Will Any Manual Tranny Work?

[ForestRiverTeac]

Now that we've moved from a trailer to our Class A, we're thinking about what kind of Toad we'd like to get. It seems like more and more new automatic tranny cars can't be towed flat, so we're thinking about getting something with a manual transmission. It wouldn't be a daily driver, so we're not concerned about having to shift in high-traffic areas.

Are all manual transmission cars able to be towed flat?

Thanks!

[tropical36]

ForestRiverTeach wrote:
Now that we've moved from a trailer to our Class A, we're thinking about what kind of Toad we'd like to get. It seems like more and more new automatic tranny cars can't be towed flat, so we're thinking about getting something with a manual transmission. It wouldn't be a daily driver, so we're not concerned about having to shift in high-traffic areas.

Are all manual transmission cars able to be towed flat?

Thanks!

Not all manual tranny's can be towed and you should have a Dinghy towing guide for reference... Dinghy Towing...
Best toad, is one that you prefer as a DD, so as not to waste dollars on a specialty vehicle. In our case the DD of choice was a Jeep JK Wrangler and one that's hard to beat as a toad and also a vehicle for every type of terrain.

[robertbenita]

Have used a manual Ford Fiesta without issue and are setting up a new Kia Rio. Owner's manual and ask the manufacturer. I don't think all manual transmissions play well with towing.

[Doug156]

I have a 2009 Subaru Forester with a manual transmission. It is one of the few Subarus which can be towed. However, it must be towed 4 down. A dolly cannot be used because of the all wheel drive. So you reallyneed to check the owners manual.

Best wisher with the new RV

[Yankee_Clipper]

For me it came down to the Ford Edge and the Honda CR-V. The base Honda is lighter and a bit cheaper, so when I found a good deal on the CR-V, voila, la toad. Cost and extra grand to put a tow plate and wire it for action.

[frankdamp]

Some stick-shift transmissions have their internal lubrication driven by a small pump on the input shaft. If the driven wheels are turning and the drive to them from the transmission is still hooked up, the transmission will be wrecked.

In my case, it took about 1800 miles! It's a long time ago and it was a UK Ford, mechanically similar to the Pinto (rear wheel drive).

[wolfe10]

hanko wrote:
looking through the FMCA towing guide, I dont see a manual trans that cant be towed. If its a traditional clutch with a planetary gear transmission, I dont see a problem towing it. but as stated, check the owners manual

Yes there are some that can not be towed. Sometimes because of mechanical limitations, sometimes because of legal decisions by the vehicle manufacturer.

For example, you will not see any VW's or Mazdas towable 4 wheels down (per manufacturer's recommendations anyway).

[rk911]

ForestRiverTeach wrote:
Now that we've moved from a trailer to our Class A, we're thinking about what kind of Toad we'd like to get. It seems like more and more new automatic tranny cars can't be towed flat, so we're thinking about getting something with a manual transmission. It wouldn't be a daily driver, so we're not concerned about having to shift in high-traffic areas.

Are all manual transmission cars able to be towed flat?

Thanks!

check REMCO's database

[bsinmich]

ForestRiverTeach wrote:
Now that we've moved from a trailer to our Class A, we're thinking about what kind of Toad we'd like to get. It seems like more and more new automatic tranny cars can't be towed flat, so we're thinking about getting something with a manual transmission. It wouldn't be a daily driver, so we're not concerned about having to shift in high-traffic areas.

Are all manual transmission cars able to be towed flat?

Thanks!

I think there are many more automatics that are towable now than ever before. Most Fords, other than the Escape are towable, Lincoln, many GM vehicles, some Jeeps. I know I didn't mention any foreign cars but I grew up in Detroit and to me they don't count.

[wa8yxm]

There are indeed a good number of manual tranny rides that can not be towed. and a couple that can not even be TRAILERED without special actions (I mean full auto transport trailer no wheels down)

Best choce is go to the Remco Towing Store.. This page has, as I recall 3 main frames.

The one on the left is a questions frame (only about five or so) enter your vehicle year, make, model engine and transmission and such

The main frame then answers all your questions.

Except for the LP-1 device do not feel obligated to buy from Remco

ALso Remco used to make a drive shaft disconnect (For use on Rear Wheel Drive) and axel lock (Front Wheel Drive) which I like better than the LP-1

However my current car (A 2001 Dodge Neon SE 2.0 L 3-speed auto Front wheel drive) You can not use an axel lock because there is not enough room to operate it.. Thus I use the LP-1.. Works too.

On my older 1992 Lumina APV, before it died,, I loved that axle lock.

[jerseyjim]

Our first "toad" was a 1996 Ford Contour, 5 spd stick. The next was a 2007 Chevy HHR with automatic. Our current "toad" is a 2011 Ford Ranger, auto/4WD.

It's my understanding that most manual tranny cars can be towed 4 down with little to no modification. However, NOT the "all wheel drive" versions.

What you really need to do is RESEARCH thoroughly what vehicles can and cannot. Start with your owners manual. Then...what do you really want? Some cars can be towed 4-down...but you have to pull over every couple hundred miles to start the motor (get oil pumping in the tranny). Would you mind that inconvenience?
Others, like my Contour, HHR and Ranger require nothing like that at all.

Automatic tranny, is of course, more convenient....to say nothing of easier to sell when you're finished with it. However, these cars (automatics) seem to be harder to find. GM most likely has the most.

G'luck!

[gbopp]

You always have the option of a tow dolly.

I believe most front wheel drive cars can be dolly towed. That would increase your possibilities.

[hanko]

looking through the FMCA towing guide, I dont see a manual trans that cant be towed. If its a traditional clutch with a planetary gear transmission, I dont see a problem towing it. but as stated, check the owners manual

[mowermech]

ForestRiverTeach wrote:
Now that we've moved from a trailer to our Class A, we're thinking about what kind of Toad we'd like to get. It seems like more and more new automatic tranny cars can't be towed flat, so we're thinking about getting something with a manual transmission. It wouldn't be a daily driver, so we're not concerned about having to shift in high-traffic areas.

Are all manual transmission cars able to be towed flat?

Thanks!

NO! Always check the Owners Manual for "recreational Towing".
No matter who tells you it can be towed, no matter what list you look at, ALWAYS check the Owners Manual, and believe what it tells you!

[JimM68]

check the motorhome magazine towing guide at motorhome.com

And regardless, always check in the owners manual of the car you're thinking of buying, under "recreational towing"