Flat Bed Towing an Automatic

[UWdave]

Being new to towing cars on flatbeds, I've been asking a few people about how they configure the brakes/driveline for towing on a flatbed.

Everybody seems to agree that:
A) Retainers (straps/chains) should be strong enough to prevent a rig without any brakes from moving.
B) Never tighten the retainers with the rig in Park. If you pull harder from one end (front/back) you can put a large preload on the parking pawl.

Here where the opinions differ, so I figured I'd put it to a poll.

1) Transmission in Park
pros - all wheels stopped and hand brake backup
cons - can wear on parking pawl (?)

2) Transmission in gear w/ hand brake
pros - rear wheels stopped with engine brake backup, no impact on parking pawl
cons - front wheels not fully stopped, load on transmission (?)

3) Transmission or TC in Neutral w/ hand brake
pros - rear wheels stopped, no impact on driveline
cons - no backup to hand brake

 

[FloydtheDog]

One could argue that if the vehicle is properly secured with chains or straps that nothing else is necessary aside from keeping a watchful eye on said restraints for failures.

Having said that I would probably apply the parking/ hand brake, but leave the TC and or trans in neutral.

 

[98 SNAKE EATER]

I've hauled thousands of cars on my flatbed (many of which had to be winched on top while still in park) and I've never had an issue with a parking pawl failing

When possible, I always cinch it down first while in neutral, then apply the parking brake followed by putting it in park

 

[gotmud]

When possible, I always cinch it down first while in neutral, then apply the parking brake followed by putting it in park

X2222

 

[UWdave]

I've always done #2. Although I'm not sure how much braking you get from leaving an auto in gear.