What's the appropriate length for a tow rope? Precautions for using a tow rope
Tow ropes are generally made from modified cloth tape, steel wire, or nylon rope, and are available in various lengths (3m-10m).
Types
Features: Hooks or loops at both ends for ease of use.
Ordinary rope
If a dedicated tow rope is unavailable, ordinary cotton or nylon rope capable of carrying a load of at least 2 tons is often used instead. Tie the ropes to the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle separately.
Tow rope
A dedicated tow rope is generally 4.5m long and features forged anti-drop hooks at both ends, making it easier to use.
Tow bar
For a disabled vehicle that has lost directional control and cannot brake, a tow rope cannot be used. A rigid tow bar is used, typically around 1.8m in length. It is made from square or round steel pipe and also features anti-drop hooks at both ends.
Correct Operation
1. Locate the tow hooks behind the towing vehicle and in front of the towed vehicle. Many vehicles have the trailer hook located under the bumper. The exact location is usually marked in the vehicle manual. Drivers can also spot a hidden space on the front and rear bumpers, covered by a round or square cover. This is where the vehicle's trailer hook is located.
2. Some vehicles have separate trailer hooks and require assembly before use. After removing the bumper cover, assemble the included hook.
3. Install the towing tool. Whether using a soft or hard towing tool, ensure it is securely connected to the vehicle's hook during installation. If the tow hook has a safety latch, lock it in place. Check the front and rear connections again before towing. If a soft tow rope is not attached to a tow hook at either end, use a slipknot. If it is tied tightly and subjected to significant pulling force, it will be difficult to untie the tow rope.
4. Start the towing vehicle in first gear to ensure sufficient traction with high torque. Control the towing vehicle's speed and maintain a steady driving motion. Increase power output if you feel slight resistance. For manual transmission vehicles, avoid suddenly lifting the clutch pedal and start slowly with a semi-clutch to avoid damage.
Precautions
1. Choose a towing tool with a bright color, such as yellow, blue, fluorescent green, or fluorescent red. If the color isn't eye-catching enough, hang a colored cloth from the towing tool. When towing at night, use a tow rope with reflective material to increase visibility. The towed vehicle's fault lights should be illuminated. If the lights can't be illuminated due to a power outage, a conspicuous sign, such as "Faulty Vehicle" should be displayed on the rear of the vehicle to alert vehicles behind to move out of the way. Both the front and rear vehicles should activate their hazard lights and drive in the outermost lane. You can also place a "Tow" sign on the rear of the towed vehicle to warn other vehicles to proceed with caution.
2. The towing tool should be installed on the same side of the trailer hitch as the front and rear vehicles. If the faulty vehicle has a left-hand hitch, the towing vehicle should also use a left-hand hitch to ensure a straight path. Always check the tow hitch after installation to ensure it is securely installed to prevent it from popping out and injuring anyone.
3. Pay attention to communication and coordination between the vehicles in front and behind. There are many aspects of towing, and coordination between the drivers in front and behind is crucial. The towing team should plan a reasonable route, avoiding complex and congested roads. If a walkie-talkie is not available for communication, it is necessary to agree on communication signals for starting, decelerating, turning, and ascending and descending hills before setting off to ensure coordinated control of the vehicles in front and behind.
4. Maintain a safe distance between vehicles. When towing with a tow rope, it is important to maintain a safe distance and speed to prevent rear-end collisions. Tow ropes are generally 5 to 10 meters long, so the distance between vehicles should be within the effective range of the tow rope and the rope should be kept taut. Experts advise that the speed should be kept below 20 km/h when towing.
5. Experienced drivers are better suited to driving the disabled vehicle. Experienced drivers should control the vehicle behind, while less experienced drivers should drive the towing vehicle in front. The towing vehicle should maintain a steady speed during driving and avoid sudden changes in speed. Avoid high speeds, even on a flat, straight road. When parking, choose a wide area, honk your horn or use hand signals to notify the vehicle behind you, then slow down and pull over. Once you're sure the vehicle behind you has pulled over, slowly stop.
6. Be flexible in handling potential hazards on slopes and curves. The risk of towing a vehicle on a downhill slope increases significantly, so different methods should be used depending on the road conditions. If the slope is long, untie the rope and let both vehicles slide down separately. If the slope is short, use the rope while descending. The leading vehicle should be careful not to brake quickly, while the trailing vehicle can brake gently to keep the rope taut. When approaching a curve, both vehicles should try to indicate ahead of time and take a wide detour. Avoid sudden braking. When negotiating narrow curves, stay on the outside of the road to prevent the vehicle behind you from running off the road.
7. When towing a vehicle behind you, ensure the road surface is smooth. Otherwise, the tow rope will be subjected to excessive tension and breakage.
What's the Ideal Tow Rope Length?
A tow rope that's too long or too short isn't ideal. An ideal length is 3-4 meters, ensuring sufficient distance between vehicles while still allowing the vehicle to be towed quickly. A rope that's too long can easily be crushed by the vehicle behind.
