Repair 7

How to Dinghy Tow a 1997 Honda Accord

When a vehicle breaks down, hiring a tow truck or finding a tow dolly is not always an option. Dinghy towing or flat towing a 1997 Honda Accord is challenging in the fact that it takes a large amount of communication between the front car driver, and the person in the Honda while the car is being towed. The 1997 Honda Accord is actually equipped with a tow loop or towing point underneath the front bumper, attached to the sub-frame of the vehicle. Communication is the key ingredient to making this project safe and doable.

Instructions

1

Open the drivers door of the vehicle you intend to tow the Accord with. Read the towing capacity on the factory door identification tag, to ensure that your towing vehicle has enough towing capacity for the job. The curb weight or dead weight of the 1997 Accord is 2,921-pounds. This means that the vehicle weighs nearly 1-1/2 tons. Make sure that your towing vehicle reads at least 3,000 pounds towing capacity before attempting the tow.

2

Pull the towing vehicle near the front of the Accord, and try to align the two vehicles as parallel as possible. You do not want to start the tow off by having to jerk the Honda sideways to move it.

3

Attach a 2-ton or greater capacity tow strap to the towing vehicle. If the vehicle has a hitch, loop the tow strap around the hitch and harness the hitch ball for your tow point. If no hitch is available, go beneath the rear of the car and attach the tow strap to the rear sub-frame of the towing vehicle. If you are using a tow chain, loop the chain around the hitch ball or sub-frame, then attach the hook to the chain itself.

4

Kneel near the front bumper of the Accord, and visually locate the towing point or loop on the front of the car. Insert the tow strap through the hole of the loop, then perform a slip knot to tie the strap onto the loop. If you do not know how to tie a slip knot, please see the "Tips" section of this article for instructions. If you are using a tow chain, simply hook the towing hook from the chain directly onto the Hondas towing loop.

5

Communicate through brake-lights flashes. Instruct the driver that a double flash of the brake lights means gentle slowing of both vehicles is needed, and three flashes of the brake lights means slowing to a complete stop. Keep the tension in the strap or chain between both vehicles, or the towing apparatus could wind up wrapped up in the drive path of the Accord. Flash the brake lights by tapping on the brake pedal before actual braking.

6

Turn the ignition key on the Accord to the "II" or accessories position. This will unlock the transmission shift lever and the steering wheel. Make your route as straight as possible so that you keep the braking and turns to a minimum. Braking and turning increases the risk of the tow chain or strap being damaged. Depress the brake pedal in the Honda, and shift into "N" or neutral gear.

7

Pull the towing vehicle forward gently to remove the slack from the strap or chain. Keep one foot on the brake so that you do not jerk the Honda suddenly. When the slack is out of the line, you will feel a slight jolt in both vehicles. Driver of the towing vehicle, wave your hand out of the window to signal that you are starting forward.

8

Drive at a speed of no more than 15 miles per hour. This allows for ample time to stop both vehicles when necessary. The driver of the Accord should use the brakes gently to keep the tension on the strap. Remember that your job is to steer the Honda, stop the Honda, and make sure the strap does not end up under the Honda. Tow the vehicle to its destination safely and slowly.