I have just bought an XR4x4, lucky me, but I need to tow it home. I have a 3 litre 24v Volvo to tow with so no problem there, I have a 3 tonne A frame, so again, no problem there, here is the problem, do I need to disconnect the prop? I know that you shouldn't tow most 4WD cars but what about these? I have to tow it just under 60 miles, any help?

If its manual then stick it in neutral, no problem, if auto (not sure they made these) then you would really need to remove both props unless you did not care about the gearbox.

Towing an auto is bad as you are not spinning the gearbox oil pump so risk stuffing the bearings.

Regards Mark


[Edited on 8/8/10 by mark chandler]

It's a manual, know you can tow an auto for only 30 miles at 30 mph, not sure about about 4x4's though. thanks for the input, any one else?

if its permant 4 wheel drive then it CANT be towed with only 2 wheels turning, remove prop

as Tom said.

Putting it in neutral wont work for manual or automatic, as it still turns the transmission.

Unfortunately, you will need to trailer it, or the transmission will get very hot, as well as being a very heavy car to tow (drag).

If you have RAC cover then it might break down just outside where you bought it...

Also make sure the towing vehicle can tow the weight of the trailer Plus the car on the trailer.

Its on the V5 if its a newer car or in the handbook if its older.
Its the Max Braked Trailer towing limit you are looking for in the handbook, and on the V5 its just braked and unbraked trailers.

Also if the trailer hasnt got brakes the MAX towed limit is 750kgs.

Personally speaking I would get a proper trailer, and use a decent car to tow it.

Also if you tow it with any part of the towed vehicle on the road, you will need it to be taxed, MoT'd and Insured.
If not, then cover the number plates up and write the towed vehicle on instead.
You dont want an automatic firn from a hidden APNR camera for no tax etc as it picked up the towed cars plates.

Last thing you want is to loose control, and smash up the trailer, the donor, and the towing car. I have seen a sub 1 ton caravan overturn its towing vehicle when they lost control, and that was just snaking on a downhill incline! (they were going too fast anyway)

Also does your licence cover you to tow over 750kgs? ie did you pass your driving test after 1st Jan 1997?

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/CaravansTrailersCommercialVehicles/DG_10013073

The AA, Caravan club, police etc etc all advise the towed unit NOT to weigh more than 85% of the towing vehicle. Something difficult to achieve when towing another cur, unless you are using a decent 4x4.
Believe me, I have towed at 100% and its not fun!

Make sure you arent breaking the law on several fronts.

Take care, and do it right. You know it makes sense.

We towed our XR4x4 donor vehicle about 80 miles with a towrope. Illegally as it turned out. Had a few hairy moments but nothing too bad.

Phil

The 4x4 bit is no problem no different from any other vehicle
Automatics should only be towed for short distances unless you can run the engine.
To tow an automatic for longer distances ie up to 20 to 30 miles between 0.5 and 1 litre of extra should be added to an automatic transmision.


The above assumes towing with an A frame or pole or rope not towing dolly or other "lift & tow" method.

[Edited on 8/8/10 by britishtrident]

He's towing with an A frame, all four wheels on the ground so rope or bar is fine!

be aware of the risks though, everyone, especially police, know that A frames arent legal in nearly all situations, so you may well get pulled if its a blue moon and there actually happens to be a copper about.

a frames are for recovery only, ie moving away from a dangerous place until it can be removed properly. also, if its taxed and tested, why not drive it? if its not taxed and tested, it shouldn't be on the road, and can't be towed touching the road.

in short, get a trailer