How to Move a Car Without Suspension?

One fine morning, you think it will be a quick job to relocate the car, but then it strikes—that just last week, you sent the vehicle suspension for repairs!

Now, panic looms over you, and you think about how to move a car without suspension. We hear you!

For cars lacking suspension parts, dollies provide additional support. They’re rolling platforms under the car’s rear wheel that allow it to roll without a suspension system. However, it’s not widely recommended to try and do it yourself frequently.

But for the sake of urgency, we have curated an in-depth guide that delves into the intricate details and safety measures of how you can move your car without this crucial component. Let’s get into it!

How to Move a Car Without Suspension – A Thorough Guide

Moving an automobile without a suspension component calls for extra care to guarantee safety and avoid damaging the towed vehicle. This is a detailed how-to assist you in moving the car without causing any additional trouble.

You will ultimately own all the instructions needed to operate the car without a suspension system.

Method 1- Using Dollies

1. Attach the tow dolly to the hitch of the tow vehicle:

Make sure the hitch is as close to the tow dolly as possible as you back your tow car up to it. Place the hitch ball under the dolly’s tongue and use the control arm to bring the tongue down to firmly attach the hitch. If necessary, change the dolly’s position to ensure correct alignment.

2. Connect safety chains and wiring leads:

Make an “X”-shaped cut in at least two safety chains, and fasten their hooks to the appropriate locations on either side of the hitch. Use a pigtail that extends from the tow hitch or an aperture on the hitch bumper to connect the wire harness to the tow vehicle. Give the chains a little leeway; they are backup plans.

3. Line up the vehicles on level ground: 

Set up the dolly, the tow car, and the disabled car in a line on a level road surface. To make loading easier, back the tow car and dolly up to the front of the disabled car.

4. Drive or push the disabled car onto the tow dolly: 

If the car is movable, drive it onto the dolly; if not, body roll it while applying the brakes and steering wheel. Use the brake pedal to stop the dolly from roll center once the front wheels are on it. To prevent going over the front lip, exercise caution and refrain from accelerating after the car body is on the dolly.

5. Secure the car to the dolly with the wheel straps: 

Fasten the two front wheels of the motor vehicle using the supplied wheel straps. Using the ratchet mechanism, tighten them after pulling them over the tire. Attach the safety chains to the appropriate recovery points on the vehicle’s frame as instructed in the owner’s manual.

6. Release the parking brake in the disabled vehicle: 

Make sure the disabled vehicle’s parking brake is released to permit the rear wheels to spin freely while being towed. For cars with front-wheel drive, when the driveline is not connected to the back wheels, this is essential.

7. Drive cautiously and adjust your habits:

When driving, double the anticipated stopping and accelerating distances. Be prepared to stop, slow down, or accelerate when necessary, and apply the brakes earlier than normal. Considering the longer stopping distance when towing, keep a safe following distance from other cars.

Method 2- Using Tow Straps

Verify Local Laws:

To guarantee legal compliance, confirm the employment of tow straps with local legislation. Since tow straps are generally regarded as less safe, find out if your community has any regulations prohibiting the use of them.

Sort and Arrange the Tow Rope:

Position the tow rope in front of the disabled car. Stretch the tow rope out on the ground and trim off any knots or tangles.  

Locate Recovery Points:

Determine the recovery points, which are often circular holes in the frames of both vehicles. If recovery points are not readily apparent, refer to the owner’s manual or a service manual for the vehicle.

Secure Strap to Recovery Point:

Fasten the strap with a hook or loop after running it through the recovery point hole. Place the strap horizontally on the ground in front of the disabled car.

Place the tow vehicle in position:

Position the tow truck in front of the disabled car so that it will be towed straight. To produce slack, back up a few feet over the strap.

Attach Tow Strap to Tow Vehicle:

Through the use of a tow hitch or recovery point, attach the tow strap to the rear of the towing vehicle. Instead of attaching a metal hook straight to the car, utilize the tow hitch or recovery point.

Fasten the tow strap firmly:

Tighten the tow strap as you slowly advance the tow car until it lifts off the ground. Keep an eye out for any damage or fraying in the strap.

Lay Jacket or Blanket on the Strap:

Cover the tow strap with a blanket or jacket to lessen the whip effect. After the protective covering is in place, avoid the strap.

Draw the Car Slowly:

Make sure the passenger vehicle is in neutral when it breaks down. To avoid crashes, tell the driver to use the brakes and tow extremely slowly.

Disconnect Tow Straps: 

As soon as the towing is complete, disconnect the tow straps. For safety reasons, don’t try to tow a car a long distance using this technique.