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Tow ropes
Tow ropes are universal ropes for towing or recovering vehicles such as cars or vans and small trucks. The partially elastic construction of the ropes ensures gentle towing without any damage. Our towing ropes have sturdy snap hooks or soft shackles integrated into each end for easy attachment to the vehicle.
Legal guidelines for using tow ropes
§ 15a of the German road traffic regulations (StVO) defines the fundamental principles of towing. This section describes the conditions for towing vehicles in an emergency:
- Broken-down vehicles on the motorway must be towed to the next exit
- Apart from that, you are not allowed to tow a vehicle on the motorway
- Both vehicles must have their hazard warning lights switched on
- Vehicles may only be towed to the nearest garage
More information about towing, albeit not in great detail, is available in the German road traffic regulations (StVO) under § 43 (devices for coupling together vehicles). This regulation stipulates that use of a towing cable or tow bar is allowed if they are safe to operate, i.e., they must easily be able to withstand the loads involved in towing. The regulation also specifies the distance between the vehicle to be towed and the towing vehicle, i.e., the maximum permitted length of the rope. This distance is limited to a maximum of 5 metres. The maximum permitted towing rope length is therefore also 5 metres. Furthermore, towing cables are permitted up to a maximum train weight of 4 tonnes. A 4t tow rope is therefore not suitable if the towed vehicle has a gross vehicle weight of more than 4 tonnes or if it has defective brakes. A heavy duty tow bar must be used in these cases (BGI 800 para. 5.5.5). Furthermore, the rope or bar must be marked with a red warning flag when in use. Tow ropes for cars therefore do not have to be a specific colour.
Elastic tow ropes in use
In addition to non-elastic ropes, which are permitted to have a maximum length of 5 metres, elastic ropes are also available. Their length in a non-stretched state is therefore shorter. Our elastic tow ropes can be used as car tow ropes or truck tow ropes in accordance the 4-tonne rule mentioned above. The elastic stretch function provided by integrated rubber expanders prevents sudden jerking forces on the vehicles’ attachment points during towing. These jerky peaks in load can occur when the towing vehicle accelerates or when the towed vehicle brakes. Elastic tow ropes avoid damage to the attachment point of each vehicle. Elastic tow ropes are very popular as car recovery ropes for off-road use. They enable the stricken car to be towed quickly by the movement of the towing vehicle alone, almost always without causing any damage. Other advantages of elastic tow ropes are their compact design, low weight and the fact they don’t take up much space.
Tow ropes for cars and vans or small trucks
Our towing cables are ideal for towing cars, vans and small trucks. They have a maximum nominal breaking load of 3 to 10 tonnes. The traction force employed must be below this. In the case of vehicles with functioning wheels, the maximum traction force is usually only 50% of the vehicle weight. The length of our elastic tow ropes is usually between 1.75 m and 4 m. They therefore satisfy the regulations for maximum length in the StVZO. Because of their compact design and low weight, tow ropes can easily be stowed in the boot.
Recovery tow ropes and heavy duty tow ropes
Our elastic recovery tow rope is ideal for recovering slightly heavier vehicles, e.g., lorries up to 7.5 t gross vehicle weight. Heavier vehicles are particularly susceptible to getting stuck on building sites or uneven ground where surfaces can be soft. They end up being unable to move under the own steam. This is where our stretch recovery rope comes in. It has two robust safety hooks and can pull up to 8 tonnes. Its length extends from 1.75 m to 4 m to protect the attachment points. It can be used to quickly get stuck vehicles drivable again.
The recovery rope can theoretically also be used as a heavy duty tow bar. However, the aforementioned regulation that vehicles weighing over 4 t can only be towed with tow bars applies to towing. When towing a truck with a truck tow bar, the prop shaft must in many cases be unhooked. This is because the gearbox, which also runs when the truck is being towed, won’t get enough lubrication if the engine of the towed truck isn’t running.
Correct towing with a towing cable
It isn’t difficult to tow properly like a professional. Here’s a description and a few tips:
- Park the vehicles at a suitable distance from each other
- Securely attach the towing rope or tow bar (with the safety catch engaged) to the corresponding towing eyes.
- Prevent the steering lock from engaging by using the ignition key or the always-on start button
- Switch on the hazard warning lights in both vehicles
- Release the handbrake and put the vehicle into neutral (shift the gearstick to N in an automatic vehicle, provided the vehicle's operating instructions permit towing)
- Drive off slowly and keep the rope taut (this is not necessary with a tow bar) To help keep the rope taut, the driver of the vehicle being towed must brake actively at the same time as the towing vehicle
- Use hand signals to tell the driver of the towed vehicle that you intend to change direction
- Do not exceed 50 km/h (~ 30 mph)
- Take the shortest possible route to the nearest garage
Tow rope or tow bar – which is better?
Generally speaking, tow bars are better or rather, safer. They provide a rigid connection that maintains a consistent distance between the vehicles. This prevents rear-end collisions caused by the drivers not paying attention. However, there are a number of advantages to using towing ropes.
Buy tow ropes online from ProLux
You’ll find the best practical tow ropes for vehicle weights up to 10 tonnes at an affordable price in our online shop. We can offer you free personal advice on tow ropes at any time. You’ll find other breakdown assistance products online in the transport category. For example, we also stock tow bars, tow dollies, ropes, as well as wheel dollies, GoJak or slippery jims at great prices.
