How To Tow A Car

Choosing the Right Towing Method

There are several ways to tow a car, each with its own considerations depending on the type of vehicle and equipment available.

Tow Dolly

A tow dolly lifts the front wheels of the vehicle off the ground, allowing the rear wheels to roll. This setup is ideal for front-wheel-drive cars but requires extra precautions for rear-wheel-drive (RWD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicles. In those cases, the driveshaft must be disconnected to avoid damaging the drivetrain. It’s also important to ensure the vehicle fits on the dolly, stays under the dolly’s weight limit, and that the towing vehicle is equipped with a proper 4-pin wiring harness and sufficient towing capacity.

Tow Bar

Tow bars are commonly used by RV owners to pull a second vehicle. However, most cars don’t come with the necessary frame-mounted connection points. Installing them usually requires removing the front bumper and adding aftermarket hardware, which makes this a less practical option for casual use.

Tow Strap

A tow strap can be used in limited situations, such as pulling a stuck vehicle or moving one across private property. It’s generally not legal or safe for use on public roads. When used, the strap must be attached to a secure frame-mounted point, such as a chain hook on the truck's hitch. The towed vehicle should also be monitored from inside, with a driver handling steering and braking.

Enclosed Trailer (Recommended)

Using a trailer is the safest and most secure method. It eliminates concerns about driveline damage, improves vehicle stability, and allows for more controlled braking and handling. Loading and strapping the vehicle properly is essential, as is understanding the towing capacity of your truck and trailer setup.

Understanding Tundra Towing Specs

The 2025 Toyota Tundra is well-equipped for towing and comes with robust capability figures. Key specs include:

• Max tow rating: 11,175 lbs
• Gross combined weight rating (GCWR): 17,700 lbs
• Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR): 7,700 lbs
• Curb weight: 6,095 lbs
• Payload capacity: 1,605 lbs

In a sample setup with a 2,000-lb trailer and a 3,389-lb vehicle (e.g., a GR Supra), the total trailer weight reaches 5,389 lbs. Factoring in 200 lbs for the driver and gear, and an estimated tongue weight of 539 lbs, the truck’s gross vehicle weight would be approximately 6,834 lbs — comfortably within the Tundra’s limits. The combined vehicle and trailer weight would come to 11,684 lbs, which also stays well below the 17,700-lb GCWR.

Securing the Vehicle

Properly securing the vehicle to the trailer is essential. The preferred method involves wrapping ratchet straps around the tires and anchoring them through D-rings built into the trailer floor. If this system isn't available, straps can be looped around the lower control arms and secured directly behind the vehicle. Four points of contact should always be used.

Crossing straps is not recommended, as it introduces a single point of failure. If one strap breaks, the entire load can become unstable. Running straps straight back and forward, with opposing tension, ensures redundancy. At the rear, straps can also be wrapped around the axle as long as alignment with the D-rings is maintained. This method avoids compressing the suspension, which can cause loosened straps while driving over uneven terrain.