Towing the Tracker question

[Tjekkers]

Hello again. Now that we are all set with the Blue Ox towbar and baseplate installed, I have another question to ask the experts (that would be you!). The GM Dinghy Towing guide says to put my manual trans in 2nd gear to tow four down. Why shouldn't it be in neutral? That would seem to make more sense. Gary

[Tjekkers]

Hello again. Now that we are all set with the Blue Ox towbar and baseplate installed, I have another question to ask the experts (that would be you!). The GM Dinghy Towing guide says to put my manual trans in 2nd gear to tow four down. Why shouldn't it be in neutral? That would seem to make more sense. Gary

[Gary RVRoamer]

Your Tracker is a 4WD model, I hope. With the transfer case in neutral, it would not seem to make any difference what gear the tranny is in, since it is disconnected from the wheels anyway.

If it's a 2WD model, don't tow in second - you could blow the engine when you reach highway speeds.

My Trackers have been automatics and they are towed with the tranny in park and transfer case in neutral.

[Bubba-B]

Gary,
We have been towing a 97 Tracker 4x4 convertible, and it is a manual transmission with hubs. We tow ours with the transmission in 3rd gear, and transfer case in neutral with the front hubs in free wheeling. Then every 200 miles you need to stop and start the engine and let it run for at least a minute or so per the owners manual. We have been doing this for over five years with no problems.
Now I have a question. I am looking to buy a 2003 Tracker 4x4 convertible with a manual transmission. I am not sure yet if it has manual hubs and if not can it be towed? Does anyone know what the procedure is when it comes to towing the newer Tracker,
Bubba-B

[Gary RVRoamer]

Check the owner manual for the 2003. My 2003 is the 4 door hardtop, which may be a different system than the 2 door convertible. Both my 2000 and my 2003 4 door 4x had electric hubs, operated automatically when the transfer case was shifted. As I recall, the 2 door models had the manual hubs, at least for a few years after the electrics came out in the 4 door models.