Forum Discussion

VA-Apraisr's avatar
VA-Apraisr
Explorer II
Aug 30, 2020

Two-wheel down car caddy .... can I tow with rear wheels up?

Not sure if I could back my Mercedes up on the car caddy backwards since this vehicle is automatic and leave front wheels on pavement? I know I've seen some vehicles on the highway being towed this way, but, obviously don't want to damage anything. My front-wheel drive Solara is unavailable which is what I usually tow. As long as steering is locked, I don't really see a reason I couldn't tow it down the highway this way....but, smarter folks on this board may know if I'm overlooking something. Thanks!
Class C
  • VA-Apraisr's avatar
    VA-Apraisr
    Explorer II
    Aug 30, 2020
    Googled some info, and, doesn't sound like this is a "smart" thing to do unless extreme emergency......will just make other arrangements!
  • routeforty's avatar
    routeforty
    Explorer
    Aug 30, 2020
    If it's front wheel drive, probably not. But your owner's manual should have the final say. :h
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Aug 30, 2020
    What does the manufacturer of your tow dolly say about backwards towing?
    Do they recommend it?

    You may want to check, is the steering wheel lock is strong enough to hold the wheels straight or if you also need to strap the steering wheel in position.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Aug 30, 2020
    Consult with the manufacturer. Don’t rely on guesses.
  • VA-Apraisr's avatar
    VA-Apraisr
    Explorer II
    Aug 30, 2020
    I've got a 1995 Z28 Camaro with 6-speed tranny so I'll just use that and will eliminate damage to my SL500 which is rear-wheel drive. Thanks all!
  • Matt_Colie's avatar
    Matt_Colie
    Explorer II
    Aug 30, 2020
    Apraisr,

    Don't could on the 6-speed being towable. Many modern manual transmissions count on the input shaft turning to pass the gear oil up the train. Find out whose transmission it really is. And if you really have to do this, over fill the transmission so that there is too much lube oil for anything to not have enough.

    Matt - a refugee for OE labs of Detroit
  • timmac's avatar
    timmac
    Explorer
    Aug 30, 2020
    VA-Apraisr wrote:
    Not sure if I could back my Mercedes up on the car caddy backwards since this vehicle is automatic and leave front wheels on pavement? I know I've seen some vehicles on the highway being towed this way, but, obviously don't want to damage anything. My front-wheel drive Solara is unavailable which is what I usually tow. As long as steering is locked, I don't really see a reason I couldn't tow it down the highway this way....but, smarter folks on this board may know if I'm overlooking something. Thanks!


    Have a Remco Drive Shaft Disconnect installed than you can flat tow..

    I have one and it works great no issues...
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Aug 30, 2020
    You may want to check your Owners Manual or Remco Towing. Not All Manual Transmissions can be Flat Towed.
  • VA-Apraisr's avatar
    VA-Apraisr
    Explorer II
    Aug 30, 2020
    Ouch.....apparently I can't even use this vehicle as thought. Manual didn't like towing this way (but didn't mention manual transmission at all in the manual, so, guessing it's also not recommended). Ok, thanks, will just wait on the Solara to be fixed.

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