Vehicle Towing
TOWING
Proper lifting and towing are necessary to prevent damage to the vehicle. State and local laws must be followed.
When a vehicle is towed on its front wheels, lock the steering wheel in a straight ahead position with a steering wheel clamp.
On 4x2 vehicles, it is acceptable to tow the vehicles with the front wheels on the ground and the rear wheels off the ground.
On 4x4 vehicles, it is recommended that the vehicle be towed with a wheel lift or flatbed equipment.
Do not tow with sling belt equipment.
WARNING: When disconnecting/connecting the propeller shaft, the parking brake must be set and the wheels must be blocked to ensure the vehicle does not roll during this procedure.
Front Towing
Before the vehicle is towed on its front wheels, release the parking brake and put the gearshift (both manual and automatic) in N (Neutral). If the transmission is malfunctioning, place the front wheels on dollies or disconnect the front propeller shaft. If the transfer case is malfunctioning, disconnect the front propeller shaft from the axle and secure or place the front wheels on dollies.
Rear Towing
Before the vehicle is towed on its rear wheels, release the parking brake and put the gearshift (both manual and automatic) in N (Neutral). If the transmission is malfunctioning, place the rear wheels on dollies or disconnect the rear propeller shaft. If the transfer case is malfunctioning, disconnect the rear propeller shaft from the axle and secure or place the rear wheels on dollies.
Towing Two-wheel Drive Vehicles
Towing with the rear wheels off the ground
For manual or automatic transmissions:
1. Place the transmission in N (Neutral).
2. Lock the steering wheel straight ahead.
3. Do not exceed 55 mph (88 km/h).
Towing a vehicle with a manual transmission with all four wheels on the ground or with the front wheels off the ground:
1. Place the transmission in N (Neutral)
2. There is no limitation on the distance you can tow a vehicle with a manual transmission.
3. Do not exceed the maximum speed limited by the towing equipment manufacturer's recommendations.
Towing a vehicle with an automatic transmission with all four wheels on the ground or with the front wheels off the ground:
1. Place the transmission in N (Neutral)
2. Do not drive faster than 35 mph (56 km/h)
3. Do not tow farther than 50 miles (80 km)
NOTE: If you must tow farther than 50 miles (80 km) or faster than 35 mph (56 km/h) you must disconnect the propeller shaft Even with the propeller shaft disconnected, you should not exceed 55 mph (88 km/h).
Towing Four-wheel Drive Vehicles
On 4x4 vehicles, it is recommended that the vehicle be towed with a wheel lift or flatbed equipment
Towing a vehicle with a manual transmission with all four wheels on the ground:
1. Place the transmission in N (Neutral)
2. There is no limitation on distance
3. Maximum speed is limited by the towing equipment manufacturer's recommendations
Towing a vehicle with an electronic shift control system transfer case.
For manual or automate transmissions
1. Place the transmission in N (Neutral)
2. Place the transfer case in two-wheel drive.
NOTE: With the ignition in the ON position, both the 4x4 and 4x4 LOW lights will be off when the transfer case is in 2WD.
3. Lock the steering wheel straight ahead if the vehicle is to be towed with the rear wheels off the ground If you tow a vehicle with the rear wheels off the ground, the front axle automatic locking hubs must first be disengaged by shifting the transfer case to 2WD.
4. Do not tow faster than 55 mph (88 km/h).
NOTE: Confirm by observation that the front propeller shaft is not rotating prior to towing with the rear wheels off the ground.
For automatic transmission:
When towing a vehicle with the rear wheels on the ground or all four wheels on the ground and the propeller shafts connected, do not exceed 35 mph (56 km/h) or transmission damage could result If a distance of 50 miles (80 km) is exceeded, disengage the automatic locking hubs and disconnect the rear propeller shaft from the axle and secure (Maximum speed is 55 mph (88 km/h) with propeller shafts disconnected ).
For manual transmissions:
When towing a vehicle with the rear wheels on the ground and the driveshafts connected, do not exceed 55 mph (80 km/h) If a distance of 50 miles (80 km) is exceeded, disengage the automatic locking hubs.
WARNING: Never use a tow bar that attaches to the bumper when towing your vehicle. You could damage the bumper and cause an accident.
If the ignition key is not available to unlock the steering column place a dolly under the rear wheels and tow the vehicle with the front wheels raised When a vehicle is towed on its front wheels lock the steering wheel in a straight ahead position with a steering wheel clamp Do not use the vehicle's steering column lock to secure the wheels in a straight ahead position when pulled from the rear.