Vehicle Damage Warnings

STANDARD PROCEDURE - TOWING RECOMMENDATIONS

CAUTION: Many vehicles are equipped with air dams, spoilers, and/or ground effect panels. To avoid component damage, a wheel-lift towing vehicle or a flat-bed hauling vehicle is recommended.

Fig. 9 Tow Vehicles With Approved Equipment:

A vehicle equipped with SAE approved sling-type towing equipment, a wheel-lift towing device or a vehicle with a flat-bed device can be used to transport all RAM VAN or WAGON vehicles (Fig. 9).
A wooden crossbeam may be required for proper connection when using the sling-type, front-end towing method.

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, J-hooks, or a tow sling to a bumper, steering linkage, drive shafts or a non-reinforced frame hole.
- Remove exhaust pipe tips that interfere with the tow sling and crossbar
- Padding should be placed between the tow sling/crossbar and any painted surfaces
- When placing tow hooks on the rear axle, position them so they do not damage the brake tubing or hoses
- Do not tow the vehicle by connecting to the front or rear shock absorbers
- Do not tow a heavily loaded vehicle. Damage to the vehicle may result. Use a flatbed 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, steep rises in the road or if the vehicle is equipped with air dams, spoilers, and/or ground effect panels. 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-Rear End Lifted

CAUTION: Do not use steering column lock to secure steering wheel during towing operation.

Vehicles can be towed with the front wheels on the ground for extended distances at speeds not exceeding 48 km/h (30 mph).

Fig. 10 Rear-End Lifted Towing:

1. Attach the J-hooks around the axle shaft tubes outboard of the rear springs (Fig. 10).
2. Position and center the sling under and forward of the rear bumper.
3. Attach safety chains (with pads) at each end of the rear bumper.
4. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position to unlock the steering wheel.
5. Clamp the steering wheel with the front wheels in the straight ahead position.
6. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL.

Towing-Front End Lifted
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.

Fig. 11 Front-End Lifted Towing - Typical:

If a vehicle cannot be towed from the rear, the front-end raised towing method normally can be used (Fig. 11).

1. Center the sling with the bumper and position it at the frame front crossmember.

CAUTION: Use tow chains with J-hooks for connecting to the disabled vehicle's lower suspension arms. Never use T-hooks.

2. Route the J-hooks and tow chains over the steering linkage outboard of the coil spring.
3. Attach the J-hooks to the outer end of the lower suspension arms.
4. Raise the vehicle.
5. Attach the safety chains to the disabled vehicle at the frame rails.

Towing When Keys Are Not Available
When the vehicle is locked and keys are not available, use a flat bed hauler. A Wheel-lift or Sling-type device can be used provided all the wheels are lifted off the ground using tow dollies.