Many truck owners wonder whether they can safely tow their car with the truck for daily transport or long-distance moves. Understanding the limits, methods, and legal requirements helps you avoid damage and choose the right option for your situation.
This guide breaks down the key factors you need to evaluate before deciding to tow a car behind a truck, from vehicle compatibility to safety and regulations.
| Method | Best For | Key Requirement | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flatbed Towing | All drivetrains, delicate transport | Tow dolly or flatbed unit with secure straps | Long-distance moves, vehicles with low ground clearance |
| Two-Wheel Dolly | Front‑wheel‑drive cars | Dolly rated for car weight, proper wheel straps | Short to medium moves, keeping drivetrain free |
| Integrated Towing | Vehicles with trailer packages | Compatible receiver, correct hitch class, brake controller | Regular hauling, stable high‑speed towing |
| Hook‑and‑Chain | Rarely recommended | Strong tow points, weight limits, short distances only | Towing disabled vehicles temporarily |
Vehicle Compatibility and Preparation
Before you attempt to tow your car with your truck, check the car’s drivetrain, weight, and ground clearance. Rear‑ and all‑wheel‑drive cars often need all wheels off the ground to prevent drivetrain damage, while front‑wheel‑drive cars can sometimes be towed on a two‑wheel dolly.
Review both the truck and the car’s owner manuals for manufacturer towing guidance and weight limits. Look for details on maximum tongue weight, trailer brake requirements, and whether the car has a transmission cooler or cooling capacity for towing.
Inspect tires, lights, and safety chains before departure, and ensure the load is balanced and secured with quality straps or chains. Proper preparation reduces the risk of breakdowns, handling issues, and damage to either vehicle during the tow.
Legal and Road Safety Requirements
Local and state laws govern how you can tow a car with a truck, including trailer lighting, brake systems, and size restrictions. Many jurisdictions require a separate trailer license endorsement if the combined towed weight exceeds a set threshold.
Always use working brake lights, turn signals, and reflectors on the towed car, and attach safety chains correctly crossed under the hitch. Driving at reduced speeds, increasing following distance, and avoiding sudden maneuvers helps keep you compliant and safe on the road.
Check weight of the car, trailer tongue, and total combination against the truck’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and Gross Combination Weight Rating to stay within legal and mechanical limits.
Choosing the Right Towing Equipment
Selecting the correct hitch, dolly, or flatbed rated for your car’s weight is essential for safe towing. Class II, Class III, or Class IV hitches differ in capacity, and pairing the wrong class with a heavy car can compromise stability.
A weight distribution hitch can improve handling when towing larger cars regularly, while a quality tow dolly suits lighter front‑wheel‑drive vehicles. Ensure all components match your truck’s towing capacity and that connectors are corrosion‑resistant and properly installed.
Professional installation and periodic inspection of pins, bearings, and wiring reduce wear and help you catch issues before they become safety hazards on the highway.
Performance, Handling, and Maintenance Impacts
Towing changes how your truck accelerates, brakes, and corners, stressing engine, transmission, and suspension. Monitor temperature gauges, avoid prolonged downhill runs without engine braking control, and use lower gears when needed.
Schedule more frequent oil changes, check tire pressure, and inspect suspension components after long towing sessions. Keeping the truck and towed car in good condition extends their life and supports safer journeys.
Plan routes with ample rest stops, and consider renting a truck with higher towing capacity or using a flatbed service if your usual truck is near its limit for the car you need to move.
Reliable Towing Practices and Recommendations
- Check owner manuals for towing limits and procedures for both truck and car
- Use a properly rated hitch, dolly, or flatbed and inspect all connections
- Ensure the towed car has working lights, brakes, and safety chains crossed under the hitch
- Keep speeds moderate, increase following distance, and plan for extra braking time
- Monitor tire pressure, transmission temperature, and suspension condition during the trip
- Schedule professional inspections after long towing sessions or if you notice unusual noises or handling
FAQ
Reader questions
Can I tow my car with my truck using a rope or chain only?
Towing a car with just a rope or chain is unsafe and often illegal except for very short distances to move a disabled vehicle. Use a proper tow dolly, flatbed, or trailer with secure straps and working lights.
Do I need a special license to tow a car with my truck?
Requirements vary by location, but if the combined weight of the car and trailer exceeds a local threshold you may need a special endorsement or trailer license. Check local regulations before you travel.
Will towing my car on a dolly damage the transmission?
For front‑wheel‑drive cars, towing on a two‑wheel dolly with all drive wheels off the ground typically avoids transmission damage. All‑wheel‑drive and some automatic transmissions may require towing all wheels off the ground or consulting the manual.
How do I know if my truck can tow my car safely?
Compare the car’s weight and tongue weight to your truck’s towing capacity and payload limits, verify hitch class and brake requirements, and review the manufacturer’s guidance in both vehicles’ manuals before deciding.