Has one of your vehicles ever gotten stuck in an area that’s difficult to move it from such as the snow or mud? Maybe you’ve broken down in an awkward place and can’t find a way to get back on the road? If you have, then you’re more than likely to have wished you had a piece of equipment to help you out! Tow chains are the perfect solution if and when you ever happen to find yourself stuck in one of these unfortunate dilemmas. But having a tow chain doesn’t necessarily mean that all your problems are solves, you need to know how to use one! Read on to find out how.
Our collection of Tow Chains
The Tow Chains that you can find here at Life-Gear.com are manufactured of a grade 80 heavy duty chain with an oval ring and hook at either end. As a result of their lightweight and small nature, you are able to easily store them and make them an essential part of your vehicle emergency kit, especially when you find yourself driving in areas and climates where the possibility of becoming stuck are high. When used in the correct way, tow chains can become a real life saver but can cause damage to your vehicle if you don’t know how to use them.
Connecting the hook to the towing vehicle
To remove a vehicle from being stuck, the first thing that you need to do is attach the hook end of the tow chain to the fully operational vehicle that will be towing the immobilised vehicle. This is usually attached to the rear bumper or to a trailer hitch, which tends to have loops for a hook to be connected. Either of these connection points will offer suitable support for most towing tasks. Ensure that no other areas of the car are used to attach the hook as damage may be caused. For an extra level of precaution, give the tow chain a few tugs after connecting the hook to make sure it is firmly fastened and not able to become loose during towing.
Connecting the chain to the immobilised vehicle
Before attaching the oval ring end of the chain to the vehicle that is stuck, you need to ensure that the chain hasn’t become twisted or tangled as this will affect the length of the chain and can cause wear and tear as time passes. After you’ve checked the chain is okay to be attached, you can proceed. The chain is often attached a tow hook or a robust steel loop located underneath the front bumper or close to the centre axle. Many vehicles may have plastic covers over their hooks or are hidden in recessed nooks. Regardless, it is vital that you don’t attach the tow chain directly onto the axle or any other part hanging from underneath the front of the vehicle.
Start to tow
After both ends have been securely connected, towing can now begin. The first thing you need to do, however, is to ensure that both vehicles are manned at all times. If the vehicle being towed is still functional, it should be placed in first gear with the handbrake lifted. If it is not functional, then it should be left in neutral with the handbrake lifted. The driver of the towing vehicle will need to creep forward slowly until the tow chain becomes tight, it is then able to be pulled away. It’s important to keep all movements slow and steady, anything abrupt and sudden will be felt by the towed vehicle and can cause the chain to break free.
Following these simple steps will allow you to tow any vehicle not only properly, but safely. To do this, however, you will first need to have a tow chain in your possession. If you do not have one, it is always good practice to keep one on hand. Here at Life-Gear.com, we supply a range of quality tow chains, able to pull vehicles weighing up to 32 tonnes. Simply click below to view our full collection of Tow Chains and purchase. If you have any questions or require further information regarding our Tow Chain collection, do not hesitate to contact us today.
Our Tow Chain Collection >
