How Is Towing A Heavy Vehicle Different?

Heavy vehicle towing doesn't initially sound like it ought to be too different compared to hauling something relatively smaller. There are, however, some notable differences when it comes to large vehicle transporting projects.

Regulations

Vehicle weight is a popular source of traffic offenses because cops know that heavy-duty vehicle towing violations can rack up huge fines. Also, a large vehicle just stands out. Consequently, you need to be sure that your entire load complies with regulations for every jurisdiction along the way. Usually, this means using a vehicle licensed at or above a certain capacity.

There may also be issues with permits. This is especially true when your heavy-duty towing plans involve a vehicle with wide or high dimensions. You may need a permit to move it down a particular roadway, and you may need to acquire multiple permits along the entire planned path.

Safety

Unsurprisingly, large vehicle towing entails greater risks. Securing large vehicles can be challenging. Not only do you have to use a truck or trailer with the right equipment, but there will frequently be distinct features on big vehicles. For example, a large piece of equipment might have a crane and cab. Manufacturers often don't design these components for over-the-road hauling, but you'll have to secure them to avoid anything flying off at highway speeds.

You should also strongly consider working with a heavy-duty vehicle towing company on the project. Maneuvering these kinds of loads is not an easy task, and it's best to pay a professional who knows the tricks of the trade. They may also need support vehicles and crew members to escort the load and deal with any issues along the way.

Conditions and Timing

The weather will never be your friend when managing a project like this. However, you want to plan transportation efforts for times when the odds of terrible weather will be the lowest. Whenever possible, avoid moving vehicles at known bad times of the year. You don't want to deal with a large vehicle in an ice storm or a hurricane.

Location Preparations

Not all surfaces are prepared to receive heavy vehicles. Make sure the locations at the start and the destination are prepared for both the transported vehicle and the one that'll haul it. You want to avoid damaging paved surfaces with heavy vehicles during the process. Likewise, preparation will ensure that a vehicle doesn't get stuck in a bad spot.

For more information on heavy-duty vehicle towing, contact a professional near you.


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