2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:41
The rigid hitch is universal. It is designed to tow any type of vehicle over distances. This is a very economical and convenient solution. Rigid hitch devices have a design that allows them to be mounted on almost any vehicle. In principle, the evacuation of a car that has lost the ability to move independently is a rather difficult problem. It is exacerbated if a truck is to be towed.
There are two types of couplings - rigid and flexible. The choice between them depends on a number of factors, most of which relate to the technical condition of the vehicle to be transported. For example, with a faulty brake system, only a rigid hitch can be used. It is she who will ensure that the towed vehicle follows the same track with the tractor.
Advantages of a rigid hitch
In comparison with a flexible hitch, a rigid one has a lot of undeniable advantages. Firstly, there is no jerk, and the transported vehicle will not be able to approach the tractor at a dangerous distance. Secondly,there will always be a given distance between two cars. Thirdly, a rigid hitch determines the participation in the towing procedure of only one driver (driving a tractor), whose qualification level is subject to low requirements. And most importantly, this type of transportation is considered as safe as possible. It is these advantages that make it possible to use the rigid type of towing everywhere: in adverse weather and road conditions, in heavy traffic and any malfunctions.
Transporting a car on a rigid hitch
Unlike the cable that every motorist has, a rigid hitch is a rare attribute. It is mostly used by tow trucks. But towing on a rigid hitch requires the same additional equipment: a warning triangle, a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher. In this case, the cable may sag until the road surface. The coupling device itself can have various designs. For example, the simplest ones involve one attachment point to each of the machines. Basically, this design has a rigid hitch for cars. More complex couplings have several points and allow you to tow the vehicle exactly on the same track with the tractor, without the slightest shift to the sides. For each type of device, different towing rules have been developed. Rigid towing allows heavy vehicles to be driven.
Preparing to tow the vehicle
If to betransportation of a truck, then it is necessary to estimate its tonnage and the weight of the cargo, if any. The tractor must be able to tow the vehicle without strain and overheating. That is, its weight must exceed the weight of another car. A rigid hitch for trucks must also be appropriate for the total weight of the vehicle being towed. The driver of the tractor should check the tension of the belts and the level of the coolant, because increased loads are coming, and the engine must be cooled efficiently. The driver of the car that will be towed also needs to prepare: disconnect the low voltage wire at the ignition coil. Both drivers need to coordinate their actions immediately before setting off.
Transport procedure
The most difficult moment is the beginning of towing, that is, the start. The driver of the car that will be transported must make sure that the car is released from the handbrake and the gear is engaged. All subsequent actions belong to the driver of the tractor. It should start moving in the lowest gear. The car must move slowly and smoothly in order to pull the towed vehicle without jerking. Another important point is gear shifting while driving. This must be done as quickly as possible. While following the route on the towed vehicle, the alarm must be turned on. If it does not work, then a warning triangle must be attached to the back of the machine.
Vehicle transportation rules
The speed of the road train must not exceed 50 km/h if a vehicle with a manual transmission is overtaken. If the car has automatic transmission, then the movement should occur no faster than 40 km / h. The evacuation of a machine with a broken steering is possible only with the help of complex rigid hitch designs. Towing is prohibited: more than one vehicle, cars with trailers and motorcycles without a sidecar. Only the driver may be in the cab of the towed vehicle. The dimensions of the rigid hitch should provide a distance between cars - no more than 4 meters. The device itself must be marked with warning signs in the form of shields or flags measuring 20 x 20 cm, with alternating red and white stripes with reflective materials. If the towed vehicle has a faulty brake system, its weight must be 2 times less than that of the tug.
How to choose a rigid hitch
Today, a huge variety of different rigid couplings is offered for sale. Before buying, first of all, you need to make sure that the device matches the tonnage of your car. Next, the design that you need is determined - simple or complex. It will depend on this whether you call a tow truck in difficult cases or use the services of motorists passing by. You also need to consider whether the device fits in the trunk of your car and how much space it takes up in it. To datethere are telescopic models that, when folded, have minimal dimensions. It’s not worth talking about the cost - it’s your wallet that “decides”. You can also make your own device. A hand-made rigid hitch, in some cases, may be the only option for such mechanisms to be transported in the trunk of your car.
Call a tow truck
Even if there is a rigid hitch in the trunk of your car, but the situation does not correspond to the above conventions and prescribed rules, it is better to call a tow truck. To do this, the desired phone number must be recorded in your address book. Some drivers are extremely superstitious and prefer not to do this, "so as not to wake the dashing". In vain, because traveling by vehicle is always associated with risks, and it is better to make sure in advance. For example, to pass MOT on time and always check the car before setting off. Nevertheless, have a good road and good trips!
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