Community Forums

aether_one · 06-30-2017, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GermanDawg

I have the owners manual but I don't have it in front of me but what would the difference be in having the transfer case in neutral and towing with it the front wheels on a dolly or flat towing? There is no lubrication / cooling going on when the transfer case is in neutral and when the transfer case is in neutral the traction control is limited to the limited slip differential which will not be "engaged" as there would be no loss of traction at any wheel because none are being driven.

I am only asking out of interest. I can't come up with a mechanical reason why any car that could be flat towed could not be dolly towed other than the possibility of irregular tire wear due to loads be distributed in a manner outside of design or the angle of the vehicle and a different center of gravity than it was designed with. Unless I am mistaken when the transfer case is in neutral on this vehicle and it is being towed the vehicle is free wheeling with only the front and rear axles spinning in their bearings. There is no interlock between the front axle and the rear axle of any kind when the transfer case is in neutral and the ignition is off.

I am not going to be able to tow my Tahoe anyway because it is simply too much weight for the dolly and the MH. For the most part I can rent a car wherever we go and not have to worry about it but I would like to take the MH to Canada duck hunting some day and that will require a 4 WD vehicle which can be rented but is not supposed to be used as a 4 WD.

Because the transfer case is not designed to have one axle rotating at 60+ mph while the other axle is stationary for extended periods. It is designed for small differences in axle rotation speeds for limited times.

Must be why you kept saying "break".

Rockwood27 · 06-30-2017, 10:57 AM

The front and rear axles turn the transfer case gears. I don't believe that they can turn at different rates.

jondrew55 · 07-01-2017, 06:31 AM

My dad made many a midnight emergency pick up trips for me, so when I get the call from my kids I figure it's a pay it forward deal.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waiter21

You're not missing anything, Its a personal preference that only you can decide whats right for you.

I do both: I tow my Camry on an ACME dolly, but I prefer to flat tow my Saturn Vue.

Flat tow is a lot more convenient to hook up and unhook.

Dolly tow offers a lot more versatility in what can be towed.

i.e. I also run the defacto company "Dads Automotive and Roadside Service Company". When one of the kids car breaks, They call on dad to come get it.

mpierce · 07-07-2017, 06:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tfryman

Because the transfer case is not designed to have one axle rotating at 60+ mph while the other axle is stationary for extended periods. It is designed for small differences in axle rotation speeds for limited times.

Must be why you kept saying "break".

Exactly.

JohnBoyToo · 07-07-2017, 07:04 AM

no contest IMHO - 4 down is SO much less of a bother !

And think you might be a bit off on the weight of a wrangler, depending on the model...
our `14 4 door JKU weighs in at 4400 stock and 4840 with the base plate, etc... and heavier wheels and tires that were mandatory to make it look less 'wimpy' in my wife's opinion