Dolly towing a 4 down vehicle
I am wondering if you have a car that the manufacture has labeled as a 4 down tow-able vehicle can you tow that same same vehicle on a tow dolly. Example: I currently tow a front wheel drive vehicle o...
Forum Discussion
mericksonjr wrote:
I appreciate all of the comments, But I am still at a loss as to why a vehicle could be towed on all fours but not on just two wheels? Unless it has something to do with the electronics and transmission lubrication. I can not fathom any instance where a front wheel drive car could not be towed on a dolly. The front wheels are the only ones that are connected to the engine or transmission in any way. I am curious though as to why a manual transmission that you shift into neutral could not be towed either four down or on a dolly as long as it was in neutral. The 4wheel drive thing makes sense but if you could put it into neutral also then wouldn't your transmission be technically disconnected from the drive lines? Some correct me please if my thinking is wrong. Thanks
AWD (All wheel drive) vehicles cannot be towed with just two wheels down because they have a differential in the center between the two driveshafts. This is similar to the one in the rear of a any rear wheel drive vehicle. A differential is designed to let the two wheels turn at diffent speeds when necessary. However these require small (spider gears) inside that are not designed for fast continous duty operation or they will burn up in time.
A rear wheel drive vihicle stuck in the mud with one wheel spinning at high speed will also burn up in time.
Best way I can think of to explain it.
