We’re here to help take the stress out of the process. This in-depth guide will walk you through everything you need to know about towing a car long distances, from choosing the right method and understanding costs to prepping your car and avoiding common mistakes. We’ll also share expert tips and insider advice to help you navigate the logistics with confidence. Whether you’re towing a compact car, an SUV, or even a classic collector vehicle, our goal is to make the journey smooth, safe, and hassle-free, for both you and your car. Let’s dive into the key things to know before you hit the road (or book the tow).
Key Takeaways
- Towing Options Vary: Common methods of towing include tow dollies, flat towing, and auto transport trailers, each with its respective pros and cons.
- Long-Distance Towing: While towing may seem cost-effective and flexible, it can lead to vehicle wear, increased mileage, and decreased fuel efficiency—making it less ideal for extended hauls.
- Consider Safety and Wear: Towing over long distances increases strain on your vehicle, so weighing the potential costs and risks is important.
- Auto Transport as a Smart Alternative: A professional auto transport service, like Sherpa Auto Transport, can provide a safe, mileage-free solution, reducing stress and protecting your vehicle’s value.
In This Guide:
- Should You Tow Car Long Distance?
- What Are the Options When Towing Long Distances?
- What Are the Pros of Long-Distance Car Towing?
- What Are the Cons of Long -Distance Car Towing?
- Long-Distance Car Towing FAQs
Should You Tow Car Long Distance?
Transporting your vehicle across long distances is no small task and choosing the right method matters. While towing might seem like a budget-friendly option, it’s important to think beyond the price tag. Long-distance towing can lead to added wear and tear, higher fuel costs, and safety concerns along the way.
Unlike local towing, which is ideal for short city trips, long-distance towing is built for moves that stretch hundreds or even thousands of miles like relocating to a new city, buying or selling a car out of state, or hauling a non-running vehicle across the country.
At Sherpa Auto Transport, we take the stress out of the equation. Our expert long-distance towing services are designed to protect your vehicle every step of the way—so you don’t have to worry about road damage, breakdowns, or surprises. Just hand us the keys, and we’ll handle the rest.
What Are the Options When Towing Long Distances?
Let’s find out more about long-distance car towing by looking at the different options.
Tow Dollies
A tow dolly is a two-wheel trailer that lifts your car’s front wheels off the ground. They are often used for shorter distances. They’re a budget-friendly choice, but not an ideal choice for longer hauls as they can cause wear on the car’s rear wheels. Also, the gas mileage decreases when a vehicle is towing. However, a tow dolly with an auxiliary brake system is a good option for short journeys.
Important to Note
Not all cars can be towed with a tow dolly. It depends on several factors, such as the make and model, the car’s weight and weight distribution, its length, and its ground clearance. It’s always best to consult the owner’s manual.
Flat Towing
One alternative to two-wheel towing is flat towing. Popularly regarded as “dinghy towing,” the process involves attaching the car to the towing vehicle so all four wheels are on the ground. In this method, you attach a tow bar to your car and pull it behind your truck. All four wheels of the towing vehicle are on the ground. Traditionally, this was a popular option because more vehicles had a manual transmission.
Important To Note
With the increase in front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive vehicles, flat towing is a more complicated option. While this method is convenient for some cars, it’s important to check your vehicle’s manufacturer guidelines to ensure it is compatible.
Auto Transport Trailers
Auto transport trailers keep all four wheels of your car off the road, preventing mileage buildup and reducing wear. While this method might be more expensive, it offers more safety, making it a preferred option for long-distance towing. Auto transport trailers are preferred for towing a car long distances. Four-wheel trailers can carry a wide range of vehicles. Vehicles being towed this way are securely strapped to the trailer throughout the journey and aren’t in contact with the road. Auto transport trailers can move front—and rear-wheel-drive vehicles, four-wheel-drive vehicles, and new vehicles with electronic transmissions.
Important To Note
A big advantage of long distance tow using an auto transport trailer is that it doesn’t add mileage to your car and causes no additional wear and tear during the journey.
What Are the Pros of Long-Distance Car Towing?
- Super Convenient: Professional towing services like Sherpa Auto Transport handle all aspects of the transport, saving you time and effort.
- Enhanced Safety: Professional towing companies like Sherpa Auto Transport have the right equipment and expertise to transport your car safely, reducing the risk of damage.
- Flexible Services: Towing services can be arranged at your convenience, Sherpa Auto Transport offers door-to-door service.
- Versatility: Suitable for both operable and inoperable vehicles, including classic cars, luxury vehicles, and everyday cars. Sherpa Auto Transport can help you tow damaged cars.
What Are the Cons of Long -Distance Car Towing?
- Expensive: Towing over long distances can be expensive. It is important to get a detailed quote and compare it with other transport options, like auto transport carriers or driving the car yourself. You can get a vehicle towing quote from Sherpa Auto Transport while you are reading; we offer budget-friendly options.
- Varying Feasibility: The feasibility of towing can vary with distance. For very long distances, shipping the car might be more practical. You can discuss your scenario with our towing experts at Sherpa Auto Transport so we can give you insight according to your needs.
- Condition of the Vehicle: If your car is not in running condition, towing is a practical option. However, if it is operable, driving it might be more economical. Find more details on how Sherpa Auto Transport helps with inoperable car shipping and towing options.
Long-Distance Car Towing FAQs
How far can you tow a car?
It depends on the towing method and your vehicle’s durability. For longer distances, auto transport trailers are often the safest choice.
Does car towing affect mileage?
Unfortunately, yes. Unless all four wheels are off the ground, mileage will increase during the tow.
Is towing bad for mileage?
Towing typically reduces fuel efficiency, particularly with flat towing and tow dollies.
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The cost to tow a car can vary widely depending on distance, vehicle type, and service method. A full breakdown of these costs can be found in our guide on car towing costs.
