How to Prepare Your Heavy Vehicle for Long-Distance Towing

A truck being towed from Brisbane to Sydney is going to spend 10-12 hours on a tow truck. That is a long time for a vehicle to be travelling in a way it was not designed for. Some preparation before the tow truck arrives makes the journey safer and reduces the risk of additional damage during transport.

Before the Tow Truck Arrives

Secure loose items: Anything in the cab that is not bolted down will move during towing. Tools, paperwork, personal items, phone chargers, and cups all become projectiles during braking and cornering. Clear the cab or secure everything.

Close and lock all doors, windows, and compartments: Wind pressure during highway towing can force open poorly latched doors and storage compartments. A pantech door that pops open at 100 km/h on the New England Highway creates a hazard for following traffic.

Remove or secure external items: Aerials, mirrors that fold, loose body panels, and any aftermarket accessories that might vibrate loose during a long tow. If something looks like it might fall off, take it off or strap it down.

Record the vehicle condition: Take photos of the truck from all angles before the tow truck connects. Document any existing damage. This protects both you and the towing company if there is a dispute about damage that occurred during transport.

Drain or secure fluid containers: If the truck carries additional fluid containers (spare engine oil, hydraulic fluid, coolant top-up bottles), secure them so they cannot fall over and leak during transport.

Information for the Towing Company

For a long-distance tow, the towing company needs more detail than for a short metro tow. Provide the vehicle's exact weight (laden or unladen), any known mechanical issues beyond the primary breakdown, whether the steering works (affects towing method), whether the brakes work (affects braking capacity of the combination), driveline configuration (single drive, tandem, all-wheel-drive), and any special features like air suspension, lift axles, or retarders.

During the Tow

For long-distance tows, the tow truck driver manages the vehicle throughout the journey. They monitor temperatures, tyre condition, and strap tension at fuel stops. They adjust speed for gradient and weather conditions. If something changes during the journey, they assess and respond.

As the vehicle owner, you do not ride along in most cases. Long-distance tow trucks typically have a single-operator cab. If you need to get to the destination, arrange separate transport.

At the Destination

When the vehicle arrives, inspect it against the photos you took before departure. Check for any new damage, check that doors and compartments are intact, and confirm the vehicle is positioned where you want it.

For long-distance heavy vehicle towing from Brisbane, call Delta Heavy Towing on +61 455 996 600.