Pulling a vehicle with a tow rope is not the safest option, but it may be the only option in some circumstances. Using a tow rope to move a vehicle to another location can be extremely dangerous and should be avoided as much as possible, especially if the towed vehicle will not start. However, if the vehicle is stuck, there are a few ways to use a rope to get it out and back on the road. Remember that ropes that are under high tension can be dangerous if they break or come loose, so be sure to use a rope that is rated for the weight of the vehicle you are trying to tow.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Tie the Rope to the Vehicle
Step 1. Connect the rope to a trailer hitch
If you are behind towing a vehicle stuck in sand, mud or snow, you can choose to connect the rope to the vehicle, at the tow hitch. Pass the rope around the hitch, but not on the ball itself. Instead, wrap the rope around the entire hitch and attach it to itself.
- If the tow rope doesn't have a hook, use a bowline knot to secure it.
- The rope can slip off the tow hitch if it is secured to the tow hitch alone.
- Most tow ropes are 3 to 5 ft (90 cm to 2 m) long. When towing one vehicle with another, you don't want to use a very long rope, as it can make it difficult to handle the towed vehicle.
Step 2. Secure the rope to the frame
Many trucks have hitches or towing rings on their own frame. If this is the case, thread the rope through the hoop and hook it to itself. If the vehicle does not have trailer hitches, find a part of the frame that does not interfere with the turning of the wheels to secure the rope. The frame is the most structurally rigid component of the vehicle. By attaching the rope to other parts, you run the risk of tearing or deforming them.
- The cross member under the engine can be an appropriate area to attach a tow rope to the vehicle.
- Consult the service manual for the vehicle in question if you are unsure where to locate the parts of the frame that are exposed.
- Do not attach the rope to the axle of the vehicle. The frame is the only part of the vehicle that you should use when towing it with a rope.
Step 3. Separate vehicles slowly to collect slack
Once the rope is attached to both vehicles, slowly pull the tow vehicle away to collect any additional slack in the rope. It is important to start towing with the rope taut. If the towing vehicle is pulled away on a tightrope, the tightrope will subject the towed vehicle to a large amount of force very abruptly.
Have a friend watch the rope and give directions to the driver of the tow vehicle
Step 4. Place a driver in both vehicles
When pulling a vehicle with a rope, it is imperative that there is a driver in each vehicle. Have a friend drive the tow vehicle while steering the vehicle being towed, or vice versa.
- Keeping a driver in both vehicles will allow the greatest control of the situation.
- If the towed vehicle can start, start it and keep it running while being towed.
Step 5. Drive the tow vehicle slowly
Regardless of how far you need to pull the vehicle, proceed at low speed. If the towed vehicle is unable to start, it may not brake consistently, so maintaining a low speed will reduce the likelihood that it will not stop when needed.
- Driving slowly is the only safe way to pull a vehicle with a tow rope.
- Be very careful when driving slowly while towing another vehicle on public roads.
Method 2 of 3: Towing Without a Tow Vehicle
Step 1. Use a winch
If you have access to a winch, it is the easiest way to tow a vehicle with a rope, a short distance, without using a second vehicle. Secure the winch to the frame of the vehicle, using the supplied mounting hardware, and then secure the rope to the other side, to a solid, immovable object.
- Wrap the winch line around a tree that is at least 1 foot (30 cm) in diameter, then hook it to itself.
- You can also use rocks or railings to support the vehicle.
- Use the winch controls to tow the vehicle.
Step 2. Tie the vehicle to a tree with a long rope
If you don't have a winch, you can pull the vehicle just enough to unblock it with a long rope and a group of friends. Secure the rope to the frame of the vehicle, then tie the other end to a strong tree.
- You will need at least 20 feet (6 m) of rope between the vehicle and the tree.
- Make sure the string is taut between the two objects.
- A bowline knot will support the required weight, still allowing you to untie the rope when you're done.
Step 3. Gather a group of friends
You may be able to tow a small vehicle from wherever it is stuck, with just one or two friends. However, larger vehicles will require more friends to help. Gather a group of as many friends as you can before you start, to make sure you can tow the vehicle.
- The more friends you gather, the easier it will be.
- Make sure you have plenty of extra rope so there is plenty of room for everyone to help out.
Step 4. Tie a rope around the midpoint of a tow rope
With the string stretched between the car and the tree, tie a second string around the midpoint between the two objects. If the rope is too close to the tree or car, this method will not work.
- If you have enough string, you can just wrap it around the midpoint and use both ends to pull it.
- If you don't have enough rope to wrap around the midpoint, tie it to the other rope with a bowline knot.
Step 5. Pull the rope perpendicular
On the count of three, have all of your friends pull the rope that you tied at the midpoint of the tow rope. Pulling this way will dramatically increase the force you put into the vehicle and allow you to tow it a short distance.
Pulling from this angle will allow you to tow a car that you might not otherwise be able to tow
Method 3 of 3: Plan Your Towing Strategy
Step 1. Make sure the rope is strong enough
When buying a rope to tow a vehicle, the most important thing is to look for the strength of the rope. Most retail store ropes will indicate on the packaging what the maximum amount of weight is that they are rated to pull without fail. Use your vehicle's owner's manual to determine the weight of the vehicle and choose a tow rope rated for that weight.
- Most tow ropes that you can buy from auto parts stores are suitable for pulling normal size cars or trucks.
- Don't use a rope if you can't determine its maximum strength.
Step 2. Evaluate what level of control the towed vehicle will have
If the vehicle you are towing starts, but you cannot drive, it is best to start it and leave it running while you tow it. This will allow you to use the power steering and the brakes. If the vehicle won't start, insert the key and turn it to activate the accessories and unlock the steering wheel.
- The brakes on some vehicles will not function properly without the vacuum created by the running engine.
- The vehicle will not have power steering without the engine running.
Step 3. Determine the distance you will have to tow
If you need to tow a vehicle a few feet away, there are fewer worries you will have to address before you hit the road. If you need to take the vehicle home or to a repair shop, you will need to assess the vehicle's ability to cover that distance safely.
- If the vehicle does not start, it is not safe to tow it long distances. Without power steering or brakes, the towed vehicle can collide with the towing vehicle.
- If you need to get a vehicle out of mud, snow, or a ditch, you just have to pull it until it can move on its own.
Step 4. Find out the laws in the area
If you intend to tow a vehicle with a tow rope and on public roads, you will need to determine whether it is legal to do so. Check the laws of the region where you are towing the vehicle to determine if it is legal to do so.
- Laws in the United States vary from state to state when it comes to towing a vehicle with a rope.
- In some places it is totally illegal to tow a vehicle with a rope.