dingy towing 4 wheels on ground?

FIRE UP wrote:
126crosby,
We are considering an F-150, 4x4 Auto for flat towing in the future. I'm not a fan of ANY gizmos that have to be added or, alter the drive characteristics of any vehicle just so it can be towed. There are many, many vehicles that come right from the factory, that are flat towable by simply following a guided set of instructions prior to driving away.

t

X2, I feel that these "gizmos" are only useable for those who already have their toad, can't afford or justify to buy the proper toad, and have to adapt it. If one is looking to buy a vehicle to be used as a toad, only a "fool" would intentionally buy one that requires a drive shaft disconnect, tranny oil pump, etc. and check the owner's manual before you buy, do not take a 3rd party's recommendation, etc. or just because somebody here sez "I towed my 1952 Edsel 400000000 miles with no problem" I would not go against the mfrs. recommendation, especially if it is still under warranty.
bumpy

126crosby,
We are considering an F-150, 4x4 Auto for flat towing in the future. I'm not a fan of ANY gizmos that have to be added or, alter the drive characteristics of any vehicle just so it can be towed. There are many, many vehicles that come right from the factory, that are flat towable by simply following a guided set of instructions prior to driving away.

For years, we've towed (7) different Jeeps and all without issues and, all without special gizmos or pumps or anything. We now tow a Honda CRV, also without specialization in setup. So, while we're on the lookout for a late model F-150, I will have to do whatever research needed to find out what's involved in prep for towing on those.

I know there's folks out there that tow F-150s so, just need to hear what they do and what was needed to get them towable, if anything.
Scott

There are just some points where I would say simply using a trailer would be easier. When it comes to drive shaft disconnects, I'd just go price out a trailer...

Friends have 2008 f-150 with driveshaft disconnect. So far so good. They think it works fine.

I have a 2011 Ford Ranger, auto and 4WD. I tow it 4-down. Bought it new, had to get a Ford Only "Transfer Case Disconnect Kit" for it. 400 bucks.
However, I'm not aware of anything like that for a F-150 4WD auto....or any F-150 with an automatic tranny.
I could be wrong....check your owners' manual.

BTW, I've heard of others that install that kit themselves and re-program the computer themselves. That MIGHT void any warranty on a new vehicle. I was not willing to take that kind of chance, so I paid my money. All's well...tows just fine.

((Edited to say: A Ford F-150 TWO WHEEL DRIVE automatic may be towed 4 down with a "driveshaft disconnect" (used to be made by REMCO who sold it to someone else..gotta look it up)...if they still make them at all. Good luck with that. Over the years I've met quite a few folks who have used the (old) REMCO disconnect with excellent results. Last time I checked , some years ago, they went for around 800 bucks, complete. You do the install or have it done.))

The above expensive kit is nothing but a light and instructions on how to reprogram the computer and then the steps that put the transfer case in neutral. If you have someone at a Ford dealer who will reprogram it, a $4 12V light mounted where you can see it is all that's needed.

Check out this site with your Ford dealer.

http://accessories.ford.com/neutral-tow-kit.html

I had one on a 1988 Chevy S-10 Tahoe 4X4. I used it for about 10 years. I hated it! Had endless problems getting the splines to engage after towing so that I could drive the S-10. I spent many hours under that S-10 in the dirt and mud to get it to lock in. I had the installation checked numerous times and nothing improved the process. Maybe it was my vehicle that was the problem; however, IMO I doubt it. I've talked with other Rvers who loved the product. My experience is such that I wouldn't buy another vehicle which couldn't be towed without installing a disconnect drive shaft.

did you check with your dealer to see if they have a modification kit to put the transfer case in neutral, I know a few years ago there was a simple wire kit to allow towing for ranger/explorer with electric opperated transfer case.

I had a drive shaft disconnect on my S-10 PU. hated it. I see a trend here. ;)
bumpy