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Old 06-30-2011, 08:52 PM   #1
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Question 1st time towing with tow bar need info

We have decided to use a stowmaster to pull our 2005 Ford Focus (manual shift). We will be leaving on vacation in the middle of July. We know to put the transmission in neutral. Do we need to lock the steering wheel or unlock it? Do we need to start the car and let it run for awhile when we are stopped? Any suggestions are appreciated!!

Thank you
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Old 06-30-2011, 08:54 PM   #2
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I don't tow yet but just bought a 2011 CRV and all the instructions are in the owners manual, I would look there first, under towing or towing with a Motorhome
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Old 06-30-2011, 08:59 PM   #3
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Unlock the wheel so that the car will steer and follow the RV.
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Old 06-30-2011, 09:11 PM   #4
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Unlock the wheel so that the car will steer and follow the RV.
J
Yes unlocked, not sure about that model but I leave the ignition key in the accessory position so the battery doesn't go dead.
I run my engine through the gears every 300 miles, but I have and auto trans. Not sure if that will help for a manual.
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Old 07-01-2011, 05:25 AM   #5
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towing

I leave my key in the on position, do not lock the steering wheel. Before you start to pull and are hooked up, Put transmission in reverse for 15 seconds, then shift to lowest gear for 15 seconds, then next lowest gear and soforth until you have gone through all the gears (of course assuming you have an automatic transmission) do not go from reverse to nuertral as your last as your last shift. I was told there is something about doing this that will not allow the fluid to go through the rest of the gears. my two cents
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Old 07-01-2011, 10:33 AM   #6
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The OP stated he has a manual transmission.
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Old 07-01-2011, 10:38 AM   #7
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Remco says: Towable as is. Follow procedures in the Owner's Manual.
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Old 07-01-2011, 10:39 AM   #8
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The OP stated he has a manual transmission.
I understand that, but I don't know if running through the gears on a manual trans will or will not benefit him. I do know that some manual transmissions will only lubricate by splashing oil into the gears when driving them.
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Old 07-01-2011, 06:08 PM   #9
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I can not comment on the transmission but by all means unlock the wheel, it has to "Track" else you will tear up the front wheels something fierce.

Page 2: Do use aux brakes if you do not already have them..

Page 3: DO NOT BACK UP

Page 4, and this is the most important one on the list: ENJOY!!!!
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Old 07-01-2011, 06:46 PM   #10
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1st time towing

Thanks everybody for your help!! We know more than we did, and really appreciate all the comments.

Thanks again and HAPPY CAMPING!!!!!

George
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