension. Double-check everything before moving.
Here’s a quick reference for common truck and trailer combinations:
| Truck Type | Max Towing Capacity (approx.) | Recommended Trailer Type | Suitable Car Types |
|---|
| Half-Ton (e.g., F-150) | 9,000 - 13,000 lbs | Flatbed Trailer | Sedans, SUVs, Mid-size Trucks |
| Heavy-Duty (e.g., F-250) | 15,000 - 20,000+ lbs | Flatbed Trailer | Full-size SUVs, Large Trucks |
| Mid-Size (e.g., Tacoma) | 6,500 - 7,000 lbs | Car Dolly or Light Flatbed | Compact Cars, Sedans |
| half-ton with dolly | N/A | Towing Dolly | Rear-wheel-drive vehicles only |
Finally, adjust your driving. Towing a heavy load requires much longer stopping distances and wider turns. Accelerate and brake gradually, and always be aware of the trailer's wide swing on turns. Practice in an empty parking lot before hitting the road. According to the NHTSA, improper towing is a significant factor in highway accidents, so taking your time to do it right is non-negotiable.
