Vehicle & Trailer

COMIBINATION TOWING

One of the more unique jobs an operator may be dispatched for is a vehicle that is towing a trailer. This can be a difficult tow for both new and experienced operators. While the easiest solution is to send two wreckers or make two trips to tow the vehicle and the trailer separately, it is not always possible. Luckily there are solutions for this whether you are using a car carrier or a wrecker.

LOADING ON A CARRIER

Aside from using two vehicles to tow or transport the casualty and trailer, a car carrier is the most straightforward solution for this job. Similar to transporting two vehicles with the carrier, the solution is to put the heavier of the loads on the bed of the carrier and tow the lighter load. Typically, the vehicle will be the heavier of the two loads, however it also makes the most sense to transport on the carrier as it is easier to secure to the flatbed. This means the trailer must be towed behind the carrier. If possible, a trailer hitch can be attached to the carrier to make hook up simpler.

LOADING A VEHICLE WITH  TRAILER STEP-BY-STEP

STEP 1

Position the carrier in front of the casualty.

STEP 2

Lower and extend the wheel lift.

STEP 3

Place wheel chocks on the front and back of a trailer wheel.

STEP 4

Release the trailers safety chains and raise trailer off the hitch-ball.

STEP 5

Be sure to unhook the light harness.

STEP 6

Load casualty on carrier (see Car Carrier Basics if further reference).

STEP 7

Position the carrier for attachment of the trailer.

STEP 8

Secure trailer hitch to the hitch-ball on the carrier and proceed slowly form the scene.