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Leo3150's avatar
Leo3150
Explorer
Jul 24, 2013

Tow Dolly or 4 wheels down Tribute

I put a message earlier this month about towing a 2011 Mazda Tribute and the perils of such a practice. The transmission went out about 60 miles east of Amarillo, TX at a rest area. Had it towed to the Mazda dealer in Amarillo. Mazda is going to pay for a new transmission and the labor involved. UPS lost the first transmission according to the dealer. Sent the dealer the pages that showed how to tow the Tribute with 4-wheels down. Put in neutral, ignition in the 2nd slot, and stop around 200 miles to run the engine and put transmission in all gears for a few seconds. Now Mazda says not to tow the Tribute that way any more just like Ford says for the Escape. Mazda suggests using a dolly or putting in the lube pump. Hopefully this information helps someone out that is towing a Tribute.

My question in all of this is which is the preferred way and the easiest way of towing now. Should I get the Remco lube package for the transmission or the dolly. With the lube package I know that I will have to stop about every 200 miles to cool the transmission fluid and also to recharge the battery for the auxiliary brake. My spouse is leaning toward the dolly because the transmission could go out again if something happens to the lube package. I can see her point, but I am worried about the car coming off of the dolly (or am I being unreasonable)from some of the discussions on RV.Net under towing. I have looked up the Roadmaster dollies. Is the inexpensive one (if you call $1600 inexpensive) okay or should I go with the top of the line if I go the dolly route.

Any tips, sage advice is appreciated.

Thank you,

Leo
  • Leo3150's avatar
    Leo3150
    Explorer
    Aug 17, 2013
    Just wanted to let everyone know that I ordered the KarKaddy SS. Finally got the Tribute back from Amarillo last week.

    Also thank you for all the comments.
  • jerseyjim's avatar
    jerseyjim
    Explorer
    Jul 29, 2013
    My original "toad" was a 1996 Ford Contour 5 spd stick. 4 down, easy hook up and cross country twice with no problems. Around 160 thou it started the nickel and dime dance...time for a new one. Great car while it lasted.
    The Contour was a Mazda with a Ford badge. So, in 2009 I went to Mazda to get another one (Contour discontinued). Dealer AND the "engineering dept" both told me ANY Mazda should not be towed 4-down for any reason.

    For your situation, I think I would opt for the dolly. Or even a car trailer. Get all 4 wheels off the ground. G'luck!
  • fighterpilota's avatar
    fighterpilota
    Explorer
    Jul 29, 2013
    I looked up The Demco tow dolly family but didn't find any that could match the dimensions of the Master Tow 80. That is tow wider than the 76 inch limit for the widest Demco I could find. Did I miss one? The SS model says 76 inch tread and body width. I need more. Thanks
  • Leo3150's avatar
    Leo3150
    Explorer
    Jul 26, 2013
    I followed the routine. This was our 5th trip towing the Tribute 4-wheels down. I kept the speed between 60 to 65. I am not sure what happened. Perhaps there was a flaw in the transmission. We had about 15,000 miles towed when it went out.
  • MeanderMan's avatar
    MeanderMan
    Explorer
    Jul 26, 2013
    I wonder why Mazda didn't put out the TSB that was issued for the Escape. I've been towing mine without a problem by adhering to the 5-minute pre-tow routine, cracking the hood to improve air flow, and checking the transmission housing temp every 100 miles. I believe it can be towed 4-down without a problem if you just follow the TSB and keep your speed under 65. Only 4000 miles towed so far, but nothing to indicate any problems.
  • dbates's avatar
    dbates
    Explorer
    Jul 25, 2013
    I’ll 2nd the motion for the Demco KarKaddy SS. I’ve pulled one for 8 years & almost 48,000 miles and have considered it a very good investment. They cost a little more but if you Google it you can find them substantially under suggested retail. It is fully galvanized (never a rust problem), ramps fold up & tongue folds back (reducing storage by almost 50%), they have excellent surge brakes (no additional electrical system to install) & Demco provides excellent customer service.

    If you strap the toad down right (not as Demco suggests) you’ll never have problem loosing the toad. If you decide to get a dolly send me a private message & I’ll return the proper strap down procedure.

    Dave
  • Dusty_R's avatar
    Dusty_R
    Explorer
    Jul 25, 2013
    I don't use a dolly but if I did I would go with the Demco type because of the way they steer.

    Dusty
  • Bobbo's avatar
    Bobbo
    Explorer II
    Jul 24, 2013
    I am not a fan of transmission modifications. Too easy to fail.

    Brakes on the dolly is a must, to me anyway. I had a Stehl dolly and was happy with it for 3 years until I finally bought a car that can do 4 down. I am sure that Roadmaster is a good dolly.
  • Leo3150's avatar
    Leo3150
    Explorer
    Jul 24, 2013
    jk31668,

    Thank you for the information. I will get electric brakes if we go the dolly route.

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