So I got a transfer from Memphis to Seattle. Will be moving late November. I have to tow my 1997 Toyota Tacoma 2wd w/ manual tranny. I got a really good deal on a tow dolly to put behind the 26ft Penske truck. So I really don't want to have to disconnect the drive shaft. My question is do you guys thing it would be ok to tow 2,400 miles without removing the drive shaft? I was thinking I could just put the trans in neutral.

Any thoughts, comments would be appreciated.

 

Many vehicles CANNOT be towed with their drive wheels on the ground. For the most part, this applies to automatic equipped vehicles. In fact you can destroy an automatic transmission within a few miles if the drive wheels are turning even if the car is in neutral. You need either a disconnect or a lube pump.

I know there are a some manual equipped vehicles that also need to have their drive wheels off the ground. For the most part, however, a number can be towed safely. What does your owner's manual state?

I have trailers that I use to tow vehicles, but once in awhile I've had to tow something that couldn't be loaded onto a trailer. I've always disconnected the driveshaft even if the vehicle was a manual shift and have never had a problem. That being said, there are some towing reference sites which claim various vehicles do not need to have a driveshaft disconnect.

Check out the following:

http://www.remcotowing.com/vehicles

 

Thanks for the link. I'll check it out. I'm going to call penske back and see what it would cost to upgrade to the trailer.

 

So Penske only wants $98.00 more for the car carrier. That web site you listed said I could tow my truck as is. So all I would have to do is put it in neutral.

So should I pay the extra $98.00 or just tow it on the dolly? What to do, what to do.

 

If it was me... I'd spend the $98 without hesitation. Why risk it for under $100? Much cheaper then a new tranny

Honestly, if it was me I'd have it shipped. Can't be more then $600-$800... then I wouldn't even need to worry about it and I know it would get there no problem. Better gas mileage in the moving truck, no worries about towing a vehicle, they're insured... etc.

 

i would pay the 98 for peace of mind. Throw it in your taxes as a relocation expense

 

As jb and phee mentioned, it would be worth it to pay the additional $98.00. Another consideration are lights. If you pull the Toyota on a dolly, you'll still need the proper brake, clearance, and signal light setup. An additional expense. On a car trailer all of this is already installed and working.

 

Every tow dolly i have used has had proper brake lights and blinkers.

Any reason you couldnt put the vehicle on backwards? Many tow this way to keep the drive wheels from turning.

 

Well i just ordered a new set of Hankook Ventus R-S3's. They will be going on Tuesday. They have a treadwear of 140. So i can either wast $100.00 in rubber or just pay the $98 and not have to worry about it at all. I think I will change my order today.


Thanks

 

Yeah, the additional $98 is definitely justifiable for the peace of mind. I'm a cheap bastard and I would fork it over to protect the car just in case.

Hell of a drive from Memphis to Seattle, though.