0) Identify the vehicle & drivetrain
- Confirm model year & trim (look for AWD / Hybrid / Plug-in Hybrid badges).
- AWD or Hybrid/PHEV → Flatbed only. Do not tow with any wheels on the ground.
- FWD → Flatbed preferred. A front-wheel dolly is acceptable for short relocations if a flatbed is unavailable.
1) Scene safety & pre-tow checks
- Park the truck to protect the scene. Cones/flashers on.
- Photograph vehicle position/damage (all four corners, tire/wheel close-ups, ground clearance points).
- Verify the parking brake (EPB) status and transmission state; remove any wheel chocks left by the driver.
- Check for low-profile risks (splitters, side steps), suspension lift/air suspension, and aftermarket accessories that could snag.
2) Power & gear selection (getting the Tucson to roll)
If battery has power
- Key/Start button to ON (engine need not run).
- Press and hold the brake; select Neutral (N).
- Release EPB (press EPB switch while holding brake).
- Turn off Auto Hold if equipped.
If battery is dead / can’t get Neutral or EPB to release
- Use skates/go-jacks under all four wheels (AWD/Hybrid) or at least the drive wheels (FWD) to avoid dragging.
- Do not drag with the drive wheels planted—risk of drivetrain & EPB damage.
- If equipped with a threaded tow eye (in tool kit), you may screw it into the factory tow point for a straight-line pull onto the deck only—never for transport tie-down.
3) Equipment selection
- Primary: 19–21 ft flatbed with winch, soft straps, and four-point tie-downs (wheel nets preferred).
- Alternate (FWD only): Front-wheel tow dolly + rear-wheel straps/chocks.
- No wheel-lift for AWD/Hybrid/PHEV.
4) Loading on a flatbed (recommended for all)
- Lower the deck to minimize approach angle; deploy loading ramps.
- Attach the winch line to an approved recovery point (threaded tow eye or rated subframe eye).
- Never hook to control arms, sway bars, tie rods, or plastic under-trays.
- Guide the vehicle straight up the deck at slow winch speed. Spotter calls clearances at front lip, rocker panels, and exhaust.
- Once centered, apply EPB (if functional) and leave in Park (P) or Neutral (N) with chocks while you strap.
5) Securing for transport (four-point)
- Use wheel nets/over-the-tire straps at all four corners.
- Secondary soft straps to rated frame/tie-down eyes if available. Avoid suspension arms.
- Pre-tension evenly; compress suspension slightly without overloading.
- Remove chocks, retract the deck fully, stow ramps, and perform a final strap check.
6) Transport
- Smooth throttle/brake inputs; avoid sharp steering that could loosen straps.
- Re-check straps after the first 5–10 minutes and at every prolonged stop.
7) Unloading
- Park on level ground; cones/flashers out.
- Lower deck; reinstall chocks before releasing straps.
- Release straps in a cross-pattern (front pair, then rear pair).
- Winch-control or gravity roll straight down the ramps with a spotter watching corners and approach angle.
- Set Park (P) and EPB once on the ground; remove tow eye (if used) and return it to the vehicle kit.
8) Special notes by drivetrain
- AWD & Hybrid/PHEV Tucson: Flatbed only. Do not rotate any drive axle on the ground; risk of transfer case/motor damage.
- FWD Tucson: Flatbed preferred. Tow dolly allowed with front wheels up, rear wheels on the ground, strapped and chocked.
- Emergency short moves on scene (e.g., clearing a fire route): keep very low speed, minimize distance, and use skates if Neutral/EPB release is not available. When in doubt, stop and load.
9) Common pitfalls to avoid
- Dragging the vehicle with EPB engaged or transmission in Park.
- Lifting/tying to suspension arms or cosmetic under-body panels.
- Wheel-lift on AWD/Hybrid/PHEV—not permitted.
- Using the threaded tow eye as a transport tie-down (it’s for straight-line pulling only).