
INSTRUCTIONS FOR:
TOW POLE MODEL No: TPK252
IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY. NOTE THE SAFE OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS, WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS. ALSO
CONSULT YOUR VEHICLE MANUFACTURER’S HANDBOOK AND TAKE NOTE OF ANY SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS RELATING TO TOWING, PARTICULARLY FOR
VEHICLES WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. USE THIS PRODUCT CORRECTLY AND WITH CARE FOR THE PURPOSE FOR WHICH IT IS INTENDED. FAILURE
TO DO SO MAY CAUSE DAMAGE OR PERSONAL INJURY AND WILL INVALIDATE THE WARRANTY. PLEASE KEEP INSTRUCTIONS SAFE FOR FUTURE USE.
1. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Maintain the tow pole in good condition. If the tow pole is damaged, remove from service.
Check vehicle manufacturer’s instructions to determine whether the vehicle is equipped with
proper tow fittings suitable for use with a tow pole. Also any
special instructions for vehicles with automatic transmission or four wheel drive.
Use tow pole only on vehicles with standard tow eyes. DO NOT use transportation 'tie down' points.
Ensure the tow eyes, and the areas of the vehicles to which the eyes are fitted, are strong and
solid enough for towing. DO NOT use the tow pole if there is damage or heavy rust around the
fitting area and ensure the eyes are approximately the same height from the ground.
Place an “ON TOW” notice in the back window or other visible location at the rear of the towed
vehicle. Attach a red marker (provided) to the centre of the tow pole.
The vehicle to be towed must be fully legal in respect of having the registration number visible at
all times, must have a valid road tax, insurance and relevant current DOT test certificate.
DO NOT tow a vehicle that lacks one or more of these requirements.
Towed vehicle must have the ignition on in order to operate lights, brake lights and indicators. If
these lights cannot be operated, you must fit a repeater trailer board to towed vehicle. Contact
your local Sealey dealer for information relating to approved towing boards which must
incorporate lighting and signalling equipment.
Ensure that the person in the towed vehicle is aware that, if servo brakes and/or power steering
are fitted, then braking and/or steering efforts will be very much higher than normal when the
engine is not running.
Read vehicle manufacturers instructions before use.
Maximum towing vehicle weight 2400kg.
Maximum towed vehicle weight 2400kg.
Rated strenght: 11.8kN.
DO NOT exceed the rated capacity of the tow pole.
DO NOT exceed a maximum towing speed of 15mph.
DO NOT use the tow pole if damaged.
DO NOT tow vehicle if the steering lock cannot be disengaged.
DO NOT use the tow pole on a vehicle with defective braking system.
DO NOT tow an unmanned vehicle.
DO NOT force the tow pole to achieve a task it was not designed to perform.
DO NOT allow untrained persons to use the tow pole.
DO NOT operate the tow pole if any parts are missing as this may cause failure and possible
personal injury.
2. DESCRIPTION & SPECIFICATION
Tow pole with 2tonne rolling load capacity. Steel sections clip together and fix with
spring clips. Hooks feature sliding locking mechanism to prevent disengagement
during towing/overrun.
2.1. Specification
Tow pole length ..................................................................................1.8m.
Rolling load capacity ......................................................................2000kg.
Maximum towing vehicle weight ...................................................2400kg.
Maximum towed vehicle weight .....................................................2400kg.
Rated strenght ................................................................................11.8kN.
3. TOWING INFORMATION
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING THE TOWING OF VEHICLES WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AND FOUR WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES.
3.1 Before towing a four wheel drive vehicle or a vehicle with automatic transmission it is essential to consult the manufacturer's handbook for the
vehicle to be towed to check the correct towing procedure. The correct procedure will vary from vehicle to vehicle depending on the configuration of the
transmission. (In some cases certain 4WD vehicles cannot be towed with all four wheels on the ground and will have to be transported on a trailer). Failure
to observe the correct procedure could result in severe damage to the vehicles transmission.
3.2 Many automatic transmissions require the engine to be active in order to drive a pump that provides lubrication to the transmission. If the transmission is
turned by the road wheels without the engine running, permanent damage could be done to the transmission due to lack of lubrication. This could also apply
to the secondary gearbox on a four wheel drive vehicle.
3.3 Four wheel drive systems are designed to run in tandem with the engine. If the engine is off but the transmission is driven at speed by the road wheels
the mismatch in speed between components within the gearboxes could also result in permanent damage to the transmission.
3.4 It is usually possible to tow four wheel drive vehicles with manual transmission as the engine can be disconnected from the primary gearbox. However,
the road wheels may still be driving a secondary gearbox. The manufacturer will state in which drive position the secondary gearbox should be placed. and
will recommend a maximum towing speed. A towing distance and/or time limit may also be imposed by the manufacturer.
3.5 Some four wheel vehicles are fitted with devices to disconnect the hubs and/ or driveshafts especially for towing purposes.
3.6 Consult the manufacturer's handbook before reversing with a four wheel drive vehicle attached or a vehicle with automatic transmission.
3.7 REMEMBER, ALWAYS FOLLOW THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE VEHICLE TO BE TOWED.
© Jack Sealey Limited
Original Language Version
TPK252 Issue: 3 (L) - 01/08/16

4. ASSEMBLY
The TPK252 is a rigid tow pole having a 2 tonne rolling capacity on a level surface. The assembly method allows for mounting pole between vehicles where the
towing eyes may be mixed, i.e. not both horizontal or vertical. The tow pole has a length of 1.8m.
4.1. Assembly
Remove contents from packing and check to ensure everything is correct and undamaged. Should you experience any problems contact your supplier
immediately.
4.1.1. Fit the two hook sections (A&B) into the centre section (C) and locate section A only with pin (D). Retain pin with clip (E).
4.1.2. Alternative pin holes are provided in the centre section for horizontal or vertical tow eyes so that the hooks (G & J) are always square to the eyes.
4.2 Use.
4.2.1. Position vehicles so that the distance between the towing eyes is approximately 1.8 metres.
4.2.2. Slide back and rotate hook gate (F) clear and then fit hook (G) through vehicle towing eye. If eye is horizontal, hook must have gap downwards, as
shown in diagram.
4.2.3. Push the hook gate (F) up against the tow eye and retain it in position with pin (H) and clip (E).
4.2.4 Similarly fit and retain hook (J) to the towing eye of the second vehicle sliding section (B) into, or out of, section (C) as necessary.
4.2.5 Carefully move towing vehicle backwards or forwards to align pin holes in sections (B & C). Locate with pin (D). Retain pin with clip (E).
5. TOWING PROCEDURE
TPK252 has a rolling load capacity of 2,000 kg, based on a level surface. Remember the weight of towed vehicle should be
calculated to include any load in the vehicle, and to take into account any extreme gradients.
WARNING! Before using equipment ensure you have read, understood and apply Section 1 safety instructions.
TOWING EYES - Many vehicle manufacturers include a separate towing eye which is not permanently fixed to the chassis.
Important: Before fitting the tow pole, to either vehicle, check the manufacturers’ handbooks to ensure that the towing points (do not
use 'tie points') are suitable for use with a tow pole and are capable of safely withstanding a ‘brake load’.
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS - It is the responsibility of the towing driver to ensure that all legal requirements are met. This includes the
towing operation and actions taken by the towed driver. Check you are insured for towing. Trade users must have a “Trade Insurance
Policy” which covers commercial towing. Note the policy will not provide cover if the law is broken, or the weight of towed load
exceeds the capacity of the tow pole, or if towed vehicle weighs more than the towing vehicle. When calculating the weight of the
towed vehicle remember that any load carried in the vehicle must be added to the kerb weight indicated in the manufacturer’s
handbook.
5.8. When towing, unlock the steering wheel and activate the warning lights on both vehicles. Ensure that the towed vehicle is in neutral,
the wheels are free to rotate, and that hand and foot brakes are disengaged.
5.9. While driving, the tow pole must remain parallel with the direction of travel, i.e. if the tow fittings are placed on different sides of the
vehicles, it will be necessary to drive out of line (the car being towed would not be directly behind the one towing). Pole must also be
approximately parallel with the road surface i.e. with the towing eyes at similar heights.
5.10. The distance between the vehicles must be enough for the driver in the towed vehicle to see the rear lights of the towing vehicle.
5.11. A MAXIMUM SPEED OF 15MPH should not be exceeded.
5.12. Always take great care when towing and ensure a very gradual “take-up” when starting and braking. WARNING! The tow pole and
fittings are not able to withstand shock loads resulting from sudden changes in speed.
5.13. After use, dismantle the tow pole, clean it and store it in a dry place. Inspect regularly for signs of stress or wear. Replacement parts
are not available for this unit.
NOTE: It is our policy to improve products continually and as such we reserve the right to alter data, specifications and component parts
without prior notice.
IMPORTANT: No liability is accepted for incorrect use of this product.
WARRANTY: Guarantee is 12 months from purchase date, proof of which will be required for any claim.
© Jack Sealey Limited
Sole UK Distributor, Sealey Group,
Kempson Way, Suffolk Business Park,
Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk,
IP32 7AR
Original Language Version
01284 757500
01284 703534
www.sealey.co.uk
sales@sealey.co.uk
PK252 Issue: 3 (L) - 01/08/16