Newbie to toad hauling

[Winnie 2000]

Hello all, I'm a bit confused about towing my toad. I will be using a Blu Ox Patriot for the brakes on my 4Runner. Is the ignition left on so the steering is free to turn and the tranny is in neutral. I've read about putting a marker on the steering wheel so to see if it is centered after turning so I assume the steering is free to turn. So with the ignition on how does your toad battery not discharge? Please explain Toad 101.

Peter & Judy

[Vegasdan]

Are you sure your 4Runner is towable 4 down? It's not listed in the 2003 towable guide. If you can, then leave the switch in a possition that keeps the steering wheel unlocked and find a fuse to pull.

[paz]

Read your owners manual for info on towability and the proper procedure. Look for a section called "Recreational Towing" or something similar.

If the 4Runner is not towable as is, you may need to contact Remco to see if they have a lube pump or drive shaft disconnect.

[Gary RVRoamer]

The ignition key should be unlocked, but not necessarily "ON". Some vehicles have an unlock position that does not turn most of the major power circuits on. Others do not, and some of those may have a problem running the battery down and require pulling a fuse or even disconnecting the battery.

As the others have said, Toyota does not approve of towing the 4 Runner 4-down.

[Winnie 2000]

Thanks all for your comments. I will be installing a drive shaft disconnect from Remco. This is the reason Toyota doesn't recommend towing on all 4. I've had contact with several folks that have installed the disconnect and say it works fine. I'll check into the fuse issue. Thanks again

[lonestarace]

We tow our 07 2WD Toy FJ Cruiser. We have the Remco disconnect and shifter. Our steering doesn't lock with the ignition key in the OFF position as long as we don't pull the key out of the ignition.
Don