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Desert_Captain's avatar
Desert_Captain
Explorer III
Jan 28, 2020

Need help... can I 4 down tow a Mazda Miata???

I have an opportunity to purchase a nice little 2013 Miata and if I can make the 4 down towing equation work without having to reinvent the wheel and would like to go forward. I have seen lots of folks towing them 4 down but Blue Ox, Roadmaster and Trailer all have said no go. I spoke to a tech at the Mazda dealership and he said no problem with the 6 speech manual trans, just make sure you are in neutral and you're good to go?

If you or anyone you know tows a Miata please enlighten me as to what set up you/they have. Any tips pro or con would be appreciated. I have gone 6.5 years with no toad for 24' Nexus C but for a number of reason I am now open to pursuing this option. TIA.

:C
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  • fj12ryder's avatar
    fj12ryder
    Explorer III
    Jan 28, 2020
    I dunno, it was what recalled, no guarantee as to the correctness, that's why I said IIRC. Because I could absolutely wrong. It's been some time back, that is why I hedged.

    It seemed like there was a pressure fed supply to the higher gears, and it was driven off the input from the engine. No engine drive meant no spinning pump.

    But like I said several years back and not positive about this. Could be a faulty memory, it's happened before.
  • theoldwizard1's avatar
    theoldwizard1
    Explorer II
    Jan 28, 2020
    fj12ryder wrote:
    I once checked on the Miata for towing, and IIRC, the six speed gearbox uses pressurized oil in the gearbox, so I'd do some serious checking before I towed it.

    Where does the pressure come from ? Not the engine.
  • Desert_Captain's avatar
    Desert_Captain
    Explorer III
    Jan 28, 2020
    Thanks for the timely replies. I know a lot of folks tow them but as noted above the towability is probably contingent upon the model year and trans. When I called Mazda they said their owners manual was a one size fits all publication. The prohibition therein on towing was referring to the models with an auto trans though it did not so state.

    Guess I will give up on this one... too bad it was a fun little car to drive and would tow like a dream being so sleek, low and light.

    Thanks again.

    :C
  • bgum's avatar
    bgum
    Explorer
    Jan 28, 2020
    Owners manual says no. Miata forum says yes from several people with direct experience. It differs with 5 or 6 speed and year of manufacturing. Some suggest putting it in or on trailer.
  • fj12ryder's avatar
    fj12ryder
    Explorer III
    Jan 28, 2020
    Desert Captain wrote:
    I have an opportunity to purchase a nice little 2013 Miata and if I can make the 4 down towing equation work without having to reinvent the wheel and would like to go forward. I have seen lots of folks towing them 4 down but Blue Ox, Roadmaster and Trailer all have said no go. I spoke to a tech at the Mazda dealership and he said no problem with the 6 speech manual trans, just make sure you are in neutral and you're good to go?

    If you or anyone you know tows a Miata please enlighten me as to what set up you/they have. Any tips pro or con would be appreciated. I have gone 6.5 years with no toad for 24' Nexus C but for a number of reason I am now open to pursuing this option. TIA.

    :C
    I once checked on the Miata for towing, and IIRC, the six speed gearbox uses pressurized oil in the gearbox, so I'd do some serious checking before I towed it.

    Sometimes the techs make mistakes on some pretty big issues.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Jan 28, 2020
    Remco too says no to four down towing.

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

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