What is the actual act of towing something?

Towing is the process of coupling two or more things together which are usually vehicles, or a vehicle and a trailer so that they can be pulled to the desired destination. In order to facilitate a tow, we need to have a source of power (the object doing the actual towing), and a payload (the object that is being towed). The source of power and payload must be connected securely as to not break apart during transport. Once the source and payload have been securely fastened as one unit you can now safely proceed with the tow/haul.

We see towing every day. The tractor and trailer that deliver vital supplies all over the world is a prime example of a tow. You also see it on the water in the form of a tugboat and barge. Trains are also technically towing using an engine or locomotive as the source of power. Talk about power!

Sources of power

The objects are being driven by a definite source of power (usually a truck). There are of course other sources of towing, for example, a land vehicle, an animal, or a vessel and can be a human even.

Payloads

There are many different types of payloads that are towed in everyday life. A simple cargo trailer is probably the most common. What about a couple of tourists in the back of a rickshaw doing some sight-seeing?

The connection

There is a need to maintaining a strong connection between the source of power which means the towing instrument and the object. Usually, a hitch, but also could be a rope, a chain, a bar, or even a drawbar can be used to join the two.

For some more history on towing you should check out Wikipedia's towing page.

Modern-day towing works in the exact same way it did before. Come check out how we can provide you with our towing and vehicle transportation services today.