'97 Suzuki Sidekick 4WD-towing and tire wear
I tow a '97 Suzuki Sidekick, automatic with 4WD. We tow it using a Roadmaster towbar
behind our Class A MH. I have questions regarding proper towing setup and excessive/uneven tire wear on the front tires.
The Suzuki owner's manual for tow setup states to put the front wheels in "free wheeling position". Put the transmission from two-wheel High into Neutral position. I've been doing both these steps. Put the shifting lever into PARK - per the manual. Been doing this too.
Then insert the ignition key and turn to ACC position on the column. Now I'm ready to tow.
I've been experiencing significant uneven wear on my fairly new front tires. Both tires are almost bald on 2/3ds of the outside of each tire. Only the inside 1/3 (or even less) of the tires have "like almost new" tread remaining. These tires have approx.10,000 miles on them.
I wonder if I should be putting the car in Neutral, instead of PARK as the owner's manual states, and if this is what is causing the excessive and uneven front tire wear?
I'm having to replace one of the front tires now due to hitting a rock in the road and blowing the tire on our latest RV trip.
I will be getting a front end alignment too, BTW.
Also, is there any additional towing aid/equipment that I should purchase to assist/enhance the TOAD towing and turning; or will the alignment and putting the car in NEUTRAL vs PARK solve the tire wear issue?
Thanks
Jim, Merlin OR, '06 Pace Arrow 37C
|