Community Forums

oldSarge98 · 08-28-2017, 11:06 AM

Up front: Are most if not all standard transmission and or 4WD small trucks 4down towable?

We are in the market for a dinghy vehicle.

Option one is to sell our 2005 Chevy Silverado 2500HD (Duramax) and get a small truck to replace it as my daily driver to work and light utility vehicle to be also used as a toad when we camp/travel.

Option two is to find a way to purchase something like a 2014 or earlier Honda CR-V. This is a budget problem probably involving pulling some Roth funds.

Option three dinghy tow our nearly brand new 2017 Honda CR-V on a dolly. Maybe not an option at all but just putting it out there.

powerboatr · 08-28-2017, 11:33 AM

i am a ford guy
most f150 4wd trucks are 4 down towable. exceptions are few.
expedition 4wd is as well, which what we have

https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas...wing_Guide.pdf
page 13...right from the horse

redcolorado · 08-28-2017, 11:47 AM

Chevrolet 4X4 trucks that have a neutral on the transfer case are towable 4 down. My toad and daily drive is a 2015 Colorado Z71 4X4.

oldSarge98 · 08-28-2017, 12:01 PM

Our coach has a 5,000 lb tow limit so a full size pickup would rapidly exceed our limit. I'll be looking at a Ranger, S10, Colorado size puckup.

Do I understand correctly that generally most manual transmissions can be towed 4down?

Sunny1 · 08-28-2017, 12:09 PM

My dad towed a Ford Ranger 4x4 four down for many years - it was a manual transmission. He also had a canopy over the pickup bed, which was nice for hauling bikes and things while keeping them secure and out of the wet weather.

oldSarge98 · 08-28-2017, 01:10 PM

So, can a 2WD small pickup with manual transmission be towed 4down without having to fiddle with the drive shaft? Alternatively, can a 4WD automatic be towed similarly if the hubs are unlocked?

Glenn and Kathy · 08-28-2017, 01:29 PM

The CR-V can be towed on a dolly only if it is 2W drive. If all wheel Drive It can't be used as a toad at all.

There are lots of variables in the Manual transmission tow ability question you would pretty much read the owners manuals. Some 4WD have neutral position some don't, again read the manual. I know the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon have a neutral equipped transfer case available. Not sure if all are so equipped.

Basically there is a little of everything out there, hope someone comes up with the perfect answer for you here.

Glenn

Cousin Ed · 08-28-2017, 01:31 PM

You have to read the owners' manual for each truck to see if it's tow-able. We towed a 2005 Colorado 4x4 Crew (4200 lb. with full fuel) for about 70,000 miles. It was a great truck and toad.

vettenuts · 08-28-2017, 02:29 PM

I am waiting to see what the new Ford Ranger offers when it comes out prior to getting a new vehicle

oldSarge98 · 08-28-2017, 02:33 PM

Good info, thanks all for the responses. I would love to get a decent used Ranger or Colorado that can be towed 4down 2WD or 4WD.

bruce91 · 08-28-2017, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by newsomer

Do I understand correctly that generally most manual transmissions can be towed 4down?

Not all manual transmissions trucks are 4 down towable. If i remember when i was looking for my truck it had something to do with some not spinning the necessary gears to keep it lubricated.

I wound up with a nice 2010 Ford ranger.

Here is a link with downloadable dinghy guidlines by year. Happy searching.

gthunts · 08-28-2017, 08:19 PM

Suggest you look for a 4x4 with a neutral switch on the transfer case AND a steering wheel that does not lock when you turn the vehicle off and remove the key. I tow a Chevy Colorado 4x4 and it works great. Put the transfer case in neutral, transmission in park, turn it off and remove the key. Hit the road.