IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING THE TOWING OF VEHICLES WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
AND FOUR WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES.
1. Before towing a four-wheel drive vehicle or a vehicle with automatic transmission it is essential to consult
the manufacturer's handbook for the vehicles correct towing procedure. The correct procedure will vary
from vehicle to vehicle depending on the configuration of the transmission. (In some cases certain 4WD
vehicles cannot be towed with all four wheels on the ground and will have to be transported on a trailer).
Failure to observe the correct procedure could result in severe damage to the vehicles transmission.
2. Four-wheel drive systems are designed to run in tandem with the engine. If the engine is off but the
transmission is driven at speed by the road wheels the mismatch in speed between components within the
gearboxes could also result in permanent damage to the transmission.
3. It is usually possible to tow four-wheel drive vehicles with manual transmission as the engine can be
disconnected from the primary gearbox. However, the road wheels may still be driving a secondary gearbox.
The manufacturer will state in which drive position the secondary gearbox should be placed, and will
recommend a maximum towing speed. A towing distance and/or time limit may also be imposed by the
manufacturer.
4. Some four wheel vehicles are fitted with devices to disconnect the hubs and/ or drive shafts especially
for towing purposes. Consult the manufacturer's handbook before reversing with a four-wheel drive vehicle
attached or a vehicle with automatic transmission. REMEMBER, ALWAYS FOLLOW THE VEHICLE
MANUFACTURERS RECOMMENDATIONS for the vehicle to be to be towed
Towing Procedure
WARNING-
Before using equipment ensures you have read, understood and apply Section 1 safety instructions.
TOWING EYES - Many vehicle manufacturers include a separate towing eye which is not permanently fixed
to the chassis. Important: Before fitting the tow pole, to either vehicle, check the manufacturers’
handbooks to ensure that the towing points (do not use 'tie points') are suitable for use with a tow pole
and are capable of safely withstanding a ‘brake load’.
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS –
It is the responsibility of the towing driver to ensure that all legal requirements are met. This includes the
towing operation and actions taken by the towed driver. Check you are insured for towing. Trade users
must have a “Trade Insurance Policy” which covers commercial towing. Note the policy will not provide
cover if the law is broken, or the weight of towed load exceeds the capacity of the tow pole, or if towed
vehicle weighs more than the towing vehicle. When calculating the weight of the towed vehicle remember
that any load carried in the vehicle must be added to the kerb weight indicated in the manufacturer’s
handbook.
USER MANUAL Model No: 3393
