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tow vehicle
can you tow flat any vehicle with a std tranny and a transfer case you can shift into neutral such as a ford or toyota??
I have towed jeeps, chevys and dodge pickups this way but seen where you could not tow a toyota and some other  so wanted to find out im currently looking for a new toad.
thanks
Grumpy
2005 Front Lounge

Re: tow vehicle
Reply #1
The simple answer is, probably no.  To be sure, one way or the other, you will have to read the owner's manual.  Don't rely on the magazine listing.  When I was getting started, one of the cars listed as ok to tow was a Hyundai.  When I read the manual, it said it could be towed up to 15 miles, at a maximum of 15 mph.

Your chances of finding a towable manual are far better than of finding a towable automatic, but even the manual trans may have moving parts when being towed, and they need lubrication.  Whether they get lubrication will depend on whether they are sitting in trans oil or if trans oil gets pumped to them.  So, read the manual before buying.

Ken F in NM
'08 MB

Re: tow vehicle
Reply #2
My sister just towed her Ford Escape from Florida
And back.  It’s a hybrid ,  she has a Class A with a
Blue Ox tow package.   It was one of the few vehicles she found that could be towed,  as she refuses to learn how to drive a manual.  

Re: tow vehicle
Reply #3
can you tow flat any vehicle with a std tranny and a transfer case you can shift into neutral such as a ford or toyota??
I have towed jeeps, chevys and dodge pickups this way but seen where you could not tow a toyota and some other  so wanted to find out im currently looking for a new toad.

Check this link to the Dingy Guides for the past 25 years or so, it shows what vehicles are flat towable.
Downloadable Dinghy Towing Guides | MotorHome Magazine

Toyota 4X4s are not towable, the transfercase is not lubricated when towing. Jeeps and other American 4X4s usually have transfercases with a rear-driveshaft operated oil pump, when the vehicle is moving the pump lubricates the transfercase.

Too bad Toyota never added this feature, the older 4X4 Tacomas and 4Runners would have made great tow vehicles.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

 
Re: tow vehicle
Reply #4
My input on the subject is to think about your intended use, ie; will you be using the vehicle in on or off road settings?  If the later, will the off-road use be limited to dirt roads or might you intend to explore some rough Jeep trails?  Also, will you use the vehicle in winter climate with significant snow on the ground? 

In the event that you will use the vehicle only for use on paved roads I would go with a lighter vehicle to reduce the burden on your coach’s engine, transmission and brakes.  This will also improve your fuel economy.

In the event you will use the vehicle for fire roads and some Winter driving, a vehicle like the 2015ish Honda CRV Subaru Forester.  Do check the resource Larry mentions because newer models are not flat-towable!  Ford and General Motors do offer some newer models of compact SUV with limited all wheel drive, eg; Ford Escape, Chevy Equinox so check those out too if you need mild off road capability.

If you intend to explore Jeep trails, eg; Moab, Death Valley, or even the remote fire roads of the Rocky Mountains, there is no substitute for a Jeep or possibly a new, Ford Bronco.  Note that you will pay a price in terms of weight if you opt for a newer model (Jeep Wranglers and Broncos are well over 4000 Lbs in weight).  Explore (Search function) this site for prior posts on towing to get a feel for the nature and degree of coach and towed vehicle improvements you’ll need to prepare for.

Good luck!

Warren

Warren
2019 MB “Dream Catcher”
Jeep Wrangler JL