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Introduction: Why safe truck towing matters
This field report is aimed at truck drivers and transport companies. It shows how a safe, legally compliant recovery of a truck is carried out. You’ll learn what matters in complex towing operations, which mistakes to avoid, and why towing trucks has its own special demands. This report describes how heavy commercial vehicles are safely towed and recovered. The topic matters to anyone working in freight transport, since an improperly handled truck recovery carries significant risks for people, the vehicle, and the environment.
Field report from the job
Typical breakdown and recovery situations
Breakdowns and recovery call-outs are part of everyday life in freight transport. Often it’s a technical fault or an accident that triggers the call for a towing service. This is an example of a typical case in which a truck, due to a fault or a collision, is no longer roadworthy and needs to be towed.
Special challenges in truck recovery
But not every call-out is routine. Recently we were called to a particularly difficult situation: a fully loaded truck was standing on a steep slope on waterlogged ground. Even the smallest wrong move could have caused the vehicle to slide sideways and fall down the adjacent drop.
The value of professional help
It’s in exactly these kinds of cases that a professional roadside assistance service provides reliable support. Everyone’s safety is the top priority, which is why a professional towing service is indispensable. The situation called for precise planning, experienced staff, and the coordinated use of two heavy recovery vehicles. In this report we’ll show, step by step, how the recovery was carried out, what risks were involved, and why double securing is essential in cases like this.
The starting point: a truck in a critical tilt
Emergency call and initial assessment
The call came in to us early in the afternoon. An international articulated truck was travelling along a narrow side road when the driver, giving way to oncoming traffic, drove onto the unpaved shoulder. Under these particular recovery conditions — especially on this narrow road — the tractor unit lost traction on the waterlogged ground and came to a stop at an angle.
Special requirements for the recovery
Since the truck was pulling a semi-trailer, the recovery came with particular requirements for securing and safely transporting the trailer, to avoid damage and comply with legal regulations.
Key problem factors on site:
- The vehicle was fully loaded.
- A pronounced sideways tilt.
- Soft, muddy ground.
- A slope towards the drop.
- Limited working space for the recovery equipment.
- The narrow road as an additional complicating factor.
A critical combination
The combination of a very high overall weight and the position on the slope was especially dangerous. A simple pulling attempt would have significantly increased the risk of the truck sliding sideways.
Initial assessment by the recovery team
On-site risk analysis
After arriving, our team leader carried out a structured risk analysis. This also involved working out the best way to ensure everyone’s safety. The following points were checked:
- Stability of the truckDue to the weight of the load, the semi-trailer was pressing heavily towards the slope side. The tyres had already begun to dig into the soft ground.
- Ground conditionThe shoulder consisted of wet soil with low load-bearing capacity. A classic single-vehicle recovery would have been extremely risky here.
- Risk of tipping and slidingBecause of the tilted position, there was an acute risk that the vehicle would continue moving towards the drop as soon as the winch cable was tensioned.
The team leader’s conclusion: A safe recovery is only possible with additional lateral securing.
The decision to deploy two recovery vehicles
Analysis and concept
Based on the analysis, a clear decision was made: the concept of double securing using two heavy recovery vehicles. When towing vehicles, it’s especially important to comply with legal regulations and safety requirements, to ensure a lawful and safe process.
- Definition: rigid towing bar — a rigid connecting element between the tow vehicle and the truck, which is mandatory for heavy vehicles, since towing ropes pose a high safety risk.
- Note on the rigid towing bar: Towing a truck requires a suitable rigid towing bar, since ropes are not permitted when working with heavy vehicles.
Conditions for a two-vehicle call-out
For a safe towing process involving two vehicles, certain conditions must be met, such as the technical suitability of the recovery vehicles and the drivers’ qualifications, to carry out the towing correctly and in line with the law.
Role split between the recovery vehicles:
- Vehicle 1: Main pull in the direction of travel.
- Vehicle 2: Lateral securing against sliding.
- Additional measures to reinforce the ground.
Advantages of a rigid towing bar over a rope
| Criterion | Rigid towing bar (recommended/mandatory) | Towing rope (not permitted for trucks) |
| Safety | Very high | Low, high risk |
| Force transmission | Direct and constant | Uncontrolled, jerky |
| Distance between vehicles | Constant | Variable, risk of rear-ending |
| Permitted for trucks | Required by law | Not permitted |
This method is used in professional recovery operations when a vehicle:
- is standing at an angle;
- is on unstable ground;
- or is at risk of falling.
The second recovery vehicle doesn’t act as extra pulling power here, but as an active stabilising unit.
Preparing the recovery securing
Safety measures before work begins
Before the actual recovery began, extensive safety measures were put in place. A reliable connection between the truck and the recovery vehicles is especially important for ensuring a controlled process.
- Securing the work site: cones, beacon lights, traffic control, a safety zone for staff.
- Choosing the location: Choosing a suitable spot is especially important — for example a safe car park or an area where the vehicle can be left safely, with optimal visibility.
Positioning the recovery vehicles
- Main recovery vehicle: positioned in front of the truck, winch facing the direction of pull, standing firmly on solid ground.
- Securing vehicle: positioned to the side, uphill from the truck, with a light pre-tension on the securing cable, used exclusively for stabilisation.
This configuration prevents an uncontrolled tip-over during the pulling process.
Technical preparation of the truck
Checking attachment points and load distribution
Before any pulling force was applied, a series of preparatory measures were carried out:
- Checking the attachment points, in particular the towing eyes and hooks.
- Using certified heavy-duty shackles.
- Protecting the vehicle structure.
- Checking the weight of the semi-trailer.
- Checking the braking system (brake pedal function).
Even load distribution was especially important. On fully loaded vehicles, an incorrectly chosen attachment point can cause the frame to deform.
The critical moment: tension under load
Phase 1: pre-tensioning
Once preparations were complete, the actual recovery began. It’s important to carry out the movement slowly and in a controlled manner, to avoid damage.
- The main cable was lightly tensioned.
- The lateral securing was under a light load.
- The vehicle’s movement was continuously monitored.
Already at this stage it became clear just how unstable the situation was. The truck shifted minimally towards the slope — exactly the scenario we had anticipated.
Phase 2: controlled extraction
Now came the coordinated pull:
- The main recovery vehicle pulled forward slowly.
- The securing vehicle continuously held the counter-tension.
- The ground beneath the drive axles stabilised.
Controlling the truck at this point demands the highest level of skill, since precision is essential for a safe move. Speed was deliberately kept very low: control matters more than pace.
A particular challenge: muddy ground
Typical problems
The waterlogged soil was the main risk factor:
- The tyres lose lateral grip.
- The vehicle “wanders” under tension.
- Increased risk of tipping.
Measures to minimise the risk
The team also used:
- Traction mats to improve grip.
- Support plates.
- Ongoing adjustment of the cable tension.
Successful stabilisation and completion
End of the recovery
After a few minutes of precise work, the truck was once again standing safely on solid ground. Only then was the lateral securing slowly released.
Important note: Releasing the lateral securing too early is one of the most common mistakes. Our team deliberately kept it under tension until full stabilisation was achieved.
Preparing for towing
Checks after the recovery
Once the vehicle was safe, the second phase followed: preparing for towing. Because of the tilt, additional checks were required:
- Visual inspection of the axles.
- Checking the air suspension.
- Checking the frame for damage.
- Checking the braking system (brake pedal, braking performance).
Only once the team leader had given the go-ahead was the truck prepared for transport.
The towing process
How the tow went
The transport went to plan using a specialist vehicle, in accordance with the German road traffic regulations, §15a StVO.
- Professional lifting of the front axle.
- Securing the air lines.
- Checking the lights and brakes.
- Documenting the call-out.
Important notes: Throughout the entire process, both vehicles’ hazard lights must be switched on to ensure safety and avoid fines. The use of a rigid towing bar is also mandatory. Thanks to careful preparation, no further damage occurred.
Why two recovery vehicles were decisive here
This case clearly illustrates why a single recovery vehicle is often not enough. Professional towing services give carriers a real advantage by minimising downtime and costs.
The main reasons for a two-vehicle call-out:
- Preventing sideways sliding.
- Controlling the vehicle’s geometry.
- Improving workplace safety.
- Protecting against a total write-off of the vehicle.
- Minimising environmental risks.
Without lateral securing, there was a real danger of the articulated truck falling down the drop, which would have caused enormous damage.
Common mistakes when recovering a vehicle on a slope
- Building up pulling force too quickly.
- No lateral securing.
- Insufficient checking of the ground.
- Choosing the wrong attachment points.
- Underestimating the total weight.
Professional recovery of heavy vehicles isn’t a standard tow. It requires tactical planning.
Conclusion: precision determines success
This operation confirms just how complex truck recovery can be, especially in cases involving:
- tilted positions;
- soft ground;
- a full load.
The multi-vehicle concept often has no real alternative. Germany has strict safety standards, monitored among others by DEKRA, which must be complied with. Through the coordinated work of the two recovery vehicles, the vehicle was stabilised, carefully recovered, and properly towed.
Practical advice for drivers
If your truck gets stuck in a similar situation:
- Don’t hit the accelerator.
- Try not to move the vehicle.
- Secure the scene.
- Call professional help immediately.
This advice also applies to towing passenger cars in similar conditions. Remember: any movement on your own can make the tilt worse. Recovering heavy vehicles is precision work.
