Hi all,

I am new to the 4runner. Getting a 5th gen to tow behind my motorhome.

Getting a manual transfer case version.

All the folks I have seen on the RV forums mention that you need to leave the key in to keep the steering wheel unlocked.Those threads are over a year old so i cant reply but started a new thread on irv2.com.

But curious if any of your owners have any idea how this would be done on a version with the push to start button?

Any info for this newbie appreciated.

AJ

I don't think you're supposed to tow a 4Runner on its wheels - or damage could result. A trailer is the only safe way I think. However, it may depend on the year. There should be other threads involving towing you can search for more details; or check your owners manual about towing.

Any partime 4wd with the manual transfer case can be towed. Toyota says it cant but they dont want the liability. believe me its fine I have seen lots of folks on line doing it on the rv forums and one of them a 30 year engineer with toyota.

Correct. That is because, even with the transfer case in neutral, the output shaft is still rotated when the vehicle is towed. And the transfer case oil pump is powered from the input shaft; thus the output shaft and all the gears attached to it don't get lubricated. The owners manual is right; believe it.

https://www.toyota-4runner.org/attac...1&d=1672459044

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Disconnect that rear drive shaft.

From a person who has done this...

the Toyota manual shift transfer case does indeed have an oil pump that is driven from the input shaft only. This pump, pumps oil thru the input shaft gear group, and the bearing between the input and rear output shafts. However, when the transfer case is in neutral, the input shaft gear group is not turning at all, so it doesn't need any oil. The bearing where the front input and rear output shafts meet, is still turning because the front shaft is stationary, but the rear output shaft is being turned by the rear wheels via the driveshaft. But in looking at it closely, there is NO pressure on this bearing at all because it is all freewheeling with no torsional load. Plus it appears that this bearing is still getting some splash lubrication, along with the front and rear output shafts, from the gears and chain spinning in the oil bath at the lower part of the case.

So my take, after research, repeatedly checking the case temps while towing with an infrared temp sensor, and several thousand miles of experience, is no problems, and it works great! As a plus, I did check with my Toyota service writer last week. Although Toyota does not allow towing of any of their vehicles, he said that he knows of quite a few being towed, and has never heard of a transfer case failure.

So I am gonna go with the folks that are doing this for real. I appreciate everyones concern but if we could get back on track with the push top start and a way to keep the steering wheel unlocked I would appreciate it.

It’s not just a matter of the t-case. ajohansson specifically asked about the push button start. I think on vehicles with push button start the ignition has to be on otherwise the steering will be locked.

ok thanks captain.

Only one other caveat is the ADD system which wants to engage with the ignition/acc on. Thats why folks turn the vehicle off then switch the transfer case to neutral. I have read folks have just put in an inline switch to disconnect the ADD for this purpose so it doesnt become an issue. This was for people that didnt even have push to starts.

hoping i can find someone on here to test the steering wheel lock.

Sorry, no answer to your question, but how about a car dolly for the front axle?


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i have no desire to disconnect drive shafts or dolly. Transfer case in neutral and put it in park is the plan. Just got to figure out the push to start thing if I end up getting a newer model. could put in the ADD disconnect switch easily and just leave in accessory if thats what I need to do.

We tow a Ford Flex behind our RV. It’s not 4WD, but push button to start. For it, you push the button without foot on brake so that it turns on ACC mode. Similar to the first position with a keyed ignition.
We’re on a trip now and I watched an RV pull out yesterday towing an FJ. Wish I had been able to ask him how his setup worked.

thanks melt down. Ok yeah I am tracking so its in ACC mode. my wife's mB has push to start and yeah can turn on radio with the button pushed without foot on brake. I am going to for sure install a switch to turn off the ADD so it does not engage both front wheels as I go through 4hi to get to neutral.

Play it safe. Flat bed trailer it.

not my style...I dont want to go camping and have to stow a trailer with my motorhome. If it was not safe i would not do it.