Dinghy Towing guide

2manytoyz wrote:
Newer transmissions tend to have lubrication pumps. The older/crude transmissions used a splash gear to sling oil. Towing a newer vehicle can cause damage due to lack of fluid circulation.

Also, pay CLOSE attention to those vehicles that can be flat towed. MOST have limitations on speed, and distance. Very common to see "under 50 MPH, and no further than 50 miles".

There is another option. Check with Remco Industries. They've been around a LONG time, and offer solutions for many vehicles. They can add driveshaft or CV joint disconnect, or an auxiliary transmission fluid pump. Obviously the pump would be a much cheaper/easier option.

No affiliation with them, but I've looked into their services before buying the Jeep.

http://www.remcotowing.com/Towing/Store.php

What's unique about the Jeep is it has a true transfer case. To tow the vehicle, the transfer case is put in neutral, and the A/T in park. No miles are recorded on the odometer. I do have to leave (an unchipped) key in the ignition to unlock the steering - newer models don't have a locking column.

Good luck!

Thanks, I'm a former ASE certified master technician. I am aware many newer vehicles have internal pumps, but thanks for pointing that out anyway. I'm not a FCA fan and don't want one. I've specifically zeroed in on the Acadia and hope other members who have one will respond.

AJR wrote:
My 2015 Terrain SLE, AWD w/automatic tows just fine. I am averaging 22 to 25 mpg per tank full. My son has the Denali version of the same year and it is decked out with leather and all the spiffy stuff. I think there was a Caddy version also that year.

Hope this helps.

Thanks, however, the Terrain is not the same as the Acadia

Newer transmissions tend to have lubrication pumps. The older/crude transmissions used a splash gear to sling oil. Towing a newer vehicle can cause damage due to lack of fluid circulation.

Also, pay CLOSE attention to those vehicles that can be flat towed. MOST have limitations on speed, and distance. Very common to see "under 50 MPH, and no further than 50 miles".

There is another option. Check with Remco Industries. They've been around a LONG time, and offer solutions for many vehicles. They can add driveshaft or CV joint disconnect, or an auxiliary transmission fluid pump. Obviously the pump would be a much cheaper/easier option.

No affiliation with them, but I've looked into their services before buying the Jeep.

http://www.remcotowing.com/Towing/Store.php

What's unique about the Jeep is it has a true transfer case. To tow the vehicle, the transfer case is put in neutral, and the A/T in park. No miles are recorded on the odometer. I do have to leave (an unchipped) key in the ignition to unlock the steering - newer models don't have a locking column.

Good luck!

My 2015 Terrain SLE, AWD w/automatic tows just fine. I am averaging 22 to 25 mpg per tank full. My son has the Denali version of the same year and it is decked out with leather and all the spiffy stuff. I think there was a Caddy version also that year.

Hope this helps.

Bump... Anyone?

Gnarley wrote:
Does anyone have experience with the GMC Acadia Denali AWD? This has the Andriod Auto I want and everything else it seems! This would meet my needs and should be good for a few years. One thing about these GMC vehicles they all tend to have significant space in the wheel arches for towing weight adding to the step-in height to the floor and I'd likely lower it 2-4 inches!

Acadia FWD/AWD 3,956 65 MPH/None N/A Yes 21/26 $29,070-$44,920
Run engine at the beginning of each day and at each RV fuel stop for 5 minutes

Does anyone have experience with the GMC Acadia Denali AWD? This has the Andriod Auto I want and everything else it seems! This would meet my needs and should be good for a few years. One thing about these GMC vehicles they all tend to have significant space in the wheel arches for towing weight adding to the step-in height to the floor and I'd likely lower it 2-4 inches!

Acadia FWD/AWD 3,956 65 MPH/None N/A Yes 21/26 $29,070-$44,920
Run engine at the beginning of each day and at each RV fuel stop for 5 minutes

Gnarley wrote:
What I'm looking for is a used car perhaps a nice used 2014 -2017 that I can use as a daily driver with AWD and auto trans that gets respectable mpg and has 4 doors so I can also use it to transport my elderly parents when needed that's comfortable and somewhat luxurious with leather and quiet which has easy entry on the passenger side for both the front and rear occupants.

Look at a Ford Flex, or Lincoln MKT. Both towable 4 down. My parents are 85 and 86. Mom has limited mobility. They have a Flex and refuse to ride in any other car. The doors are big, and open wide.

Gnarley wrote:
What I'm looking for is a used car perhaps a nice used 2014 -2017 that I can use as a daily driver with AWD and auto trans that gets respectable mpg and has 4 doors so I can also use it to transport my elderly parents when needed that's comfortable and somewhat luxurious with leather and quiet which has easy entry on the passenger side for both the front and rear occupants.

The 14 CRV meets your requirements.

Moving up the ladder is the 17 Lincoln MKX, owners manual says it can be flat towed. Both of these cars are AWD.

My 14 Grand Cherokee Overland can be flat towed. However only those with the right drive train. It's heavy at 5200 lbs and it's high which may not be suitable for seniors. 4WD and definitely not as comfortabe ride as the others above - think truck like ride.

Warning. EPS is a popular steering setup for newer cars for various reasons. But various makes and models DO NOT have adequate damping to be towed and can develop wobble when flat towed. Google Death Wobble. Hydraulic steering does not have this problem. This can occur for aligned cars with no worn parts not lifted and will not be documented in the owners manual.

One problem with flat towing, especially FWD cars, is that the differential heats up the transmission fluid and there is no way to cool it. While the heat may not damage the fluid, it will expand. Now the fluid level is too high and may come in contact with the rotating gears. This puts air bubbles in the fluid which causes more heat and eventually it pukes out the fill tube.

rockhillmanor wrote:


The easiest way and the correct way is to go looking at the cars you like that 'also' fit into your towing weight requirement. Then...…


1. open glove box of car
2. pull out car manual
3. Under recreational towing it will tell you whether the
car can be towed four down or needs a dolly.

Straight from the manufacturer is the 'correct' answer.

Best advice here.
bumpy