Dodge Dakota (R1). Manual - part 184
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 inde-
pendent 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, or J-hooks to
a bumper, steering linkage, drive shafts or a non-re-
inforced frame hole.
• Do not tow a heavily loaded vehicle. Damage to
the cab, cargo box or frame may result. Use a flat
bed 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 oppo-
site end of the vehicle, especially when towing over
rough terrain or steep rises in the road. 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 WHEN KEYS ARE NOT AVAILABLE
When the vehicle is locked and keys are not avail-
able, use a flat bed hauler. A Sling-type device can be
used on 4WD vehicles provided all the wheels are
lifted off the ground using tow dollies.
STANDARD PROCEDURE—TWO WHEEL DRIVE
VEHICLE TOWING
TOWING-REAR END LIFTED
CAUTION:
Short bed vehicles must be towed with a Wheel-lift
device (Fig. 10) or transported on a flat bed (Fig.
11). Long bed vehicles must be transported on a
flat bed.
2WD vehicles can be towed with the front wheels
on the surface for extended distances at speeds not
exceeding 48 km/h (30 mph).
(1) Attach wheel lift device to rear wheels.
(2) Attach safety chains to frame rails. Route
chains so not to interfere with tail pipe when vehicle
is lifted.
(3) Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position to
unlock the steering wheel.
CAUTION: Do not use steering column lock to
secure steering wheel during towing operation.
(4) Secure steering wheel in straight ahead posi-
tion with a clamp device designed for towing.
(5) Verify that steering components are in good
condition.
(6) Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL.
TOWING-FRONT END LIFTED
When lifting from the front end, all vehicles must
be towed with a Wheel-lift device or transported on a
flat bed.
(1) Attach Wheel-lift device to front wheels.
Fig. 10 Short Bed Vehicle Towing—Typical
Fig. 11 Long Bed Vehicle Towing—Typical
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LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE
AN
TOWING (Continued)