Ford Aspire Automatic

[johnsey22]

I need to tow an automatic Ford Aspire behind my Class-C motorhome and have been told I need to install an axle-lock or a driveshaft disconnect. Both of these cost over $500. I don't have this right now to spend and would like to know if I can manually disconnect the driveshaft myself (I'm a pretty good auto mechanic) or if I could possibly tow this vehicle with the engine running to allow lubrication to the transmission while in tow. Thanks for any help/advice. Jill

[johnsey22]

I need to tow an automatic Ford Aspire behind my Class-C motorhome and have been told I need to install an axle-lock or a driveshaft disconnect. Both of these cost over $500. I don't have this right now to spend and would like to know if I can manually disconnect the driveshaft myself (I'm a pretty good auto mechanic) or if I could possibly tow this vehicle with the engine running to allow lubrication to the transmission while in tow. Thanks for any help/advice. Jill

[Gary RVRoamer]

The Aspire is a front wheel drive, isn't it? I towed a manual Aspire for a brief time (no mods necessary), but never looked at an automatic. Is it easy to disconnect a front drive transaxle?

Seems to me like the easiest solution is to run the engine while towing it. The Aspire uses so little fuel, you probably won't even notice. I would stop periodically and run it through the gears, though, so that hydraulic fluid circulated to all part of the tranny.