Car towing. Do-it-yourself rigid hitch for cars Towing a car on a flexible hitch

20.07.2019

If the car breaks down during its movement unexpectedly and in the middle of the road, then two options are possible to solve the problem: repair it on the spot or tow it on a flexible or rigid hitch to a service station.

On automotive courses in theory, they are partially introduced to the concept of towing on various couplings, but far from many have a chance to try to practice. in themselves SDA topic mechanical towing a whole chapter is devoted and during the study this concept is very often encountered. Its single meaning can mean both towing a trailer and towing a car.

This article will discuss how to properly tow a car on flexible hitch, as well as when using a rigid hitch. These two species are very common and can often be found on the road. In addition to them, there is also a third type - this is towing by the method partial loading which will also be discussed here.

This type of hitch is one of the simplest and most common.

A flexible hitch is a special strong towing cable made of durable material (steel or cloth cable).

Many motorists always have such a flexible cable in the trunk, because it is included in the mandatory motorist kit and is often checked during technical inspection. Towing a car with a steel cable does not require special documents from drivers. It can be used by absolutely all drivers with driver license And open categories to their cars.

In order to use the flexible hitch, the vehicle must have special towing brackets, both front and rear. On new car models, towing mounts are located in the trunk and, if necessary, are screwed into special designated holes in the bumpers.

This type of tug is most often found when towing cars belonging to the passenger class.

Rules for the use of a flexible hitch

If the car needs to be transported on a flexible hitch, then the traffic rules provided for this must be observed.

The driver should pay attention to the following points:

a cable based on a flexible coupling must be of a strictly defined length, namely not less than 4 meters and not exceeding a length of 6 meters;
in a car that is towed, i.e. one that is being towed from behind, must always be controlled by the driver;
the towing cable used must have special designations- an identification badge made of fabric or metal measuring 20 by 20 cm, made on the background white color with red alternating lines in the amount of at least two pieces.

Towing on a simple flexible hitch is prohibited in the following cases:

at the towed car out of order the brake system is located, as well as the steering system is faulty;
it is forbidden to use this species tug in winter time subject to ice on the road surface.

If the stipulated requirements for towing the vehicle are violated, the driver will be fined by a police officer in the amount of 500 rubles.

The towing device, which has the form of a rigid hitch, is different and has a completely different look than a flexible one.

A rigid hitch is a type of tug in which the device itself is made of metal and has a rigid, non-bending structure. It can be in the form of a simple pipe or a triangle, that is, one fastening point on each side, or two on one side and one on the other.

Towing with a rigid hitch is rarely used for transporting passenger cars, because the design is very huge and takes up a lot of space, and also in the absence of many cars special fasteners for such a device. By virtue of its form, it is intended for trucks, tractors, large construction equipment, as well as for buses and trolleybuses.

When compared to slack wire, a rigid hitch is more complex, but has more secure fastening. Movement with such a tug is also easier, because there is no need constant control distances between towed vehicles.

Rules for towing a car on a rigid hitch

This type of towing is allowed to be used under the following conditions:

the length of the structure representing the connection in question should be up to 4 meters;
if it has two attachment points, then drive a car that is in this moment towed must be a driver;
if the structural form has three attachment points, one from one and two from the other, then it is not necessary to control the movement of the driver of the towed car;
if the brakes are not in working condition, then towing is possible only under those conditions if the towed car is 50% lighter than the towing one;
if faulty steering column, then transportation on a rigid hitch is prohibited by the rules;
if there is ice on the asphalt surface, then it is definitely impossible to tow;
during the movement there should not be people in the cabin or body of the towed vehicle.

Towing by partial loading

In addition to the two types of couplings, another type of towing is provided, which is more complex, which is called partial loading towing.

This technology does not use any towing cables at all. Chief and prerequisite there should be a heavy tow truck, which has a special place in the rear of the body for loading the front wheelbase of cars. As it has already become clear, partial loading consists in raising one pair of wheels from a towed vehicle and placing it on a tow truck. Subsequent axles remain on the ground.

The partial loading method allows the use of towing in conditions where flexible and rigid hitches are not possible - if the steering column and brakes are not corrected, as well as in icy conditions.

If the towed vehicle has an automatic transmission, then none of these three types of towing can be used. In this case, there will be only one solution - the use of a tow truck, in which the car will be completely raised and the wheels will not have contact with the road surface.

Summing up, it is worth paying the attention of car owners to the fact that for any type of towing, cars must comply speed mode and do not exceed the established 50 km per hour. Also, do not forget that the towed car must have a working and turned on emergency gang or an installed emergency sign. If all the stipulated rules are followed while towing from a rigid and flexible hitch, drivers will be able to avoid serious difficulties and fines from traffic police inspectors.

Vehicle equipped with mechanical box transmission, you can always evacuate. It won't affect the box in any way. It is enough to put the gearbox in neutral and keep your foot on the brake. Towing on a flexible hitch can be done in any way. The car can be both leading and driven in tandem.

When driving, you should constantly monitor the situation on the mirrors. The distance and speed of the car behind is important. The cable will sag, and you need to accelerate smoothly so that there are no jerks. You also need to calculate the turning radius. If the turn is sharp, then they enter it along the outer radius, and exit in the same way. It must be remembered that the hydraulic booster will not work when the engine is turned off. This means that the other driver may not have time to turn the steering wheel.

Towing a car: how to do it right, we understand the nuances

towing vehicle A car that pulls another vehicle with the power of its engine. In other words, it is the vehicle in front.
towed vehicle- This is a car that is pulled due to a malfunction of the latter.

Many drivers believe that towing on the motorway is prohibited, as they are the most high speed movement. In fact, there are no requirements for movement. As for the speed limit, on the motorway the minimum speed is 40 kilometers per hour, therefore, if your towing vehicle has a speed of 40 to 50 kilometers per hour, then there will be no ban.

Towing Vehicle in winter with ice. In such situations, it is quite difficult to drive a vehicle and towing can provoke an accident;
A faulty vehicle, in which the nature of the violations is expressed in a malfunction of the steering. In contrast, towing a car with idle engine allowed;
It is forbidden to tow a motorcycle without a sidecar. This restriction due to the fact that it does not have sufficient stability, so faulty motorcycles are usually transported in car bodies;
It is forbidden to transport more than one means;
It is forbidden to exceed the established top speed with which the towing vehicle can travel. This towing speed is 50 km/h and does not change even when driving on those road sections where it is allowed to drive faster. Thus, towing on the motorway should be carried out in the speed range from 40 to 50 km/h;
Towing a car trailer is prohibited without special devices, which will allow it to follow the trajectory of the towing vehicle.

One of the methods of towing is the method of partial loading, which involves direct partial loading, when the front of the driven vehicle is placed on the leading vehicle, and rear wheels will touch the ground. Compared to flexible and rigid hitch transport, this method is considered more difficult, since, first of all, a special freight transport or a crane with which it will be possible to carry out loading. In most cases, it is used for the transportation of cargo vehicles. At the same time, it is necessary to clearly distinguish the method full loading- it no longer applies to towing.

Car towing

When towing on a flexible hitch, the driver must be behind the wheel of the towed vehicle.
The distance between the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle must be between 4 and 6 meters.
At least two retroreflective warning devices measuring 200 by 200 mm with red and white stripes applied diagonally must be installed on the towing cable.
It is forbidden to transport people in a towed bus, trolleybus or the body of a towed vehicle.
It is forbidden to tow vehicles with inoperative steering.
It is prohibited to tow vehicles with an inoperative braking system.
It is forbidden to tow in icy conditions.

Not all ordinary drivers in their long and successful driving career have the opportunity to participate in towing a car or other vehicle. On the one hand, this is good, because towing is usually not done from a good life. However, on the other hand, this is bad, because. few drivers remember the rules of towing and, if necessary, perform towing without violating traffic rules.

Rules for towing vehicles

With ice. In such conditions, it is quite difficult to drive a working car, and even more so to maintain the stability of a faulty one.
With a faulty braking system and steering of a vehicle that needs to be towed. With idle steering, at the first turn, the car will fly into a ditch, and in the absence of brakes, at least two wrecked car. The first is the one in front, the second is in the back.
It is forbidden to tow a motorcycle on a flexible hitch without a sidecar, as it has practically no stability on the road.
It is forbidden to tow two or more vehicles at the same time.

The driver must be behind the wheel of the towed vehicle.
The distance between two cars is in the range of 4 to 6 meters.
It is obligatory to install reflective signs on the tow rope.
The carriage of passengers in towed vehicles is prohibited (except cars).

Car towing - rules and types of towing

Car towing, in common language, is the transportation of one vehicle (practically a “passenger”) to another. The need for towing arises in the event of a sudden failure or breakdown of vehicle control systems. For example, as a result of an accident, when the car receives serious external and internal damage.

In order to carry out towing on a flexible hitch, a nylon or steel cable should be used as a connecting link. By the way, a nylon halyard is in no way inferior to a steel halyard (for example, in terms of strength). Under load, the nylon halyard begins to stretch. Due to this, the probability of damage to body parts is reduced, and the breakage or deformation of the towing eyes becomes almost impossible.

Traffic rules on towing cars

With a flexible hitch. Before you perform the process, you need to know how much weight the cable is designed for. It is important to check that its length is not less than 4 and does not exceed 6 meters;
With the help of a tow truck. This method is the most popular for this type of transport. The transport services themselves are responsible for damage to the vehicle during transport. The disadvantage of this method is the high price;
On a hard hitch. This method is perfect if the brakes are broken. The cable must be no longer than 4 meters.

Today there is a large number of ways in which you can transport a car. If you have a friend who can take you in tow, then it is better to use his help. But if there is no such acquaintance, then the driver will have to call a tow truck. It may cost more, but the vehicle will be delivered to a certain point without much hassle.

How to properly tow a car

Flexible hitch. In order to figure out how to properly tow a car on a flexible hitch, you need to decide what the “correct” towing cable is. Each of them is designed for a certain load, which cannot be exceeded. The type of carbines also matters - it is optimal if they are forged, not stamped. Even before the start of the movement, the cable for towing the car must be “marked” with flags or other “tags” with a reflective surface. There must be at least two of them. The rules for towing a car on a flexible hitch allow you to “drag” only a car with serviceable brakes and a steering wheel. The length of the cable for towing a car should not exceed 6 meters.
Rigid hitch. Here, instead of a cable, metal devices of various designs are used. It can be a simple bar with one attachment point, or it can be a triangular structure that completely fixes the towed vehicle. It is worth paying attention to the fact that a rigid device for towing a car must have the appropriate documents confirming its “factory origin”. Usage improvised designs not allowed.
Partial loading. This method is one of the most complex, and its implementation will require special equipment. For loading, as a rule, a special crane is required, rails are less often used. For the most part, new trucks are transported in this way. Passenger cars are towed in this way if they are equipped with automatic transmission. It is worth noting that this method of towing excludes the possibility of transporting passengers not only in the transported car, but also in the “tug” itself, and a special trailer is used for towing a partial loading car.

Towing trucks is one of the most difficult types, the implementation of which can only be entrusted to a professional. The driver performing this procedure must not only strictly follow all the rules, but also have sufficient experience. If the truck malfunction cannot be repaired locally, towing will be required. Traffic rules clearly state that towing truck allowed only on a rigid hitch and nothing else.

Rules for towing trucks on a rigid hitch

More attention should be paid to the case of transporting a car with automatic transmission. Design features similar box gears determine that the entire mechanism will be involved in the neutral position. When transported with the motor turned off, it will also not work and oil pump, that is, the lubricant will not flow.

Quite often there is a need to tow a truck due to technical failure and other reasons. There are quite a lot of requirements for the transportation of trucks, often it can only be carried out with a rigid hitch. Consider all the features of transporting a truck in more detail.

Towing with flexible and rigid hitch

This article will discuss how to properly tow a car on a flexible hitch, as well as when using a rigid hitch. These two species are very common and can often be found on the road. In addition to them, there is also a third type - this is partial loading towing, which will also be discussed here.

the length of the structure representing the connection in question should be up to 4 meters;
if it has two attachment points, then the driver must drive the car that is currently being towed;
if the structural form has three attachment points, one from one and two from the other, then it is not necessary to control the movement of the driver of the towed car;
if the brakes are not in working condition, then towing is possible only under those conditions if the towed car is 50% lighter than the towing one;
if the steering column is faulty, then transportation on a rigid hitch is prohibited by the rules;
if there is ice on the asphalt surface, then it is definitely impossible to tow;
during the movement there should not be people in the cabin or body of the towed vehicle.

05 Aug 2018 537

Sooner or later, every car owner has to try on the role of either towing or being towed. The car may break down on the road or simply run out of fuel, as a result of which the car will need to be driven to the nearest gas station. Towing is by no means such a simple process as it seems at first glance. There are several ways to tow a car - on a flexible hitch, on a rigid hitch, by partial or full loading.

In practice, car owners most often use towing on a flexible hitch with a cable. It is about the features and rules of such towing that we will talk in more detail.

About towing in the Rules traffic

A separate section of the Rules of the Road is devoted to towing. Before you start towing your car or offer your help to the injured car owner, you should refer to the traffic rules and remember that towing with a cable is not always possible. The rules of the road define situations in which towing on a flexible hitch is prohibited:

- in icy conditions or on slippery road(in such cases, a rigid hitch is used or the towed vehicle is loaded onto a special platform);

- towing two or more vehicles at a time;

– towing by motorcycles without attached side trailer;

- a vehicle that is out of order steering(in this case, only the method of partial or full loading is allowed);

- a vehicle with a faulty brake system if its actual mass exceeds half of the actual weight of the towing vehicle (only rigid hitch or partial loading method);

Thus, if your case falls under one of the above circumstances, then it would be best to use the services of a tow truck. The Rules of the Road clearly state that during towing, a driver must be behind the wheel of a towed car.

The following important rules are also defined in the SDA. With flexible coupling, the distance between vehicles should be between 4 and 6 meters. Accordingly, it is this length that the towing cable should be. A cable that is too long will make it difficult to maneuver and turn on the road, while a cable that is too short will increase the risk of a collision between the vehicle being towed and the towing vehicle.

The cable itself must be marked with signal flags or warning boards measuring 200 × 200 mm. Shields or flags must also be marked diagonally with alternating red and white stripes 5 cm wide with a retroreflective surface. The speed of vehicles on a flexible coupling should not exceed 50 km / h, regardless of where the movement is carried out - in locality or on the highway.

So if everything traffic regulations are observed, you can proceed directly to towing the vehicle on a flexible hitch. Here it is necessary to pay attention to the following fundamental points.

Durability and reliability of the towing cable

It should be remembered that an ordinary rope or rope cannot be used to tow a vehicle. You will need a special tow rope, which is sold in stores. It can be made from various materials. Most best option- a nylon cable with carabiners, which is characterized by good strength and, due to its high elasticity, is able to absorb jerks when moving.

A metal cable is by no means as reliable as it seems, besides, it is also very dangerous. If such a cable breaks during towing, it can damage the towed vehicle and even injure the driver sitting behind the wheel. As mentioned above, the length of the towing cable with a flexible hitch must correspond to a certain length - from 4 to 6 meters.

When removing the towing cable from the trunk, it is worth carefully inspecting it for any cracks or mechanical damage. If there is such damage, then it is better to refuse towing on this cable for safety reasons. It is impossible to tow a vehicle on a cable that has already been torn in several places and connected. Often the most vulnerable spot- this is a connection of a cable and a metal hook. Before towing, be sure to check the reliability of this connection.

Reliability of towing brackets

A cable with a forged steel hook is hooked to special towing rings available on each car. Therefore, before towing, it is worth paying attention to the condition of such towing brackets on both vehicles. It is better to refuse towing if the towing bracket that falls on huge pressure, unreliable or simply hanging out. After all, if the bracket front car suddenly breaks off while driving, the metal hook can hit the front of the towed vehicle with force, and even worse, get into Windshield. Increased danger is retained even if the bracket is faulty on the towed vehicle.

Flex hitch mount

What is the best way to attach a tow rope? It is recommended to fasten the cable at a slight diagonal angle. That is right back angle towing vehicle - respectively, the left rake angle towed vehicle. Or the left rear corner of the towing vehicle is the right front corner of the towed vehicle. This fastening of the towing cable will help alleviate the force of shocks and jerks that invariably occur during the movement of two vehicles.

Warning signs

Before starting towing, drivers should agree with each other about warning signs on the road. With the help of such signals, they will transmit the necessary information to each other. In particular, if the driver of a towed vehicle gives a signal by blinking his headlights, this means a request to stop. You can also agree on sound signals or signs given by hand through open window car. At the same time, the driver of the towing vehicle must constantly monitor the situation and timely notice the signals given through the rear-view mirrors.

Starting off

An important point when towing on a flexible hitch is starting off. It is necessary to get under way from a place smoothly and slowly, without jerks. The driver of the towing vehicle must control the smooth tension of the cable. If the towing vehicle starts too hard, it could result in a broken tow cable or bracket on one of the vehicles. In some cases, such a sharp maneuver can also affect the state of the towing vehicle, because the engine of the towing vehicle will instantly receive a huge load, which can simply disable individual vehicle units.

Alarm

Do not forget that according to the Rules of the Road, the emergency light signaling. In the event of a malfunction of the alarm signal, a sign must be attached to the rear of the car emergency stop. On the towing vehicle, the dipped headlights must be on.

Features of the movement of the car during towing

When towing, one should not forget about some features of the movement. The fact is that if the engine of the towed car is turned off, then this directly affects the operation of its braking system and steering, since the power steering and brakes do not work. While driving, the driver will have to face some difficulties when braking.

To stop or slow down, you will need to press the brake pedal harder than usual. slightly increase and braking distances towed vehicle, for which you need to be prepared. In addition, the driver of the towed vehicle will have to exert more effort when working with the steering wheel. When towing, the driver must turn on the ignition so that the steering wheel does not lock in a turn.

The main task when towing is to prevent sagging of the cable during movement. With a strong sag, there is a risk of the cable falling under the wheels of the towed vehicle and even winding around it. Here, a special role belongs to the driver of the towed vehicle, who must constantly monitor the sagging of the cable while driving, especially when cornering and stopping. It is desirable that even when braking the towed vehicle, the cable remains taut.

The driver of the towing vehicle must avoid hard braking and sudden, unexpected turns, since the driver of the towed vehicle will have very little time to react in time to one or another maneuver. Increased attention of both drivers require cases of overtaking on the highway. The driver of the towing vehicle, at the beginning of overtaking, must remember about his “tail” and calculate overtaking taking into account overall length towing "road train".

Car towing, in common language, is the transportation of one vehicle (practically a “passenger”) to another. The need for towing arises in the event of a sudden failure or breakdown of vehicle control systems. For example, as a result, when the car receives serious external and internal damage.

General Rules for Towing Vehicles

– Transportation in tow requires the presence of a tractor vehicle auxiliary technical means and equipment, as well as a sufficiently high qualification of the driver.

On the vehicle-tractor must be switched on dipped beam, and on a towed vehicle - alarm (if it is faulty, then the sign "Emergency stop" is attached).

— No passengers allowed in the cab of towed and towing vehicles due to a decrease in their operational reliability.

- It is forbidden to use as tugs-tractors motorcycles.

— Towing speed must not exceed 50 km/h (for vehicles with manual transmission) and 30 km/h (for vehicles with automatic transmission).

- For vehicles with automatic transmission also available restrictions on the length of the towing route up to 30-80 km., if the wheels of the towed vehicle "ride" on the road. In this case, the gearshift lever must be set to the “N” (neutral) position. This restriction is caused to avoid overheating of the transmission oil.

Transportation of a car in tow can be carried out in several ways. Consider towing methods more.

Rigid towing

In this case, a special cylindrical metal rod or a towing structure of two rods connected at an angle (“triangle”) acts as a connecting element.

This type of towing is not suitable for moving cars, because their design does not provide space for attaching a rather weighty rigid traction.

Rules for towing on a rigid hitch:

- Length of the tow bar must not exceed 4 meters.

must be driving to stay on the path, but this is optional (although desirable) for a delta hitch.

- On a rigid hitch it is forbidden to tow cars with faulty steering.

- Towing on a rigid hitch permissible in icy conditions, at .

Flexible towing

But the nylon cable also has a drawback: if it sags a lot, then most likely it will rub off on the asphalt. True, now this "minus" has been eliminated, thanks to the creation of a special protective sheath for a nylon cable. The shell itself is also quite flexible. The use of this design does not allow sagging of the nylon halyard (even in cases where a minimum distance of 1.5-2 meters is formed between cars).

Rules for towing on a flexible hitch:

- Cable length for flexible hitch must not exceed 4-6 meters.

— Tow rope should not sag and touch the road.

- In order to visually identify the cable, you should use 2 checkboxes(at a minimum) that measure 215 x 200 mm should be painted with white and red stripes diagonally 50 mm wide.

- Driver of the towed vehicle must be driving to keep the path of movement and a certain distance.

forbiddenin case of violation of the steering and / or brake system on the towed vehicle.

– Towing on a flexible hitch prohibited on ice.

Towing by partially or fully loading the car

As an auxiliary vehicle, a tow tractor is used here, equipped with a special cargo area and equipment to lift and securely fix the transported vehicle.

This type of towing is just the same used when driving in ice, with faulty steering and a failed brake system. That is, in all cases when towing on a flexible or rigid hitch is prohibited.

For cars with automatic transmission, due to the above design features, it is usually used towing by full loading to the tow truck.

As a result of an accident, a car often needs serious body repairs. More about professional body repair you will find out on the website www.avtort.ru.

20.1. Towing on a rigid or flexible hitch should be carried out only if there is a driver behind the wheel of the towed vehicle, except when the design of the rigid hitch ensures that the towed vehicle follows the trajectory of the towing vehicle during straight motion.

When would towing is carried out on a rigid hitch, the towed and towing vehicles are interconnected by a rigid towing device in the form of a metal rod, triangle or trapezoid. If towing takes place on a flexible coupling, then the vehicles are connected by a cable, rope or tape, on which red flags with white diagonal stripes must be fixed every meter.

If the transport is towed on a flexible hitch or a bar is used (it is also called a “pencil”), then a driver must be in the cab of the towed vehicle! When a rigid triangle-type hitch (also called a "tie") is used, the presence of the driver in the cab of the towed vehicle is not necessary, but desirable.

20.2. When towing on a flexible or rigid hitch, it is prohibited to transport people in a towed bus, trolleybus and in the body of a towed truck, and when towing by partial loading, it is prohibited for people to be in the cab or body of a towed vehicle, as well as in the body of a towing vehicle.

20.2 (1). When towing, the control of towing vehicles must be carried out by drivers who have the right to drive vehicles for 2 or more years.

Clause 20.2 (1) was introduced into the SDA by Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation of March 24, 2017 N 333 (See).

When towing by the method of partial loading, the front axle of the towed vehicle is installed in the body of the towing vehicle. Another way is when the front axle rises above the road and is fixed in special device rigidly fixed to the towing vehicle. In these cases, the transportation of people in a towed vehicle and even in the back of a towing vehicle is prohibited.

The presence of people during towing on a flexible or rigid hitch in a car or the cab of a towed truck is allowed.

20.3. When towing on a flexible hitch, the distance between the towing and towed vehicles must be within 4–6 m, and when towing on a rigid hitch, no more than 4 m.

The flexible link must be marked in accordance with paragraph 9 of the Basic Provisions.

Too short length of the connecting hitch will deprive the driver of the towed vehicle of visibility, and unreasonably long hitch length can lead to a significant deviation of the trajectory of the towed vehicle from the trajectory of the tractor. At the same time, the minimum length of a rigid hitch is not limited by the Rules, but should not be less than half the overall width of the tractor.

20.4. Towing is prohibited:

vehicles that do not have steering control ( ) (towing by partial loading method is allowed);
two or more vehicles;

Simultaneous towing of two or more vehicles is prohibited, however, towing a disabled road train is not prohibited, because the road train is considered as one transport unit.

vehicles with inoperative brake system ( systems that do not allow the driver to stop the vehicle or perform a maneuver while driving, even with minimum speed ) if their actual mass is more than half of the actual mass of the towing vehicle. At less actual weight towing of such vehicles is allowed only on a rigid hitch or by partial loading;
two-wheeled motorcycles without a side trailer, as well as such motorcycles;
in icy conditions on a flexible hitch.