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Article 2 in Series
4
Wheels Down Towing
Towing 4 wheels down is the preferred towing method. In my opinion any
vehicle that does not require an additional driveline device is
recommended.
We have been installing tow systems for nearly 20 years. In the beginning the
choices were very limited. If you wanted to tow 4 wheels down,
the choice was either a Honda or something with a manual transmission. Now there
are many more choices.
There are also some driveline devices that can be added to make nearly any
vehicle towable.
Remco manufacturing makes several devices that enable some vehicles to be towed
that otherwise cannot be towed.
They offer a lube pump system that will lubricate the transmission form an
electrical pump during towing.
These will work on front wheel drive vehicles and some 4 wheel drive vehicles.
This is not a method I prefer.
There are a variety of potential problems with this system due to the complex
use of electronics. They also have an axle lock
which mechanically unlocks a front wheel drive axle to release the transmission
from turning.
The 3rd product they offer is a driveshaft release system to mechanically
disconnect a driveshaft of a rear wheel drive vehicle.
All these systems require additional expense and operating difficulties compared
to using a vehicle that does not require them.
When
I search for my personal vehicle to tow, I look for a vehicle that can be towed
without any additional devices.
There are several cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles with automatic
transmissions that are now capable of being towed without additional driveline
devices.
I have access to a list of towable vehicles. If you have specific questions
please post in our RV
Forum
and I will respond.
To
tow your vehicle, you will need a tow bar, base plates, some type of rear lights
and most likely a braking system.
There are a variety of tow bars and base plates on the market.
We deal with Blue Ox, Demco, and Roadmaster. My favorite is Blue Ox.
I am very picky about the products I install on my personal vehicle and in my
opinion Blue Ox base plates look far better than any others.
They are finished nicer and are less intrusive when not towing. They are also
the easiest to operate.
All 3 companies make very nice tow bars. I prefer a folding self aligning tow
bar that remains folded on the RV when not in use.
I choose either a Blue Ox or Demco tow bar. Either will fit Blue Ox base plates.
Roadmaster also has some very nice tow bars,
however they require an adapter to be used with Blue Ox base plates. Tow bars
are available for different weight capacities.
Be certain to purchase a tow bar with the proper weight rating for your vehicle.
Vehicle weight is typically found in the owners manual.
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