Towing

Towing is the process of pulling or drawing behind a chain, line, bar or some other form of coupling. Towing is most visibly performed by road vehicles, but anything from waterborne vessels to tractors to people can tow cargo. Troop carrying and cargo carrying gliders were towed behind powered aircraft during WWII and remains a popular means for modern leisure gliders to take off. In the maritime industry in particular, towing is a refined science.

Types of trailers

Almost any SUV, van, minivan, pickup truck, garden tractor or passenger car can be equipped to tow a trailer properly when given the correct equipment.

Most trailers fit into one of five categories:

• Flat bed or open trailers are platforms with no sides or stakes. This type of trailer works well for hauling large or unconventional shaped objects.
• Enclosed trailers are fully covered by four sides and a roof. These types of trailers are generally used for carrying livestock since they protect the contents from weather. People also rent these types of trailers for moving boxes, furniture and other materials.
• Boat trailers are used specifically for pulling boats. These types of trailers are designed for easy loading in and out of the water and are purchased based on the specific type and style of boat they will be hauling.
• Recreational Vehicles (RV) are utility vehicles or vans that are often equipped with living facilities. These types of trailers can be attached to the back of almost any road vehicle and are commonly used for camping outings or road trips.
• Tank trailers, which are trailers designed to contain liquids such as milk, water or motor fuel.

Towing safety

There are many safety considerations to properly towing a caravan or trailer / travel trailer starting with vehicle towing capacity and ranging through equalizer hitches to properly and legally connecting the safety chains.

According to the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Association, more than 65,000 crashes involving passenger vehicles towing trailers occurred in 2004 in the US, jumping nearly 20 percent from the previous year.

In 2006, Master Lock did their annual study on towing safety to see how many Americans tow their cargo correctly. The study, Towing Troubles included responses from trailer owners across the country and found that while the majority of trailer owners believe they know what they’re doing when it comes to towing, most were lacking the proper education. Master Lock reported that 70 percent of trailer owners did not fully know the correct way to tow their cargo.

An important factor in towing safety is tongue weight, the weight with which the trailer presses down on the tow vehicle's hitch. Insufficient tongue weight can cause the trailer to sway back and forth when towed. Too much tongue weight can cause problems with the tow vehicle.^[1]

Towbar Wiring

Vehicle Specific Towbar Wiring

Out of the thousands of cars on UK roads with towbars fitted, most are likely to have fitted towing electrics which are ‘hidden’ from the car. This electrical installation is commonly called ‘By-pass electrics’. This system is used to protect the car's lighting systems from potential damage if wiring in a trailer should malfunction. It is a tried and tested system in very wide use. Bypass systems are found both in "universal" (non-vehicle-specific) systems and in dedicated and OEM systems.

Since the early 2000s, vehicle technology has moved forward introducing CANbus network systems which allowed the interaction of different systems, and also the detection of a trailer or caravan. In some cases, the manufacturers have not only designed automobiles to sense the presence of a trailer, but they have also created enhanced new features within the systems connected to the network. This actually makes it important that these particular vehicles can "see" the trailer or caravan. A few of these new features are for safety and stability, but most are merely convenience things like automatically switching off the rear fog light and parking sensors. The main new safety feature, appearing now on some cars, is the Trailer Stability Program which automatically turns on when a trailer detected in the network through the dedicated sensors.

Some of the advanced systems being introduced in certain vehicles, that may make use of detecting the presence of a trailer are: lane change assistant, brake electronics, adaptive cruise control, suspension system (ASS), engine electronics, engine cooling system, parking aids, and reversing camera.

TSP or Trailer Stability Program is one feature which has been added to some vehicles, to help correct the ‘snaking’ action of a trailer. With such advanced technology, some braking systems have even evolved further by being operated electronically, without the need for hydraulics. Braking can become more controlled with faster braking efficiency when towing. Some suspension systems can now detect a trailer and allow for a more level towing adjustment when the load is applied on the towing hitch. ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) systems are meant to ‘detect’ a trailer in order to create a greater braking distance between vehicles. It might be considered unwise to bypass such vehicles' trailer detection systems as these vehicles may be designed to behave in a different way when a trailer is attached.

Some manufacturers either put a prepared connector in the vehicle which is a preparation on the network (Ford, Volvo) to accept a specially designed towing module, or have designed the trailer to be ‘detected’ through connections directly onto the databus (VAG, BMW). With such connections the vehicle will know when a trailer plug is connected to the socket.

On vehicles that do not have safety features that depend on the vehicle sensing the presence of a trailer, bypass systems, properly installed by expert fitters, are very efficient and cost effective alternatives to expensive OEM and other dedicated kits. All bypass kits will be type approved for use on vehicles (check for the (e) mark). They have the built-in advantage of completely isolating the trailer from the vehicle's lighting system, thus protecting against damage to the car caused by any failure within the trailer's wiring. However, a number of manufacturers do not recommend connections to be made on the lighting harnesses.

Universal By-pass Electrics

This system is used to protect the car's lighting systems from potential damage if wiring in a trailer should malfunction. It is a tried and tested system in very wide use. Bypass systems are found both in "universal" (non vehicle-dedicated) systems and in dedicated and OEM systems. It works by taking a small current signal from the vehicle's lighting harness to trigger a relay and send a direct power supply to the towing socket. It does not communicate with the vehicle and will not activate any safety or convenience systems. It has the built-in advantage of isolating the trailer wiring from that of the towing vehicle and thus protecting the car's wiring from damage should the wiring in a towed trailer malfunction. It is not advised for use in cars that depend on sensing the presence of a trailer to activate towing-related safety features within the car.(See Trailer Stability Programme). In addition to this, there are a number of vehicle manufacturers that do not recommend any connections to be made from the vehicle lighting harness.

12N, 12S or 13 Pin Sockets

12N is the designation for the older 7-pin lighting socket, used when towing just a trailer or caravan (without the need for charge or fridge functions). In the UK it has all the functions of the rear lights on a vehicle except for reverse. These sockets are not waterproof and suffer from "pin burn-out" when worn.

12S is an additional 7-pin socket mainly used when towing caravans. It consists of a permanent 12v power supply, and usually a switched 12v power supply for the fridge (UK). It also contains a feed for the reverse lights on the caravan.

13 Pin is the new ISO standard (ISO 11446) socket being fitted to all new U.K. caravans sold in 2009. It can be wired with the same functions as both the 12N and 12S sockets, or with just the lighting functions including reverse (required on all trailers and caravans from 2010). The socket has been designed to be waterproof, easy to fit/remove (twist operation), the same size as one 12N socket (ideal for detachable towbars as unobtrusive), and with good fitting quality terminals that avoid any pin burnout or voltage failure.

Trailer Stability Program or TSP

Another advance in trailer safety is the development of the Trailer Stability Program, built into some Electronic Stability Control systems in today's motor vehicles. These systems can detect the "snaking" of a trailer or caravan and counteract it by braking individual wheels, reducing engine torque and slowing the vehicle down.

Towing capacity

Towing capacity is a measure describing the upper limit to the weight of a trailer a vehicle can tow. In the United States, towing capacity is expressed in pounds, while other countries express the limit in kilograms.

Some countries demand that trucks and buses have the maximum trailer weight and eventually maximum trailer length signed close to the coupling device, while this is rare with smaller cars or pickup trucks.

See also

• Gross combined weight rating
• Gross trailer weight rating
• Gross vehicle weight rating

Types of towing hitches

A tow hitch, tow bar or recovery point is a device attached to the chassis of a vehicle for towing.

It can take the form of a tow-ball to allow swivelling and articulation of a trailer, or a tow pin and jaw with a trailer loop - often used for large or agricultural vehicles where slack in the pivot pin allows the same movements. A further category is the towing pintle used for military vehicles around the world with a hook and locking catch.

Predatory towing

Predatory towing is a practice of towing companies that remove vehicles without the consent of the owners and sometimes overcharge them, damage their vehicles and carry out other abusive practices.^[2] The companies involved may enter into contracts with lot and private property owners to tow away vehicles, lawfully and unlawfully, and keep a portion of the money received (splitting part with the owner of the lot/property).

Predatory towing increases insurance costs (damage to vehicles is common), is unfair to vehicle owners in that the companies charge more than the market rate for towing, and vehicles are not released until the fees are paid.

In the first decade of the 2000s, many States in the United States began to regulate these practices more stringently.

The towing company has little incentive to be reasonable in its practices because they have the vehicle and can keep it until the owner pays the towing and storage fees. The towing companies retain an attorney to make things difficult for pro se litigants to handle the matter on their own, using technicalities and their knowledge of the legal system to deny justice for the pro se litigants. Frequently the vehicle owner's loss is too small to warrant hiring an attorney of their own.

In 2005, Representative Christopher Cox introduced a bill that would allow states such as California to enact legislation regarding towing practices on private property. The Los Angeles Times reported that tow companies station trucks at parking lots to identify cars parked illegally, and tow the cars even though they do not have permission from the property owner to operate in the lot. The Newport Beach, California Police Department reported that more than 2,000 cars had been towed from 13 parking lots in a 15 month period from 2003 to 2004 ^[3]

A Maryland state task force devoted to the issue was told at its first meeting in October 2008 by representatives of the towing industry that the bulk of complaints of overcharging and over-aggressive towing can be blamed on what they called on "gypsy towers" and "snatch-and-grabbers", who under existing law can purchase a tow truck and start towing cars.^[4]

In October 2008, McHenry County, Illinois rescinded an earlier decision to put the Illinois Commerce Commission in charge of towing. The change had been intended to deal with the problem of predatory towing, with car owners charged into thousands of dollars to have their vehicles returned after a tow.^[5]

This practice is a major problem in Philadelphia.

Towing laws

In some jurisdictions, it is illegal to tow an occupied vehicle, as this could constitute kidnapping. This is a method used by some people to prevent a car from being towed.

California

California law requires the tow company to immediately and unconditionally release a vehicle if the driver arrives prior to it being towed from the private property and in transit. The intent was to avoid the likelihood of dangerous and violent confrontation and physical injury to vehicle owners and towing operators, the stranding of vehicle owners and their passengers at a dangerous time and location, and impeding expedited vehicle recovery, without wasting law enforcement’s limited resources. ^[6]

Oregon

Oregon law requires that the tower release a vehicle at no charge only if the driver is present prior to the hookup being complete. The tower must also take at least one photograph of the vehicle and record the time and date of the photograph. The photograph must show the vehicle violation taking place. ^[7]

Virginia

Virginia and its municipalities have enacted protective legislation for motor vehicle owners to prevent predatory towing--a great problem in metropolitan cities in the USA. Some features of the legislation include the requirement to post warning signs at all entrances, setting maximum fees for towing and storage, and requiring photographs to be taken before towing to show the condition of the vehicle as well as the lawfulness of the towing.

Tow prevention methods

Many motorists have sought ways to prevent their vehicles from being towed. Methods often include the use of hand brake locks or wheel clamps. However, in cases where towing away is made difficult, the vehicle can still be lifted onto a flatbed truck, so that the wheels are not on the ground. It is not possible to fully prevent a vehicle from being towed.

See also

• Vehicle recovery
• Tow truck
• Tugboat
• Tow hitch
• Trailer Brake Controller
• Dolly (trailer) - supports the front wheels of a second vehicle
• Predatory towing
• Trailer stability program

References

1. ^ "Towing a Trailer" (PDF). http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cars/problems/Equipment/towing/Towing.pdf. Retrieved 2007-03-04.
2. ^ Joseph Mallia (2006-07-24). "They're towing a legal line: Planting lookouts in parking lots, inflating bills, hiding signs — what they can do to get cash from you.". Newsday (Melville, New York). http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-16048310_ITM. }
3. ^ Mai Tran (2005-03-10). "Bill to Protect Motorists From Predatory Towing Clears House". Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles). http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/805466991.html?dids=805466991:805466991&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT.
4. ^ Holt, Brady (2008-10-15). "At first meeting, state task force looks to reduce predatory towing". The Diamondback. http://media.www.diamondbackonline.com/media/storage/paper873/news/2008/10/15/News/At.First.Meeting.State.Task.Force.Looks.To.Reduce.Predatory.Towing-3487830.shtml.
5. ^ Keeshan, Charles (2008-10-15). "McHenry County opts out of state towing regulations". Daily Herald (Arlington Heights). http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=242766&src=4.
6. ^ "Removal From Private Property, Division 11, Chapter 10, Article 1, Section 22658". http://dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d11/vc22658.htm. Retrieved 2009-06-10.
7. ^ "HOUSE AMENDMENTS TO HOUSE BILL 2578". http://www.leg.state.or.us/09reg/measures/hb2500.dir/hb2578.1ha.html. Retrieved 2009-06-10.

• National Highway Traffic Safety Association

External links

• Tow Bar Types
• Factors affecting towing capacity
• Towing capacity changes
• Extensive searchable database of tow ratings from a camping magazine
• Fitting a Towbar
• towing fee

Categories: Driving | Trucks