What is the distance between the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle?
3 Answers
The distance between the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle should be greater than 4 meters and less than 10 meters. Here is additional information: 1. Regulations: The towed motor vehicle must not carry any passengers other than the driver and must not tow a trailer. The width of the towed motor vehicle must not exceed the width of the towing vehicle. 2. Towing Vehicle: A towing vehicle is generally a large truck or semi-trailer where the cab and the trailer are connected by a towing mechanism. The cab can detach from the original trailer and tow other trailers, and the trailer can also be detached from the original cab and towed by other cabs. The front part with driving capability is called the towing vehicle, while the rear part without driving capability is called the trailer, which is pulled by the towing vehicle.
I have 20 years of experience in towing. The key is to maintain a safe distance, preferably around 4 to 6 meters, so that the trailing vehicle has time to react and avoid a rear-end collision if the lead vehicle brakes suddenly. On highways, I extend the distance to over 5 meters because the high speed and strong winds can cause instability, which is dangerous. In the city, a slightly shorter distance of 3 meters is acceptable, but don't get too close. Too short a distance can cause jerking and instability of the trailer, while too long may lead to delayed braking—that's why I measure the tow chain with a tape measure for peace of mind. Also, consider the vehicle type: smaller cars towing larger loads require a longer distance. Regularly check the chain for wear, or it might be too late when an accident occurs. Be extra cautious when driving at night—lights must be bright and signals clear.
As a car enthusiast, I'm always researching the design of towing devices. The standard length of a tow chain is usually 4.5 meters, suitable for most sedans and SUVs. The distance isn't fixed, right? Some off-road vehicles use 3 meters to prevent scraping the bottom. In urban environments, I shorten it a bit, while on highways I use longer chains because airflow has a greater impact. I remember once trying 6 meters - the ride was smoother, but braking distance increased by about 0.5 seconds. So before each trip, I manually adjust the hook position based on load weight and road conditions to ensure the chain is taut and prevents swinging. In bad weather, I'm extra careful to leave more buffer space.
