The Hook-Up
THE HOOK-UP
STEP 1
Back the truck up to the casualty so that the tow bar fits below the front or rear end of the casualty
FRONT: The tow bar should rest as close as possible to the bottom of the H-frame engine cradle, the frame horns or radiator support.
BACK: the two frame horns, or as close as you can get to the differential housing
STEP 2
Attach your chains. Attach your hooks to either the lower control arms, or the differential housing (axle housing). Run the chains through the grab hooks on the end of the tow bar.
INCORRECT: dropping your chains into the hooks- the chains could easily jump out.
CORRECT: safety wrap- wrap your chain around the tow bar after it goes through the grab hook.
STEP 3
Run the chains to the grab hooks on the spreader bar.
INCORRECT: running them vertically and parallel to the sling straps. This will allow the tow bar and spreader bar to become unbalanced.
CORRECT: Cross the chains from one side of the tow bar diagonally to the other side of the spreader bar. This keeps the spreader bar balanced with the tow bar.
STEP 4
Place your cribbing. (4.5′-5′ long 4×4 or 4×6- soft lumber). Place on top of the 2 chains that are running beneath the casualty.
This board should rest on the radiator support, the frame horns, or the engine cradle. This keeps the chains and the tow bar from any body contact, preventing damage from the tow bar and chains to the casualty.
STEP 5
LIFT THE VEHICLE
Do not lift any higher than the bottom of the lifted tires in-line with the center of the rear axle of the tow truck. In the event that you have to brake hard, it could cause the casualty to ramp up and the tow bar to fold over. Leaving the casualty on the tail-board of the truck.
INCORRECT: tow bar in a horizontal position to it’s mounting brackets.
CORRECT: tow bar should be below horizontal. During an abrupt braking maneuver, This will force the vehicle downward.
