New to Towing a Vehicle

[Dan_Frisbie]

Many 4x4 vehicles are not tow dolly material.

Any particular reason?
I don’t understand what would be the difference if I towed 4 down or with a dolly if the transfer case is in neutral…

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Any particular reason?
I don’t understand what would be the difference if I towed 4 down or with a dolly if the transfer case is in neutral…

My manual says no.

I have no idea how the transfer case is lubed, but assume its a lubed issue. Maybe others will look in their manuals and chime in.

 

[redbaron]

Kevin is right. Only front wheel drive can be towed on a dolly

 

[Boat Bum]

You can tow rear wheel by locking steering and towing rear wheels on the dolly, I wouldn't do it unnecessarily.

 

[redbaron]

You can tow rear wheel by locking steering and towing rear wheels on the dolly, I wouldn't do it unnecessarily.

Most cars don’t lock steering wheels. Those that do use a very small shear pin. Advising that this is possible should be in the context of a professional tow truck driver, heavily insured, and going a short distance to his shop because he can’t afford the proper flat bed tow truck.

 

[Alan_Hepburn]

Any particular reason?
I don’t understand what would be the difference if I towed 4 down or with a dolly if the transfer case is in neutral…

I have no idea if it's true, but I once had someone explain to me that the way the transfer case works is you shift from 2WD into 4HI to connect the front axle to the rear axle; then when you shift it into N it disconnects the transfer case from the transmission but it doesn't disconnect the axles from each other. So, if you use a dolly the rear axle is spinning and the front axle is not, but it's still connected to the rear axle so it can damage the transfer case.

Like I said: I have no idea if it's true or not but it sort of makes sense. In any case, in the Jeep Owner's Manuals they are adamant that you can tow them with all 4 wheels on the ground, or all 4 wheels off the ground - nothing else.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Most cars don’t lock steering wheels. Those that do use a very small shear pin. Advising that this is possible should be in the context of a professional tow truck driver, heavily insured, and going a short distance to his shop because he can’t afford the proper flat bed tow truck.

I strapped the wheel. It did just fine.