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Old 01-24-2020, 01:41 PM   #1
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AWD or 4WD For Dolly Tow

We tow various FWD cars behind our Monaco DP using our American Car Dolly. We love having this flexibility.

For exploring, what SUV options are there with AWD or 4WD that we can dolly tow? Manual is fine. We were hoping the Toyota Highlander AWD hybrid (electric motor driven uncoupled rear wheels) would work, but Toyota won't confirm.

Mike and Deb Fry
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Old 01-24-2020, 02:09 PM   #2
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Install a rear driveshaft disconnect and tow most 4WD or AWD models.

Otherwise, you may get away with a transfer case that shifts to 2WD and neutral.
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Old 01-24-2020, 02:15 PM   #3
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There are very few, if any, 4WD or AWD vehicles that can be dolly towed as the transfer cases are not designed for the speed differential between the moving rear wheels and stationary front wheels.
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Old 01-24-2020, 02:40 PM   #4
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...often hear about the issue of not putting AWDs and 4WDs on dollies....know at least one friend who says he has dollied his "old" Wrangler for years -- "with no issues!" Guess that could be so if they had manual locked out front hubs??????
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Old 01-24-2020, 02:47 PM   #5
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I flat tow my 17 F150 FX4... just toss the transfer case into neutral, leave the shift selector in neutral and off we go!! Upon destination arrival, unhook and head out to the local eateries!!
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Old 01-24-2020, 02:52 PM   #6
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Interesting, many manufactures require the tranny to be in gear or in park, I assume' to keep tranny from any rotation.....guess, in the event of a transfer case failure. it would allow tranny to spin, if in neutral??????
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Old 01-24-2020, 03:02 PM   #7
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Interesting, many manufactures require the tranny to be in gear or in park, I assume' to keep tranny from any rotation.....guess, in the event of a transfer case failure. it would allow tranny to spin, if in neutral??????
The transfer case actually disengages both the rear and front driveshafts so they spin freely. Just did a 2500 mile trip at 65/67 MPH and no issues. The portable braking system (set up in the truck) also helps to bring the F150 to a smooth stop and even a panic stop!! "Freaks the wife out" on how quick I can come to a stop. Click image for larger version

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Old 01-24-2020, 03:50 PM   #8
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...think the issue with dollies is that while the two drive shafts are disengaged from the tranny output shaft, they are not from each other....so the differential speed between the rear shaft spinning at hi-way speed and the front shaft stationary is a problem???????
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Old 01-24-2020, 06:02 PM   #9
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The Highlander hybrid uses an electric motor on each rear wheel as a direct drive. When the vehicle coasts, the motors are freewheeling. It also uses regenerative breaking. Toyota won't confirm it can be dolly towed. Perhaps there are differential speed sensors that would try to apply the brakes even with the key in the off position. Toyota will not confirm anything.

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Old 01-24-2020, 09:16 PM   #10
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AWD or 4WD For Dolly Tow

My 2018 Colorado owners manual states it can be dolly towed with the transfer case in neutral (forward or backward). However, I flat tow it.
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