Can You Flat Tow a 4×4 Truck?

Towing a 4×4 truck can be a great way to get around, but it’s important to know if you can safely flat tow your vehicle. Flat towing is when you attach your vehicle to the back of another vehicle and pull it behind you without having the wheels of your towed vehicle touch the ground. It’s a popular way to transport vehicles, but not all vehicles are suited for flat towing.

In general, 4×4 trucks can be flat towed as long as certain conditions are met. First of all, the truck must have a manual transmission.

This is because when the truck is being towed with its wheels off the ground, there is no way for the automatic transmission to be lubricated and cooled down. If you try to tow an automatic transmission 4×4 truck, it could result in extensive damage.

Another requirement for flat-towing a 4×4 truck is that it must have free-wheeling hubs installed on all four wheels. This allows the front wheels to spin freely while being towed, which prevents them from binding or locking up. If you don’t have free-wheeling hubs installed on your 4×4 truck, they can usually be purchased aftermarket and easily installed.

It’s also important to note that most manufacturers do not recommend flat-towing 4×4 trucks with an engine larger than 5 liters (5L). Towing a vehicle with an engine larger than 5L puts additional stress on both the engine and drivetrain components that could cause long-term damage if done for extended periods of time.

Conclusion

Yes, you can flat tow a 4×4 truck as long as it has a manual transmission and free-wheeling hubs installed on all four wheels. However, it’s not recommended for vehicles with engines larger than 5 liters due to potential long-term damage that could occur from extended periods of this type of tow.

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Susan Delgado