How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Long-Distance Towing
Whether you’re relocating, going on a road trip, or helping a friend move, towing a vehicle over a long distance isn’t something to take lightly. It might seem simple—hook up the car and go—but there’s a lot more to it if you want to avoid costly damages, delays, or even accidents.
At Harris Towing Services, we’ve spent over 20 years helping people in Dover and beyond get back on the road safely. Our team of technicians, mechanics, and problem-solvers knows the ins and outs of vehicle care, especially when it comes to towing. So before you rev that engine and hit the highway, here’s what you need to know to make sure your vehicle is ready for the journey ahead.
1. Know the Why and the How
Before preparing your vehicle, it’s crucial to understand the why behind long-distance towing. Are you transporting a non-working vehicle? Moving across states? Heading to a car show or dealership?
Once that’s clear, decide how you’ll tow:
- Flatbed towing: Safest method—ideal for long distances and luxury or non-operational vehicles.
- Tow dolly: Lifts front wheels; suitable for front-wheel-drive cars.
- Tow bar: Budget-friendly but requires modifications and isn’t ideal for all vehicles.
Each method has different prep requirements, so make sure your towing approach matches your needs.
2. Check Your Vehicle’s Towing Readiness
If your vehicle is the one doing the towing (e.g., you’re using your truck to haul a trailer or another car), you’ll need to verify that it’s up to the task.
Check the owner’s manual to find out your vehicle’s towing capacity. Overloading your tow vehicle is dangerous and could lead to serious mechanical damage or loss of control.
Next, inspect these components:
- Engine & Transmission: Are they in top shape? Long-distance towing can overwork them.
- Brakes: They must be responsive and strong enough to handle the extra weight.
- Cooling System: Overheating is a common problem during towing. Flush and refill coolant if needed.
- Suspension & Tires: Look for uneven wear, bald spots, or cracks. Inflate tires to proper PSI.
Don’t forget to top off fluids—especially engine oil, transmission fluid, and brake fluid.
3. Prepare the Vehicle Being Towed
Now, let’s say you’re towing a second vehicle behind your tow truck or trailer. Here’s how to get it ready:
Secure Loose Items
Empty the vehicle of personal items, valuables, or anything that might roll around. Not only is this a safety measure, but it also reduces weight.
Inspect for Leaks
Fluids leaking during towing can damage your towing setup and the road. Check under the car and fix any leaks beforehand.
Check the Tires
Even though the towed vehicle may not be powered, its tires still matter. Inflate them to the correct PSI and inspect for any visible issues. Flat or damaged tires can cause drag or blowouts.
Disable the Alarm System
You don’t want a car alarm going off the entire trip. Disable it to avoid unnecessary distractions or battery drain.
Transmission Settings
For automatic transmissions, some vehicles can be towed with all four wheels down—others require a dolly or flatbed. Consult your owner’s manual or a professional before choosing.
For manual transmissions, put the car in neutral—but only if that’s the proper procedure for your vehicle and towing setup.
4. Light It Up and Hook It Right
Proper lighting is non-negotiable when towing. If you’re using a trailer or tow dolly, ensure that the taillights, brake lights, and turn signals are working and synced with the tow vehicle. You can use:
- Trailer light kits
- Magnetic tow lights
- Hardwired light systems
Make sure all your safety chains and hitch connections are properly secured. Cross safety chains under the tongue of the trailer or dolly to catch it if the hitch fails.
Need help with this? That’s where pros like Harris Towing Services come in.
5. Balance and Weight Distribution
Uneven weight distribution causes swaying, braking issues, and handling problems.
- If towing with a trailer, distribute the weight so 60% is in the front half of the trailer.
- Avoid stacking items too high.
- Use a weight distribution hitch if needed for heavier loads—it helps balance tongue weight across the axles of both vehicles.
Take a test drive around your neighborhood or a large parking lot to ensure everything feels stable.
6. Do a Safety Walkaround
Before pulling out of the driveway, do a final safety check:
- Are all tires (on both vehicles) inflated and in good condition?
- Are all lights and signals working?
- Is the towed vehicle securely attached?
- Are chains crossed and secure?
- Are mirrors adjusted to give you a full view of your trailer or towed vehicle?
- Is your load evenly distributed?
Take your time here—it could save you from a disaster down the road.
7. Drive with Towing in Mind
Towing a vehicle isn’t like regular driving. You’ll need to adjust your habits:
- Allow extra stopping distance.
- Accelerate slowly.
- Avoid sharp turns or sudden maneuvers.
- Keep speeds moderate—most states have lower speed limits for towing.
- Use engine braking or downshift on hills to prevent overheating brakes.
And if it starts to rain or snow? Slow down even more. Bad weather and towing are a dangerous combo.
8. Plan Your Route Ahead of Time
GPS is great, but don’t rely solely on it. Map out your route to:
- Avoid steep hills or narrow roads
- Find places to safely stop or rest
- Locate towing service stations (just in case)
Let someone know your route, and check in during stops—especially for long-distance hauls.
9. Have a Backup Plan
No matter how much you prepare, things can still go wrong. Have a backup plan:
- Bring a toolkit with basic supplies (wrenches, jumper cables, tire inflator, etc.)
- Keep emergency contacts on hand—especially a trusted towing service like Harris Towing
- Have a spare tire (or two!)
- Know where to find help if you’re towing through unfamiliar areas
Better safe than stranded.
10. Let the Pros Help
Sometimes, the best preparation is to let experienced professionals handle the tow—especially if you’re towing a non-running vehicle, luxury car, or don’t have the right setup.
At Harris Towing Services, we’ve completed 100+ towing services with a 100% satisfaction rate. Our family-run team understands what it takes to tow safely and efficiently, with expert-level care and attention to detail.
Whether you’re a Dover local, student, or military service member, you’ll get affordable, reliable towing backed by over 20 years of experience. We’re proud to serve the community and give your vehicle the care it deserves.
Need Help With Your Tow?
Whether you need emergency towing, a long-distance haul, or just advice from seasoned pros—Harris Towing Services is here for you.
Visit us today or give us a call at +1 302-736-9901
Let’s get your vehicle ready for the road—and back in the driver’s seat where you belong.
