Towing Information: Service and Repair
STANDARD PROCEDUREFig.8 Tow Vehicles With Approved Equipment:
TOWING RECOMMENDATIONS
A vehicle equipped with an SAE approved Wheel- lift towing device can be used to tow all Short Bed DAKOTA vehicles. Long Bed vehicles must be towed with a Flat-bed device (Fig. 8). When towing a 4WD vehicle, use tow dollies under the opposite end of the vehicle.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
NOTE: The following safety precautions must be observed when towing a vehicle.
- Secure loose and protruding parts.
- Always use a safety chain system that is independent of the lifting and towing equipment.
- Do not allow towing equipment to contact the disabled vehicle's fuel tank.
- Do not allow anyone under the disabled vehicle while it is lifted by the towing device.
- Do not allow passengers to ride in a vehicle being towed.
- Always observe state and local laws regarding towing regulations.
- Do not tow a vehicle in a manner that could jeopardize the safety of the operator, pedestrians or other motorists.
- Do not attach tow chains, T-hooks, or J-hooks to a bumper, steering linkage, drive shafts or a non-reinforced frame hole.
- Do not tow a heavily loaded vehicle. Damage to the cab, cargo box or frame may result. Use a flat bed device to transport a loaded vehicle.
GROUND CLEARANCE
CAUTION: If vehicle is towed with wheels removed, install lug nuts to retain brake drums.
A towed vehicle should be raised until lifted wheels are a minimum 100 mm (4 in) from the ground. Be sure there is adequate ground clearance at the opposite end of the vehicle, especially when towing over rough terrain or steep rises in the road. If necessary remove the wheels from the lifted end of the vehicle and lower the vehicle closer to the ground, to increase the ground clearance at the opposite end of the vehicle. Install lug nuts on wheel attaching studs to retain brake drums.
RAMP ANGLE
If a vehicle with flat bed towing equipment is used, the approach ramp angle should not exceed 15 degrees.
TOWING WHEN KEYS ARE NOT AVAILABLE
When the vehicle is locked and keys are not available, use a flat bed hauler. A Sling-type device can be used on 4WD vehicles provided all the wheels are lifted OFF the ground using tow dollies.
TWO WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLE TOWING
TOWING-REAR END LIFTED
Fig.9 Short Bed Vehicle Towing-Typical:
Fig.10 Long Bed Vehicle Towing-Typical:
CAUTION: Short bed vehicle must be towed with a Wheel-lift device (Fig. 9) or transported on a flat bed (Fig. 10) Long bed vehicle must be transported on a flat bed
2WD vehicles can be towed with the front wheels on the surface for extended distances at speeds not exceeding 48 km/h (30 mph).
1. Attach wheel lift device to rear wheels.
2. Attach safety chains to frame rails. Route chains so not to interfere with tail pipe when vehicle is lifted.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position to unlock the steering wheel.
CAUTION: Do not use steering column lock to secure steering wheel during towing operation.
4. Secure steering wheel in straight ahead position with a clamp device designed for towing.
5. Verify that steering components are in good condition.
6. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL.
TOWING-FRONT END LIFTED
When lifting from the front end, all vehicles must be towed with a Wheel-lift device or transported on a flat bed.
1. Attach Wheel-lift device to front wheels.
2. Attach the safety chains to the disabled vehicle at the frame rails.
CAUTION: Do not use steering column lock to secure steering wheel during towing operation.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position to unlock the steering wheel.
TWO WHEEL DRIVE-MANUAL AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Provided the transmission is operable, tow only in NEUTRAL at speeds not to exceed 30 mph (50 km/h) and distances less than 15 miles (25km/h).
If the vehicle is to be towed more than 15 miles, the propeller shaft should be disconnected or place tow dollies under rear wheels.
FOUR WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLE TOWING
FOUR WHEEL DRIVE TOWING-REAR END LIFTED
CAUTION:
Short bed vehicles must be towed with a Wheel-lift device (Fig. 9) or transported on a flat bed. Long bed vehicles must be transported on a flat bed (Fig. 10). When using a Wheel-lift device, all wheels must be lifted off the ground using tow dollies.
1. Raise the front of the vehicle off the ground and install tow dollies under front wheels.
2. Attach wheel lift device to rear wheels.
3. Attach safety chains to frame rails. Route chains so not to interfere with tail pipe when vehicle is lifted.
4. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position to unlock the steering wheel.
CAUTION: Do not use steering column lock to secure steering wheel during towing operation.
5. Secure steering wheel in straight ahead position with a clamp device designed for towing.
6. Shift the transfer case to NEUTRAL.
FOUR WHEEL DRIVE TOWING-FRONT END LIFTED
When lifting from the front end, all vehicles must be towed with a wheel-lift device or transported on a flat bed.
1. Raise the rear of the vehicle off the ground and install tow dollies under rear wheels.
2. Attach wheel lift device to front wheels.
3. Attach the safety chains to the disabled vehicle at the frame rails.
CAUTION: Do not use steering column lock to secure steering wheel during towing operation.
4. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position to unlock the steering wheel.
5. Shift the transfer case to NEUTRAL.