Allen6767

Folks, trying to find the correct way to tow a 2008 rx400h on a tow dolly from ACME that is fixed axle & no moving tire plates like other dollies. Owners manual is no help. I have found if you leave the key in the ignition after turning it to accessory & back the wheel stays unlocked. This is what I need to to do for this type of dolly. I just want to make sure it stays in the unlocked position, but not drain the battery.

tbm5690

AWD I presume? If so, the only option for towing is to have all 4 wheels off the ground, period. If what you are describing has only the fronts in the air and the rears dragging behind, you will need to find another solution.

RedGemini

Not quite the only option...

There is another option, but you'll have to play it smart and careful. I'm not sure if the prop shafts are balanced on these, so some of this might not apply.

Use a paint pen to mark the prop shaft and where it connects on both ends (to align the marks for reinstall). Unbolt and remove the prop shaft going to the rear differential. Unlike the front wheels, the rears don't require the engine/transmission running to circulate fluid.

This is assuming it's a physical AWD system for the rear, and not electric motors. I'm not sure about the 400h.

BlackLexRX

This for awd.
And RedGemini is correct for non hybrids-unhook drive shaft, but hybrid RXs have electric motors and traction batteries hooked up to rear axles on awd's so if you have awd, probably need to tow with all wheels off ground.

Allen6767

Thanks should of clarified to start. 2 wheel drive/ front wheel drive only

BlackLexRX

Should be fine to tow then with front wheels off ground. Key in acc position so column stays unlocked. For good measure, I'd look under rear end just to be totally sure there's nothing but axles, no hybrid stuff attached. I've seen towed vehicles where their turn signals and brake light also work in tandem with lead vehicle which sounds like the safest way to go so probably look into that.

BlackLexRX

Might be a good idea to search or start a thread in the hybrid forum. I'm just wondering about how your brakes, etc, are hooked up to the traction battery.

Allen6767

Ok folks, did a test run with it in ACC mode & with the key still in but turned off. Steering did not lock up & everything appeared ok except. Bothe times after restarting & taking it off the dolly the VSC light came on. After I drive it down the block it cleared both times.

Allen6767

Folks, trying to find the correct way to tow a 2008 rx400h on a tow dolly from ACME that is fixed axle & no moving tire plates like other dollies. Owners manual is no help. I have found if you leave the key in the ignition after turning it to accessory & back the wheel stays unlocked. This is what I need to to do for this type of dolly. I just want to make sure it stays in the unlocked position, but not drain the battery.

Ok folks, did a test run with it in ACC mode & with the key still in but turned off. Steering did not lock up & everything appeared ok except. Bothe times after restarting & taking it off the dolly the VSC light came on. After I drive it down the block it cleared both times.

Will this hurt anything?

BlackLexRX

Could be nothing, but that would be a deal breaker for me.

jooksing82

I found this on AAA
https://aaacampus.aaa.biz/wp-content...vice_guide.pdf