Conventional and Unconventional Towing: FAQ’s

Jun 22, 2021

The chances are you’ve seen two vehicles tethered together by a rope, one pulling the other, and wondered what they were doing? Or you’ve seen a truck hooked to a pleasure craft and looked on with a tinge of jealousy? What you’ve seen are unconventional and conventional towing methods. Let’s examine them by answering some of the most common questions concerning them.

Question: What is conventional towing?

Answer: Conventional towing utilizes the tow ball of the vehicle. Loads being pulled need to remain in compliance with the tow vehicle’s weight limits to avoid damaging the vehicle’s body and engine because of excessive strain.

Most pull-behind towing falls under this category, including any towing that utilizes a pintle hook, tow ball, or similar configuration involving a shank and receiver hitch.

Question: What is unconventional towing?

Answer: Unconventional towing tethers the load to the vehicle’s chassis or body, commonly with a rope, cord, or cable.

Question: Is unconventional towing dangerous?

Answer: Yes, it can be if not done correctly. As mentioned before, one of the most significant dangers is towing an excessively heavy load, such as a small automobile pulling a half-ton truck.

The tow vehicle must be of ample size and have sufficient towing capacity to withstand damage. This information can be obtained online or from the automobile dealership (Ask your Taylor & Sons Chevrolet sales representative for the towing capacity of our vehicles).

Another danger is related to the driver of both vehicles. Abrupt stopping by the tow vehicle can result in not only damage to both vehicles because of the collision, but also to any drivers involved in either vehicle. It is advised that any unconventional towing be done on secondary roads, not Interstate highways.

Question: What is the most common type of tow hitch?

Answer: Bumper pull, also known as drag or tagalong trailer, is the most common type of tow hitch. This method is where the trailer’s tongue fits over a ball hitch that juts out from the vehicle’s frame at the rear.

Question: Are weight-distributing hitches for three-quarter-ton pickups and larger classified as conventional or unconventional towing?

Answer: Weight distributing hitches for three-quarter-ton pickups are classified as conventional towing.

As can be seen, there is a vast difference between the two types of towing. At Taylor & Sons Chevrolet, we’ll be happy to advise you on your vehicles towing capacity and help you get it ready for towing. Contact us today for any type of assistance you need.