What is the distance for a soft-connection tow truck?
3 Answers
Soft-connection tow trucks and the towed vehicle should generally maintain a distance of 4-6 meters. Below are relevant introductions about towing qualifications: 1. Cargo vehicles: Cargo vehicles, semi-trailer tow trucks, and tractors are only allowed to tow one trailer. The trailer's lighting signals, brakes, connections, and safety protection devices must comply with national standards. 2. Small passenger vehicles: Small passenger vehicles are only allowed to tow a travel trailer or a trailer with a total mass of less than 700 kilograms. Trailers must not carry passengers. 3. Cargo vehicles: The load capacity of the trailer towed by a cargo vehicle must not exceed the cargo vehicle's own load capacity.
I remember last time helping a friend with towing, the distance during soft connection towing was really crucial. We used a tow rope and maintained a distance of about 4 to 6 meters. If it's too close, like less than 3 meters, if the front car brakes, the rear car might rear-end, especially dangerous on highways; if it's too far, exceeding 8 meters, the rope can become slack, and the rear car may wobble and lose control during turns. Generally, when the speed is controlled below 30 km/h, 4 meters is safe enough, but I suggest increasing the distance when going uphill or in rainy weather. Also, check the rope's strength—don't use worn-out old ropes to avoid breakage and damage to the vehicles. In short, the safe distance isn't a rigid rule; it depends on road conditions and vehicle weight. Beginners should practice in an open area to avoid sudden braking and sharp turns.
As a car owner, I've always paid attention to traffic regulations regarding towing distance. In most regions, the law requires the length of flexible connections like tow ropes to be between 4 to 7 meters, aiming to prevent vehicle collisions during emergency braking. If the distance is too short (less than 3 meters), when the front vehicle brakes too quickly, the rear vehicle won't have enough reaction time and may rear-end it. Conversely, if it's too long (exceeding 8 meters), the rear vehicle may deviate during turns, potentially scraping the roadside. Personally, I prefer using a standard tow rope, approximately 5 meters long, paired with checking the towing hook's firmness. Importantly, different road types influence distance selection—shorter distances are suitable for slow urban driving, while highways or winding roads call for longer distances. For maintenance, regular cleaning of the rope and testing its tension are crucial.
