By Welcome to the towlos blog! Today, we’re focusing on a common challenge for car enthusiasts: towing a lowered car without causing damage. Whether you’re relocating your prized sports car or taking your modified ride to a show, these tips and techniques will help you tow your low car safely and securely.
Understanding the Challenges of Towing Lowered Cars
Low cars, often featuring modified suspensions or low-profile body kits, present unique towing challenges:
- Ground Clearance: Reduced ground clearance increases the risk of scraping.
- Angle of Approach: Standard tow ramps might be too steep for low vehicles.
- Sensitive Components: Low cars often have delicate parts like splitters, spoilers, and exhausts close to the ground.
Essential Equipment for Towing Lowered Cars
1. Low Profile Ramps:
- Invest in low profile ramps designed specifically for low cars. These ramps have a gentler incline, reducing the risk of bottoming out.
2. Adjustable Tow Dollies:
- Consider using an adjustable tow dolly with a low-angle loading platform. These dollies can help accommodate the lower height of your car.
3. Flatbed Trailers:
- Flatbed trailers are often the safest option for low cars. They provide a level surface that minimizes the risk of scraping during loading and unloading.
4. Winches and Tow Straps:
- A good quality winch and soft tow straps are essential. The winch will help control the loading process, and soft straps prevent damage to delicate parts.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preparing the Vehicle:
- Inspect for Obstructions: Remove any low-hanging or protruding parts that might get caught during towing.
- Check Tire Pressure: Ensure your tires are properly inflated to provide maximum clearance.
2. Positioning the Trailer or Dolly:
- Flat Surface: Position your trailer or tow dolly on a flat, level surface.
- Secure Parking Brake: Engage the parking brake on both the towing vehicle and the trailer to prevent any movement during loading.
Loading the Car
3. Loading the Car:
- Use Low Profile Ramps: If using a tow dolly or flatbed trailer, set up low profile ramps to reduce the angle of approach.
- Attach the Winch: Connect the winch cable to a secure point on the car’s chassis or towing hook. Avoid attaching it to delicate parts like the bumper.
- Slow and Steady: Slowly winch the car onto the trailer, ensuring it remains centered. Keep an eye on clearance and stop if any part of the car begins to scrape.
4. Securing the Car:
- Soft Tow Straps: Use soft tow straps or ratchet straps to secure the car to the trailer. Attach the straps to strong points like the chassis or towing hooks.
- Cross the Straps: Cross the straps under the car for added stability. This method helps prevent the car from moving side to side.
5. Transporting the Car:
- Drive Carefully: When towing, drive slowly and avoid sudden maneuvers. Keep a safe distance from other vehicles and be mindful of bumps or potholes.
- Check Frequently: Periodically stop to check that the car remains secure and that straps are tight.
6. Unloading the Car:
- Flat Surface: Once at your destination, position the trailer on a flat surface before unloading.
- Release Straps: Carefully release the straps, ensuring they don’t snap back and cause damage.
- Slow Descent: Use the winch to slowly lower the car down the ramps, maintaining control to prevent scraping.
Additional Tips for Safe Towing
1. Avoid Steep Ramps:
- If possible, avoid using steep ramps that increase the risk of bottoming out. Look for longer, gentler ramps that provide a smoother transition.
2. Use Wheel Chocks:
- Next, Place wheel chocks behind the car’s wheels once it’s loaded to prevent any accidental movement.
3. Protect Sensitive Parts:
- Use padding or protective covers on sensitive parts like splitters and exhaust tips to prevent scratches or dings.
4. Seek Professional Help:
- If you’re unsure about towing your low car, consider seeking help from professional towing services that specialize in handling low vehicles.
Towing a low car requires careful preparation and the right equipment to avoid damage. By following these steps and using the appropriate tools, you can ensure your prized vehicle reaches its destination safely and in perfect condition.
Additionally, for more tips and insights on towing and trailers, keep following the towlos blog. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to our team.
Safe travels!
