Tow Vehicles

H3-45 · October 28, 2011, 06:18:18 PM

Hello All,

I am new to the board and shopping for my Dream Coach,However I was wondering what you use as a vehicle to tow behind your coach and why you chose it. I am a big fella so a car is out so I am thinking of some kind of S.U.V. what do I have to do to tow a vehicle with a automatic trans. behind the coach? I am trying to stay away from the trailer thing and don't like the looks of a tow dolly either. I see vehicles towed on all 4 wheels all the time ,I just don't know what to do in order not to damage the drivetrain of the vehicle. Any help appreciated!!

Robert

Lin · October 28, 2011, 06:24:56 PM

We have a Jeep Cherokee w/ automatic. Excellent toad.

H3-45 · October 28, 2011, 06:27:00 PM

What do you have to do to the vehicle to tow it,Just put it in neutral?

Robert

robertglines1 · October 28, 2011, 06:29:05 PM

Chev HHR automatic put it in neutral leave key in switch so steering is unlocked. Think you can do with bigger Equinox with same transmission.

Lin · October 28, 2011, 06:36:02 PM

For the Cherokee, you can leave it in park but put the transfer case in neutral. You may have to have the key in to unlock the steering though. The car has its own steering damper, so wild wobbling is not an issue.

H3-45 · October 28, 2011, 06:41:35 PM

Thank you for the replies,I was afraid the trans would not get lubricated without the engine running and maybe lockup. So about any SUV it would be OK to tow as long as I unlock the wheels and put it in neutral.

Robert

bobofthenorth · October 28, 2011, 06:44:05 PM

Quote from: H3-45 on October 28, 2011, 06:41:35 PM
Thank you for the replies,I was afraid the trans would not get lubricated without the engine running and maybe lockup. So about any SUV it would be OK to tow as long as I unlock the wheels and put it in neutral.

Robert

Absolutely not.

There is a very short list of vehicles with automatic transmissions that you can get away with towing in neutral. I think one of the hitch manufacturers has a list of such vehicles on their website - Blue Ox maybe.

H3-45 · October 28, 2011, 06:45:47 PM

OK Thanks for that info.,I will look and see what I can Find.

Robert

Charles in SC · October 28, 2011, 06:47:21 PM

I have a 1965 Ford Econoline with a 3 speed on the tree. I just put it in neutral.

luvrbus · October 28, 2011, 06:54:38 PM

For a big guy the GMC Envoy is a good tow vehicle wider doors and more room than a Jeep Cherokee easy to ready for tow

good luck

usbusin · October 28, 2011, 06:57:45 PM

I tow a 2008 Ford Taurus X SUV. Put it in neutral, key to accessory and go. The 2009 is the same; made for towing. Plenty of room for all our musical instruments including upright bass and sound system.

H3-45 · October 28, 2011, 07:00:13 PM

I am a Ford Guy, I will check into the taurus. Thanks for the info.

Robert

Ed Hackenbruch · October 28, 2011, 07:38:35 PM

Robert, for ANY rig you are looking at....Make sure it has an owners manual for that year and model, and READ the section on towing!!!!! Anybody can say oh yeah, sure, you can tow that. But YOU will be the one that has to pay for the new tranny or transfer case, not them. I also have a Jeep with an auto tranny and just have to put it into park and the transfer in nuetral. However for my year of jeep they had 2 different types of 4x4 system and there is a slight difference in how you do it. A few years ago one of our neighbors bought a new jeep and he did not read the manual for it, just did it the same way as his older jeep and it cost him 4 grand for a new tranny.

H3-45 · October 28, 2011, 07:42:31 PM

Ed,
Thanks for the info., That is what I am afraid of is burning up the tranny and or transfer case. I've got some good info tonight,and think I am going to check out the Ford taurus.

Robert

Ace · October 28, 2011, 07:54:55 PM

Quote from: robertglines1 on October 28, 2011, 06:29:05 PM
Chev HHR automatic put it in neutral leave key in switch so steering is unlocked. Think you can do with bigger Equinox with same transmission.

Robert, the HHR manual says your supposed to put the car in neutral and pull a certain fuse that disengages the digital dash. Can't remember what fuse right off but I do remember it saying that.
It didn't mention anything about a driveshaft disconnect or pump so its probably not needed!
Ace