Will Flat Towing Hurt My Transmission?

Why is it that some vehicles can be flat towed, while other vehicles' transmissions essentially blow up at the thought? Is YOUR vehicle safe to tow behind a motorhome? It all depends on your vehicle and drivetrain. I'll break it down for you in this video.

Thanks for watching!

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00:00 - Intro / CHECK YOUR OWNER'S MANUAL
00:31 - What determines if a transmission will be damaged?
01:41 - Is your transmission flat towable?
02:43 - Driveshaft disconnects

[bryang]

As far as the GMC Canyon 4X4 and Jeep Wrangler 4X4, if you flat tow, the transfer case should be in neutral, and the transmission should be in park. If you can push the vehicle by hand and it rolls while the transmission shift is in park, then it should be safe to flat tow. You can never go wrong by following the owner's manual. Flat towing is very common for RVing and usually done behind a motorhome. The most popular flat tow vehicle is the Jeep Wranglers, but it all depends on the owner's manual of that specific model vehicle. As far as I know, the safest way is having the transfer case in neutral and transmission in park while flat towing. Also, if your vehicle has a steering wheel lock, then you need to leave the key in the ignition on ACC mode and disconnect the battery so the steering wheel will not lock.

[mrwiffelure]

Can u tow a rear wheel drive & auto trans without disconnecting drive shaft if car engine is ideling at all times?

[cumulo]

I'm sure they have the technology to make an EV able to be flat towed, but they just don't want to spend the money to implement it into the design.

[Alanb_]

How about a 2021, 6 speed manual transmission Mini Cooper S? I've seen many people tow these with an RV (like my Jayco Class C) and Blue Ox has the car listed on their online catalog, but want to make certain. I hear varying opinions and would go with a tow dolly if it is a better option. I do not want to do any damage to the car.

[janioordonz]

I have a 2007 ford explorer RWD and it was towed around 3 miles, the mechanic told me it was slipping so now i gotta get it checked. not even sure if you can flat tow this transmission

[MikeB.Gordey-ko]

I have a 2024 chevy colorado trail boss 4x4. 4 hi, 4 low, 2 hi and auto. How do I put it in flat tow operation?

[elanceballos]

Hi I have 2016 jeep patriot 5 speed manual transmission 4x4 can be flat towing if in neutral

[michaeldunagan]

I do not understand how you say there are no moving parts when towing in a flat-neutral while the driveshaft is not disconnected. If nothing else: the output-shaft of the transmission will be turning! How is its bearing supposed to be getting lubrication while the engine is not running and the driveshaft is not disconnected? .

[jf]

How about a vehicle such as a Subaru Sambar 5 speed manual all wheel drive? The vehicle has no external cooling of trans fluid. it is essentially a synchronous trans like in old VW bus.

[leatherneck]

Not able to find info on flat towing a 2002 F150 4x4 even in owners manual, any idea?

[plorks]

Can a CVT be flat towed for a fairly short distance, less than 2 miles if in neutral and the engine is running?

I'm trying to think of safe ways to help people stuck in snow or on icy roads.

[BruinHerr-bjuk]

I just flip the vehicle upside down and drag it on the roof.