How to Tow a Car with a Truck Step-by-Step Guide 2026

Master Towing a Car with a Truck in 7 Simple Steps

Towing a car with a truck is a practical skill that can save you expensive towing fees in an emergency. However, connecting two heavy vehicles requires precision, the right equipment, and strict adherence to safety protocols. This comprehensive walkthrough provides everything you need to know to execute a safe, secure, and stress-free tow from your starting point to your destination.

Step 1: Assess Vehicle Compatibility and Weight Limits

What you need: Owner’s manuals for both vehicles, vehicle weight ratings, and a calculator if needed.

Instructions: Before touching any towing gear, you must verify that your truck is physically capable of towing the target car. Locate the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) on the driver-side door jamb sticker of your truck. Check the curb weight of the car you plan to tow. As a golden rule, the towing truck should weigh significantly more than the vehicle being pulled. Ensure your truck’s towing capacity exceeds the total weight of the car, plus the weight of any towing apparatus you plan to use, such as a tow dolly or trailer.

Pro Tip: Never attempt flat-towing a vehicle that exceeds your truck’s maximum towing capacity, as this will destroy your transmission and compromise your braking ability.

Step 2: Gather the Right Towing Equipment

What you need: Rated tow strap or heavy-duty tow chain, heavy-duty D-shackles, magnetic towing lights, and bright red warning flags.

Instructions: Inspect all your towing hardware for fraying, rust, tears, or structural cracks before use. Ensure your tow strap is rated for at least the gross weight of the car being towed—ideally double that weight for a safety margin. Avoid using ropes, chains with damaged links, or old, weathered straps found in the back of a garage. Connect your rated D-shackles to the designated anchor points on both vehicles to provide secure attachment points for the strap.

Pro Tip: Always look for the Working Load Limit (WLL) tag stamped or sewn onto your tow strap. If the tag is missing, do not use the strap.

Step 3: Establish Clear Communication Protocols

What you need: Two fully charged mobile phones with speakerphone capability or hands-free headsets, or pre-established hand signals.

Instructions: Once you hit the road, traditional communication is nearly impossible due to engine noise and distance. Set up a continuous phone call between the truck driver and the person sitting in the towed car using a hands-free device. Alternatively, establish clear, universal hand signals for pulling over, slowing down, speeding up, and stopping. Both drivers must understand that the driver of the towed car holds the ultimate responsibility for braking, as the truck cannot stop both vehicles efficiently on its own.

Pro Tip: Keep phone volume loud and ensure both drivers agree to maintain constant, low-chatter communication throughout the entire journey.

Step 4: Prepare the Towed Car for Transit

What you need: Steering wheel key, wheel chocks, and a wrench for the battery if required.

Instructions: Unlock the steering wheel of the towed car by turning the ignition key to the “on” or “accessory” position—do not remove the key, or the steering wheel will lock and cause loss of control. Place the transmission in neutral and release the parking brake. If you are flat-towing an automatic vehicle, consult the owner’s manual; many require the drive shaft to be disconnected or a lube pump installed to prevent transmission damage during long tows. Secure any loose body parts or bumpers with zip ties or painter’s tape.

Pro Tip: Never leave the steering wheel locked while towing. If the key breaks off in the ignition, you must remove the ignition cylinder before attempting to tow.

Step 5: Connect the Tow Strap Securely

What you need: Rated tow strap and heavy-duty metal shackles.

Instructions: Attach the tow strap to the factory-installed tow hooks or frame-mounted tie-down points on both vehicles. Never wrap a tow strap around suspension components, steering linkages, or bumpers, as these will easily rip off under load. Loop the strap through the frame securely and lock it in place using certified screw-pin anchor shackles. Ensure the strap is crossed in an “X” pattern if using a two-point system, or laid out straight with minimal slack for a direct single-point hookup.

Pro Tip: Leave about 4 to 6 feet of slack in the strap initially so the truck can roll forward and take up the slack smoothly without jerking the connections.

Step 6: Rig Safety Lights and Warning Flags

What you need: Magnetic auxiliary towing light kit, extension wiring harness, and a bright red warning flag (at least 12×12 inches).

Instructions: Plug the magnetic towing lights into the trailer light socket at the rear of your towing truck. Place the magnetic lights securely on the trunk lid or roof of the towed car so trailing motorists can see your brake lights and turn signals. Route the wiring harness safely away from dragging on the ground by securing it with zip ties or bungee cords. Tie the bright red warning flag to the center of the tow strap to alert passing drivers that vehicles are connected.

Pro Tip: Test all brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights before driving away to ensure the towed car mimics the truck’s signals perfectly.

Step 7: Execute the Tow with Extreme Caution

What you need: Patience, low-speed awareness, and a planned low-traffic route.

Instructions: Pull forward extremely slowly until the tow strap goes taut. Accelerate at a snail’s pace to avoid sudden shock loads that can snap straps or rip tow hooks out of frames. Keep your maximum speed under 35 miles per hour. Take wide turns because the towed car will cut corners sharper than the truck. The driver in the towed car must maintain constant, light pressure on the brake pedal to keep the strap taut and prevent the car from rolling into the back of the truck.

Pro Tip: Avoid busy highways, steep hills, and heavy traffic lights. Plan a quiet backroad route even if it takes slightly longer to reach your destination.

✅ Final Checklist

• Both vehicle weight ratings and capacities match safely
• Steering wheel is unlocked and transmission is in neutral
• Tow straps and shackles are securely fastened to frame points only
• Auxiliary magnetic lights and turn signals are fully operational
• Driver in the towed car is ready with constant communication established

Important Notes:

• Never flat-tow a vehicle on public highways for long distances or at high speeds unless utilizing a professional tow dolly or flatbed trailer.
• Seek professional towing services immediately if the weather is severe, visibility is poor, or either vehicle has severe frame or steering damage.
• Estimated time: 30 to 45 minutes for proper setup and rigging. Estimated cost: $30 to $100 if purchasing new straps and magnetic lights.