Community Forums

twolfe · 02-27-2012, 09:16 PM

We have a Monaco motorhome with a tow dolly and want to tow a manual transmission truck in neutral just like we toe our front wheel drive car.... We have been told everything from A to Z.... Is this possible??

Mr_D · 02-27-2012, 09:21 PM

Yes, it's possible but no dolly manufacturer says it's OK. They all say it shouldn't be done.

Heater · 02-27-2012, 09:52 PM

Is the truck 2wd?

1ciderdog · 02-28-2012, 09:51 AM

Do you have the pick up or one in mind and if so what year and model?
Safe Travels
Bob

dls461 · 02-28-2012, 10:14 AM

Yes it can be towed. Make sure you turn the key to ACC to unlock the steering wheel as well. Read the owners manual of the truck as they may stipulate the pulling of a fuse as well. You may also want to investigate a supplemental braking system as well. Some states base in the towed vehicle weight require them and Canada requires them on all towed vehicles. If 4wd make sure the xsfer case is in neutral as well.

daveshan · 02-28-2012, 11:37 AM

I'd be very careful, even though the front wheels will not be turning the rear ones will, spinning the driveshaft and transmission output shaft. Some manual transmissions don't like being towed as there is no lube going to the output shaft bearings. If it's 2wd check the owner's manual to see if it can be flat towed, if so you should be OK on a dolly. You can always remove the driveshaft from the diff' flange/yoke and strap it up.

Also if it's 4wd read the manual, some 4wd vehicles can not be towed on a dolly, all of our Jeeps specifically prohibit towing with the front wheels on a dolly as it will damage the transfer case.

1ciderdog · 02-28-2012, 01:11 PM

The book for my CRV (4 wheel drive) says to two four down and to NOT use a dolly. I'd sure suggest you look closely at the owners manual of the vehicle you plan on towing.
Safe Travels
Bob

daveshan · 02-28-2012, 01:14 PM

^ Yep, I've personally never seen a 4wd that can be dolly towed, I said "some" just because I haven't seen them all

When in doubt, ask the owner's manual or factory rep' the internet is great for many things, taking advice from strangers and risking damage that will cost thousands probably isn't one of them.

scenic route · 02-28-2012, 02:41 PM

Try the folks here... Towing Products by Remco, Driveline, Drive Axle Disconnect and Lube Pump. Worry free towing! - Drivetrain.com

Without knowing year, make, model of your truck, I doubt anyone can answer your question with any degree of certainty. Bob

twolfe · 02-28-2012, 06:11 PM

It's a 2006 Nissan Frontier 2WD pick up truck.....

chuckinthebus · 02-28-2012, 06:21 PM

2WD. Why couldn't you tow it backwards with front wheels down and steering locked? No drive train turning to worry with.

TXiceman · 02-28-2012, 06:37 PM

Towing the truck backwards puts some undue stress on the suspension. The alignment is set to go forward and not backward. You will probably experience tire wear and possibly instability. The steering wheel lock is not designed for the loads that will be placed on it and can lead to the lock jamming. I would leave the wheel unlocked and tie the steering wheel in a straight posit ...but I still say do not do it.

Ken

Big Bear Local · 02-28-2012, 07:20 PM

I read somewhere that it was unlawful to tow backwards. I may be wrong. I have been before.

wa8yxm · 02-29-2012, 11:44 AM

WHY WOULD you tow a stick shift truck anything but 4-DOWN.. I mean why mess with the dolly and the hassle of getting properly centered and strapping down the wheels and all that and then re-checking them when all you need to do is get close, extend the bars, hook up two pins, plug in the brakes and lights and,, TOW?