Towing cars using car hauler trailers could seem a simple task – only the hitch should be hooked up, the brake lights plugged in and it is all set. But it is not that simple as it sounds. Certain rules and regulations as the car hauler trailering laws in Texas are enforced, and these must be taken into account before you hook up a car and head out onto the open road.
The Different Types of Towing
The very first thing to be considered is how should the car be towed. Two common types of towing include trailer towing and flat towing or dinghy towing.
In trailer towing, the trailer should be attached to the car’s back and the second vehicle is to be driven onto the trailer. Two and four-wheel trailers are available – the two-wheels trailers hoist the towed car’s front two tyres and allow the rear tyres to freely roll on the road; alternatively, the four-wheel trailer carries the car entirely.
Flat towing needs a tow bar attached to the car’s front. The tow bar remains attached to the trailer hitch, while the car’s four wheels freely roll on the ground. Now, this might reduce the tow weight, but all cars can be towed in this process.
The Safety Precautions
Once the type of towing needed is clear, these are the safety measures you must take up, according to the car hauler trailering laws in Texas –
Trail Lights – The car’s taillights have to be visible. But if they are not, then the towed car’s tail lights should be hooked so they are responding to the changes in speed.
License Plates – The license plates on both the towed car and car hauler trailer should be visible.
Safety Chains – Safety chains are the extra safety layers designed for preventing the car from rolling away in case the hitch has failed.
The additional safety measures needed include –
- “Breakaway Breaks” – It is a failsafe. In case, the towed car has broken away from the hitch, then the brakes are applied automatically.
- Auxiliary Brakes – This secondary braking system is used for towing cars for extra protection level for braking if extra weight is being hauled.
If you have planned a trip, then ensure checking the towing or car hauler trailering laws and regulations in Texas, or in other states, you are to travel.
Safety Equipment
The connection existing between the towing and the towing should be extremely strong enough for pulling the entire weight of the trailer, as stated among the more self-explanatory car hauler trailering laws in Texas (Section 545.409 of the transportation code). It should not be more than 15 feet long, till it is so built-in that can be regarded as “structural”. As per law, the drivers have to highlight the tow bar with a white cloth or a flag. Sufficiently strong safety chains, flares and warning signs are necessary under section 545.410, similar to the breakaways on trailers over 3000 lbs. All the trailers, which weigh above 4500 lbs. need braking, such requirements do not exist for the towed cars.
Dimensions
A car hauler-towing vehicle, in Texas, should not be taller than 14 feet and no wider than 8 1/2 feet. The trailer should not be taller than 14 feet, no wider than 8 feet 6 inches, and no longer than 45 feet. The combined length is allowed to be only 65 feet long. Motorhomes should measure only 45 feet long with just 65 feet long two-vehicle.
Restrictions
Only three cars can be towed behind one car hauler by using the “saddle-mount” method, where the front wheels are mounted on the other vehicle’s bed and its rear wheels are left on the ground (Section 545.409). Allowing a child younger than 18 to take a ride in the flat-bed trailer is typically illegal – the example being of an exemption while riding in a parade. If a truck or a tractor pulls a trailer with passengers, then it is equally illegal, safe only when the trailer has been specifically designed for human habitation.
Speed
70 mph on the interstate is the maximum speed for towing vehicles in Texas. Under the code 545.352 in the daytime, it is applicable to passenger vehicles and light trucks pulling the small trailers which will be less than 26 feet long, carrying a motorcycle or a boat. 65mph is the maximum for nighttime for the small trailers. If it is foggy, then the limit is 55 mph.
Trailering the main car behind the car hauler trailer is a superb way for saving money. The car haulers are meant for specific destinations for transporting, but you need to ensure taking up proper safety precautions and follow the car hauler trailering laws in Texas.
