Hard coupling: dimensions and distance when towing trucks and cars. Rigid hitching by one's own hands

The rigid coupling is universal. It is designed to tow any type of vehicle over distances. This is a very economical and convenient solution. The rigid coupling devices are of such a design that they can be attached to virtually any vehicle. In principle, the evacuation of a car, which has lost the ability to move independently, is a rather complex problem. It is exacerbated if a truck is towed.

There are two types of couplings - rigid and flexible. The choice between them depends on a number of factors, most of which relate to the technical condition of the car to be transported. For example, with a faulty brake system, you can only use a rigid coupler. It is she who will ensure the following of the towed vehicle on one track with the tractor.

Advantages of rigid coupling

In comparison with a flexible coupler, the rigid has a lot of undeniable advantages. First, there is no jerk, and the transported car can not approach the tractor for a dangerous distance. Secondly, there will always be a given distance between the two machines. Thirdly, the rigid coupling causes participation in the towing procedure only one driver (behind the wheel of a tractor), to the qualification level of which low requirements are imposed. And most importantly, this type of transportation is considered as safe as possible. These advantages make it possible to use a rigid type of towing everywhere: under unfavorable weather and road conditions, in a dense stream of machines and any malfunctions.

Car transportation on a rigid hitch

In contrast to the cable, which is included in each motorist, rigid coupling is a rare attribute. More often it is used by evacuators. But towing on a rigid hitch involves the same additional equipment: an emergency stop sign, a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher. In this case, the cable can sag until the road is covered. The hitch device itself can have various designs. For example, the simplest assume one point of attachment to each of the machines. In general, this design has a rigid coupling for cars. More complex couplers have several points and allow the vehicle to be towed exactly one track with the tractor, without the slightest displacement to the sides. Different towing rules have been developed for each type of device. Towing on a rigid device allows you to overtake heavy vehicles.

Preparing to tow a vehicle

If the truck is to be transported, it is necessary to estimate its tonnage and the weight of the cargo, if any. A tractor must be able to tow a vehicle without straining and overheating. That is, its weight should exceed the weight of another car. The rigid coupling for trucks must also correspond to the total weight of the towed vehicle. The driver of the tractor should check the belt tension and coolant level, because there are increased loads, and the engine must be cooled qualitatively. The driver of the vehicle to be towed must also be prepared: disconnect the low voltage wire on the ignition coil. Immediately before departure, both drivers must coordinate their actions.

The transportation procedure

The most difficult moment is the beginning of the towing, that is, the start. The driver of the vehicle to be transported must ensure that the machine is removed from the handbrake and the gear is engaged. All subsequent actions belong to the driver of the tractor. He must start the movement in the lowest gear. The car should move slowly and smoothly, so as to pull the towed vehicle without a jerk. Another important point is the gear shift during the movement. This should be done as quickly as possible. When following a route, an alarm should be activated on the towed vehicle. If it does not work, an emergency stop sign must be attached to the rear of the machine.

Vehicle transportation regulations

The speed of movement of the road train should not be more than 50 km / h if the vehicle is overtaken with a manual gearbox. If the car AKPP, the movement should occur no faster than 40 km / h. Evacuation of a car with a broken steering is possible only with the help of complex designs of rigid coupling. Do not tow: more than one vehicle, cars with trailers and motorcycles without a stroller. In the cab of a towed vehicle, only its driver can be located. The dimensions of the rigid coupling must provide a distance between cars - no more than 4 meters. The device itself should have warning signs in the form of flaps or flags measuring 20 x 20 cm with the application of alternating red and white stripes with reflective materials. If the towed vehicle has a faulty brake system, its weight should be 2 times less than that of the tow.

How to choose a rigid hitch

To date, a huge variety of hard stitches has been offered for sale. Before buying in the first place, you need to make sure that the device corresponds to the tonnage of your car. Further, the design that you need is determined - simple or complex. It will depend on this whether you will call the evacuator in difficult cases or use the services of passing motorists. Also it is necessary to consider, whether the device is placed in the trunk of your car and how much space it occupies in it. To date, there are telescopic models, which in the folded state have minimal dimensions. On the cost of talking is not necessary - it "solves" your wallet. You can also make a device yourself. A rigid coupler, manufactured by your own hands, in some cases may be the only option of such mechanisms for carrying in your car's trunk.

Call of the tow truck

Even if in the trunk of your car there is a rigid coupling, but the situation does not correspond to the above-described conventions and prescribed rules, it is better to call the tow truck. To do this, your phone book must have a phone number registered. Some drivers are extremely superstitious and prefer not to do it, "so as not to wake a dashing". In vain, since movement on a vehicle always carries risks, and it is better to insure yourself in advance. For example, to pass the maintenance in time and always check the car before you go on the road. Nevertheless, good to you roads and successful trips!