I realize several similar threads have been posted but none were exactly what I needed. We have a 38' diesel class A. Right now we are towing a Ford Taurus on a tow dolly. That is no problem but we would rather tow a truck. My husband likes to go fishing (everywhere we go) and he would rather put his fishing gear in the back of a truck instead of the trunk of the Taurus if he has to drive to a fishing spot. We plan on a used truck and manual trans. would be fine also. Any advice on what models we should take a look at? We would be okay with towing either with our dolly or 4 down. Thanks!

What engine in RV and what is it rated for to tow,hitchwise?

Ill stay out of the tow capacity discussion but one thing you may have to deal with if you tow four down is a drive shaft disconnect. If it is a 4X4 this is fairly easy if you have a manual transfer case. If not you will either have to manually disconnect the driveshaft every time (what we do) or put on a driveshaft disconnect kit. It takes Angela about 5 minutes with a cordless ratchet to disconnect the driveshaft at one end and place in a hanger we made. Same thing in reverse. This is on an E350 based small motorhome we sometimes pull behind the pusher. Clearance is easy for her to slide under. Depending on the truck it should be the same. Just something to think about.

Hi,There are several 4 wheel drive trucks that you can tow 4 wheels down, many of them with automatic transmission if you like it that way.Check here for the correct brackets. RoadmasterInc.comFred.

Since he likes to go fishing, I would assume that a 4x4 would be a better vehicle for him. "Most" all 4x4 pickups that have a "manual" transfer case that has a neutral position, can be towed 4 down. Those without the neutral position typically cannot. "Most" all manual transmissioned pickups (4x2 or 4x4) typically can be towed 4 down.So, visit car lots and ask to see only those with those two criteria. Then check the owner's manual for "recreational towing" and find out for sure.Also, as mentioned above, you can always purchase and install a "drive shaft disconnect" device that will allow you to pull it 4 down.Dolly's typically are for "front wheel drive" vehicles and almost all pickups (except the Honda) are rear wheel drive....therefore a dolly won't help.We pulled our Toyota 4x4 pickup that was manual trans and manual transfer case for years and thousands of miles....just got tired of shifting those gears.Good luckRon

Ford 4x4 F series through 2012, with auto and shift on the fly are NOT towable 4 down. GM 4x4 with auto and electronic transfer case are towable 4 down. Dodge 4x4 is mostly towable 4 down, but check as they have some that are not. This is also true with most of the manual transmissions in the trucks. We like the GM products as they are very easy to set up and configure for 4 down. Also all GM trucks since about 2003 do not have a steering lock, so you lock the door and put the key in your pocket. Most of your late model(2000 & newer) DP's will tow any truck you want.

Need advice on towing a truck | Good Sam Community

13 Replies

Golden_HVAC
Explorer
May 30, 2013
Hi,

There are several 4 wheel drive trucks that you can tow 4 wheels down, many of them with automatic transmission if you like it that way.

Check here for the correct brackets. RoadmasterInc.com

Fred.
John___Angela
Explorer
May 30, 2013
Ill stay out of the tow capacity discussion but one thing you may have to deal with if you tow four down is a drive shaft disconnect. If it is a 4X4 this is fairly easy if you have a manual transfer case. If not you will either have to manually disconnect the driveshaft every time (what we do) or put on a driveshaft disconnect kit. It takes Angela about 5 minutes with a cordless ratchet to disconnect the driveshaft at one end and place in a hanger we made. Same thing in reverse. This is on an E350 based small motorhome we sometimes pull behind the pusher. Clearance is easy for her to slide under. Depending on the truck it should be the same.

Just something to think about.
trop-a-cal
Explorer
May 30, 2013
What engine in RV and what is it rated for to tow,hitchwise?

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Need advice on towing a truck

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