Flat Towing
- Thread starter USMCYota
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20034RunnerV84x2
New member
Yes. Just put it in nuteral or rltow it from behind. Or take the driveshaft out, also be sure the emergency break isn't on!
NJshadow93
New member
Is it possible to put the truck on a trailer? This still creates wear and tear on the truck and puts miles on the odometer.
BlackWorksInc
New member
This is a valid point. If you reference your Owner's manual it shows diagrams and instructions on how to properly tow the vehicle. You will have to tow the vehicle with the front wheels in contact with the ground and the vehicle in neutral or on a flatbed. Otherwise you can damage the transmission as the fluid pump will not be functioning.
Not to be a jerk, but all this info is in the handy dandy Owner's Manual.
As Blackworks and setty said, the pump is not on you will over heat the transmission.
You could pull the drive shaft if you really needed to tow it flat, but that could be more of a PIA than it is worth.
The bigger issue is a tow bar. Unless you have an aftermarket steel bumper, you are not going to be able to attach a tow bar very easily or cheaply. You would probably spend more in getting a tow bar to work than it would cost for a trailer rental, and both of those would probably cost more than a rental car.
You could pull the drive shaft if you really needed to tow it flat, but that could be more of a PIA than it is worth.
The bigger issue is a tow bar. Unless you have an aftermarket steel bumper, you are not going to be able to attach a tow bar very easily or cheaply. You would probably spend more in getting a tow bar to work than it would cost for a trailer rental, and both of those would probably cost more than a rental car.
Rent a car. Honestly. With hotwire, you can rent a car in most places for 20-30 bucks a day. If you need insurance, take on 10-20 bucks.
It isn't worth the PIA factor of trying to tow a SUV just to drive. Hell, the difference in GAS your parents pay to tow will about cover it. I am assuming this is a huge RV if you are considering towing it, which means a gas hog already... but over the mileage you are talking, towing several thousands pounds will add up in extra gas.
Plus. Pulling the drive shaft, being concerned your parents take a corner too sharp and scrap the **** out of your truck (happens!)... it isn't even worth it.
Final note. Don't tow in N. It is really bad on auto transmissions. Most people I talk to also comment that it is still moving the gears in the tranny, if even just the final, and without the pump on to move/cool the fluid, heat is going to build up. How much? I have no idea, but most people I know suggest it isn't worth the potential wear and tear.
That leaves car trailer (added expense) or butt off the ground, towed on front wheels. That adds wear and tear on the front suspension, as at that angle, more weight (different balance point) is riding on the front.
My personal opinion? Unless you are moving, and you just HAVE to get your truck out there.... the cost of a budget car rental is worth not worrying about all the crap you have to worry about to tow a car.
It isn't worth the PIA factor of trying to tow a SUV just to drive. Hell, the difference in GAS your parents pay to tow will about cover it. I am assuming this is a huge RV if you are considering towing it, which means a gas hog already... but over the mileage you are talking, towing several thousands pounds will add up in extra gas.
Plus. Pulling the drive shaft, being concerned your parents take a corner too sharp and scrap the **** out of your truck (happens!)... it isn't even worth it.
Final note. Don't tow in N. It is really bad on auto transmissions. Most people I talk to also comment that it is still moving the gears in the tranny, if even just the final, and without the pump on to move/cool the fluid, heat is going to build up. How much? I have no idea, but most people I know suggest it isn't worth the potential wear and tear.
That leaves car trailer (added expense) or butt off the ground, towed on front wheels. That adds wear and tear on the front suspension, as at that angle, more weight (different balance point) is riding on the front.
My personal opinion? Unless you are moving, and you just HAVE to get your truck out there.... the cost of a budget car rental is worth not worrying about all the crap you have to worry about to tow a car.
