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Check the Condition of the Suspension

The suspension bears much of the towing weight and wear. A faulty suspension can lead to accidents. Before you travel, inspect and service your suspension system.

Inspect the Gearbox

Towing places additional demands on the gearbox, causing it to heat up more quickly, which can lead to failure. To mitigate this, avoid overloading the vehicle and check the condition of the gearbox lubricant, replacing it if necessary.

Fill Up with More Fuel

Increased load from towing means increased fuel consumption, which can be 10-20% higher depending on the weight. Fill your tank adequately, plan refueling stops, and consider carrying extra fuel canisters.

Keep a Toolkit in the Car

Having a toolkit with wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, and any specialized tools for your towing equipment is essential. This will help you address any unexpected issues quickly and reduce delays.

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A First Aid Kit in the Car is Mandatory

Always prioritize safety when preparing for towing. A comprehensive first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers should be part of your emergency equipment to handle any potential injuries.

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Securely Fix Cargo on a Carriage or Open Platform

Secure cargo with cables or straps when using a carriage or open platform to prevent shifting during transport. Proper load securing is vital for safety and preventing accidents.

Check the Technical Condition of the Trailer

The trailer's condition is as crucial to safety as the towing vehicle's. Before embarking on a journey, ensure the following:

• Check the Trailer Brakes. Avoid using trailers without their own braking system. The car's brakes may not suffice for both the vehicle and trailer's combined weight.
  

The trailer should have a functioning brake system, either connected to the car's brake line or electronically controlled. Verify that it operates correctly;

• Check the Condition of the Trailer Suspension. Examine the trailer's suspension for damage or wear. Ensure all components are secure and aligned for stable towing.
  

Address any issues promptly to prevent on-road difficulties;

• Check Your Trailer Lights. Ensure that all trailer lights, including brake, turn signal, tail, and marker lights, are functioning correctly and replace any faulty bulbs.
  

Regular checks and maintenance of trailer lights improve road safety;

• Check Your Trailer Hitch (Where It Attaches to the Car). Inspect the hitch for wear or damage and ensure all connections are secure. Lubricate moving parts to reduce wear.
  

Proper hitch maintenance is essential for safe towing and preventing disconnection during your journey.



Towing a Car

When towing a car with your Dodge Charger, it's essential to heed specific guidelines, especially those unique to vehicle transportation, for safety reasons.

Ensure the vehicle you're towing isn't too heavy for your Charger. Verify the weight against your car's towing capacity, which you can find in your owner's manual. Overloading can impair braking, steering, engine, and transmission performance.

Account for the weight, size, cargo, and any passengers in both your Charger and the vehicle you're towing.

Choose How to Tow Your Car

There are three primary methods for towing another car:

• Using a tow strap;
  
• Using a tow bar;
  
• Using a trailer;
  

Using a Tow Strap



Towing with a tow strap requires the towed vehicle to have operational brakes and a driver present to maneuver and brake. This method is not independent and demands responsible handling.

Using a Tow Bar

The towed vehicle is connected to the towing vehicle with a tow bar, allowing it to follow the lead car's path. This setup doesn't require a driver in the towed car but does place additional strain on the lead car's brakes.

Using a Trailer

The towed vehicle is secured to a trailer attached to the towing car. Remember to include both the towed car's weight and the trailer's weight when calculating the total towing capacity.

Transmission Type of the Towed Vehicle

Identify the transmission type of the car you will tow. For manual transmissions, ensure the gear shift is in neutral. For automatic transmissions, use a trailer or tow dolly to lift the drive wheels off the ground.

A tow dolly is suitable except for front-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicles over 3450 lbs, or four-wheel drive vehicles. For automatics not on a trailer, disconnect the drive before towing to prevent gearbox damage.

Additional Equipment You May Need When Towing with a Dodge Charger

We have already described all the necessary points to remember when towing. You are ready. However, if you want to prepare your car for towing further and extend its service life, we recommend installing the following modifications.

Weight-Distributing Hitch

A weight-distributing hitch is crucial for balanced towing. It ensures weight is evenly distributed across the towing vehicle and trailer, preventing excess load on the rear axle, which could affect steering and stability.

This device is particularly valuable when towing heavy or large trailers, as it helps maintain balance and stability, enhancing safety and making the towing experience smoother.

Towing Mirrors

Extended mirrors provide a wider field of view, which is essential when towing large items that could obstruct your view. They minimize blind spots and enhance overall traffic awareness, making them a vital addition to your towing setup.

Suspension Air Bags



Suspension airbags provide additional support to your Charger's suspension when towing. They help maintain proper vehicle alignment and ride comfort, preventing sagging and reducing wear on suspension components.

Transmission Cooler

A transmission cooler is vital for managing the temperature of transmission fluid, particularly during towing or other strenuous activities. It helps prevent overheating, preserving the transmission's performance and longevity.

Rearview Cameras

Rearview cameras are a significant safety feature, especially useful when towing. They assist with navigating tight spaces, reversing, and parking, reducing blind spots and facilitating easier trailer hitching.

Roof Rails

Roof rails expand your Charger's cargo capacity, allowing for secure transport of items like sports equipment or extra luggage. They're an excellent way to carry additional cargo without compromising interior space.

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To Wrap Everything Up

Proper preparation is key to a safe and smooth towing experience. Ensuring your Dodge Charger and trailer are in good technical condition, understanding load capacities, and equipping the right safety and towing accessories are essential steps before you begin towing.

A well-prepared towing setup not only improves safety but also enhances the longevity of your vehicle and trailer, making towing a reliable method for transporting cargo or embarking on adventures.