Towing Safety (Please Read) - Steel Soldiers::Military Vehicles Supersite

halftrack · 03-27-2008, 12:40

This really should be under safety but that forum does not allow attachments.

This came across my desk and thought I would pass it along. It goes along with Bruce's post about brakes and bringing trucks back safely. You towbar guys (myself being one) should read this.

alphadeltaromeo · 03-27-2008, 13:24

I really enjoyed reading that. Thanks much for posting...as I know it will be a helpful reminder to us all about how to safely tow another vehicle.

Andy

M1075 · 03-27-2008, 13:29

Thanks for the tips. Here is a picture of how I do it. Any suggestions for improvement appreciated.

oifvet · 03-27-2008, 13:32

Things like this are good to download, print, and put in a trip binder.

A simple, "Take-5" for safety is what each one of us should do before we roll out. Everytime!

Got to do it!

Rattlehead · 03-27-2008, 13:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by M1075

Thanks for the tips. Here is a picture of how I do it. Any suggestions for improvement appreciated.

Cross those chains. Same with any trailer, the purpose is to catch the hitch (towbar in this case) in the event of breakage/disconnect.

Rattlehead · 03-27-2008, 13:38

I believe crossing them also provides more control of the towed vehicle than when the chains are in parallel. Not really on a bumper hitch trailer, as the chain mounting on the towing vehicle are inches apart.

Andydieselpower · 03-27-2008, 14:12

Thanks for posting the pic. I'll be picking up my M35a2c along with my uncles 2 M35a2c's from Camp Lejuene in the next two weeks since his EUC cleared yesterday. I'm bringing the towbar with us just incase we have a breakdown. I don't really want to tow one through the smokey mountains!

How do you hook the chains to the truck being towed? Do you have any pics?

Thanks,
Andy

M1075 · 03-27-2008, 14:51

Good suggestion on the criss cross. The manual indicates attaching chains to the spring perches, but I had 1 chain and just looped it around the bumper. Both ends of it are attached to the towing vehicle at the shackles to keep it from coming off.

M1075 · 03-27-2008, 15:02

I also use magnetic flashers on the towed vehicle and a Vehicle in Tow sign (just in case they can't see the big hunk of green iron in front of them!)

MilitaryRestoration · 03-27-2008, 17:01

crossing chains a must...it is also stronger as not only will it catch the tounge of the trailer but also catches one chain onto another creating more strength when needed. Same rule applies to loading truck/vehicles/etc onto flat deck trailers/or trailers in general. always cross chains, ie- from the driver front of trailer hook a chain and then take it to the passenger front of the vehicle/etc being tied down then do the front passenger side of the trailer to the driver front of vehicle, then do the same in back as well. Also if using chain binders always have the handle part of binder pointing down and if you can wrap chain around it or zip tie even, so when on those bumpy roads there is no chance of it bouncing loose.