How to Prepare Your Vehicle for a Heavy-Duty Tow

When a heavy-duty truck, bus, or commercial vehicle breaks down, getting it towed isn’t as simple as calling the nearest wrecker. Heavy-duty towing requires specialized equipment, careful planning, and the right preparation to ensure a safe and efficient recovery.

At Myles Wrecker Service in Georgia, we’ve handled thousands of heavy-duty tows, and one thing is clear: the better a vehicle is prepared for towing, the smoother the process goes. If you ever find yourself needing a heavy-duty tow, here’s what you should do to get your vehicle ready.

1. Ensure Driver and Vehicle Safety First

Before worrying about the tow itself, make sure you and your vehicle are in a safe location. Broken-down big rigs, buses, and heavy equipment can create serious hazards—especially on busy highways.

Steps to Stay Safe

• If possible, move the vehicle to the shoulder or a safe location away from traffic.
• Turn on hazard lights and deploy reflective triangles or flares to alert other drivers.
• Do not attempt roadside repairs in unsafe conditions—call for professional help instead.

In Georgia, it’s the law to use warning signals when stopped on the road. Proper visibility protects both the driver and the tow truck operator when help arrives.

2. Know Your Vehicle’s Specifications

Before calling for a heavy-duty tow, having key details about your vehicle ready will speed up the process and ensure the right equipment is sent.

Information to Provide

• Vehicle type: Semi-truck, bus, RV, dump truck, etc.
• Make, model, and year of the vehicle.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)—critical for selecting the correct tow truck.
• Current condition: Drivable, locked brakes, damaged suspension, etc.
• Towing points or manufacturer guidelines (if available).

Providing accurate information helps the tow operator bring the right equipment for a safe and damage-free tow.

3. Secure Loose Parts and Cargo

Heavy-duty vehicles often carry external attachments, loads, or loose parts that can become hazards during transport.

How to Secure Your Vehicle for Towing

• Remove or secure loose parts, such as mirrors, antennas, and toolboxes.
• If hauling cargo, ensure it’s properly strapped down to prevent shifting.
• Close and lock all doors, hatches, and compartments.

If the vehicle is damaged in an accident, let the tow operator know so they can properly secure or remove hazardous parts before towing.

4. Release Brakes and Put the Transmission in Neutral

For a smooth and safe tow, the vehicle’s wheels must be free to roll. Many breakdowns involve locked brakes or transmission issues that can complicate towing.

What to Do

• If the vehicle is drivable: Shift to neutral and release the parking brake.
• If the brakes are locked: Inform the tow operator—they may need to use dollies or a lift tow.
• For air-braked vehicles (semi-trucks, buses): Drain the air tanks or work with the tow operator to manually release the brakes.

A locked drivetrain can cause serious damage during towing, so make sure the tow team knows if the wheels won’t roll freely.

5. Remove Personal Belongings and Valuables

A heavy-duty tow might take hours or even days, depending on the situation. Make sure nothing valuable is left behind.

Check for These Items Before Towing

• Personal belongings (wallet, phone, keys)
• Important documents (registration, insurance, logbooks)
• Expensive tools or electronics
• Fragile cargo that could shift during the tow

Once the vehicle is towed, it may be taken to an impound lot or repair facility, so retrieving valuables before the tow saves time and hassle later.

Final Thoughts

Preparing your heavy-duty truck, bus, or commercial vehicle for a tow makes the process safer, faster, and more efficient. By following these steps—staying safe, providing key vehicle details, securing loose items, releasing brakes, and removing valuables—you’ll help ensure a smooth and damage-free towing experience.

At Myles Wrecker Service in Georgia, we specialize in heavy-duty towing and accident recovery. Whether you need a tow for a semi-truck, bus, RV, or construction vehicle, our team has the expertise and equipment to get the job done right.