Dolly Towing a 2018 GS 350 F-sport AWD
06-20-18, 03:15 AM
#4
Super Moderator
What Jill said. you have to tow it flat using a tow bar, or put it on a trailer. A 2-wheel dolly will damage the driveline. It is not intended to travel hundreds of miles with two axles stationary and the other two going 60+ mph.
06-20-18, 05:27 AM
#5
Lexus Fanatic
Can anyone explain why any AWD car can be towed like that? I can understand how a FWD car with front wheels lifted might be ok, but then again why put that wear on it?
There are cars where the owners manual states that AWD and RWD cars can be towed on drive wheels. And GM refers to it as dinghy towing. Plus we see it all the time on the highway.
Just curious more than anything else, why it is OK on some cars.
There are cars where the owners manual states that AWD and RWD cars can be towed on drive wheels. And GM refers to it as dinghy towing. Plus we see it all the time on the highway.
Just curious more than anything else, why it is OK on some cars.
06-20-18, 05:37 AM
#6
Lexus Fanatic
Can anyone explain why any AWD car can be towed like that? I can understand how a FWD car with front wheels lifted might be ok, but then again why put that wear on it?
There are cars where the owners manual states that AWD and RWD cars can be towed on drive wheels. And GM refers to it as dinghy towing. Plus we see it all the time on the highway.
Just curious more than anything else, why it is OK on some cars.
There are cars where the owners manual states that AWD and RWD cars can be towed on drive wheels. And GM refers to it as dinghy towing. Plus we see it all the time on the highway.
Just curious more than anything else, why it is OK on some cars.
It might in theory be possible to put the GS in neutral and tow it behind an RV.
06-20-18, 05:43 AM
#7
Lexus Fanatic
Toyota AWD if it is full time like a GS is always on. It’s fixed and a permanent drovetrain. Only way to move the car is to allow the drivetrain AWD to work though it’s system. No way to disconnect it. Can’t really speak for BMW or Audi as I have never read their manuals or understand their AWD as well.
It might in theory be possible to put the GS in neutral and tow it behind an RV.
When I complained to AAA they said it was towed on the front wheels, we didn't cause any damage (lol there were no smartphones back then). So I told the dismantler AAA wants to see the damage can you drop the tranny off at their offices (they did lol). Anyway, that used motor/tranny lasted from 1990 to 1998, so mom was right. They usually are.
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06-20-18, 11:02 AM
#8
Lexus Champion
Putting the car in neutral will only disconnect the engine from the driveline (the centre differential, the front and rear axles, and the driveshaft), but that full-time AWD driveline can still turn the wheels and vice-versa -- any wheel (or wheels) that turn will turn its axle and also force the other axle to turn, through the driveshaft and differentials.
If the front wheels only are on a dolly, with the rear wheels on the ground and turning, the rear wheels will try to turn the front wheels. But if the front wheels are forced to remain stationary, that will put tremendous forces on the driveline.
06-20-18, 11:42 AM
#9
Lexus Fanatic
I don't think that would work either.
Putting the car in neutral will only disconnect the engine from the driveline (the centre differential, the front and rear axles, and the driveshaft), but that full-time AWD driveline can still turn the wheels and vice-versa -- any wheel (or wheels) that turn will turn its axle and also force the other axle to turn, through the driveshaft and differentials.
If the front wheels only are on a dolly, with the rear wheels on the ground and turning, the rear wheels will try to turn the front wheels. But if the front wheels are forced to remain stationary, that will put tremendous forces on the driveline.
Putting the car in neutral will only disconnect the engine from the driveline (the centre differential, the front and rear axles, and the driveshaft), but that full-time AWD driveline can still turn the wheels and vice-versa -- any wheel (or wheels) that turn will turn its axle and also force the other axle to turn, through the driveshaft and differentials.
If the front wheels only are on a dolly, with the rear wheels on the ground and turning, the rear wheels will try to turn the front wheels. But if the front wheels are forced to remain stationary, that will put tremendous forces on the driveline.
06-20-18, 11:58 AM
#10
Lexus Champion
A few bits from the 2018 owner's manual:
Page 430
Page 431
Page 430
AWD models:
Be sure to transport the vehicle with all four wheels raised off the ground. If the vehicle is towed with the tires contacting the ground, the drivetrain or related parts may be damaged, the vehicle may fly off the truck.
Be sure to transport the vehicle with all four wheels raised off the ground. If the vehicle is towed with the tires contacting the ground, the drivetrain or related parts may be damaged, the vehicle may fly off the truck.
Recreational towing (behind motor home, etc.) Never dinghy tow your vehicle to prevent causing serious damage to the transfer (AWD models) and transmission.
06-21-18, 03:08 PM
#11
Yeah you have to put that thing on a trailer. Some 4wd cars work fine towing behind an RV, stuff like an older Jeep Wrangler, Suzuki Samurai or Vitara. Those are great for that purpose because they are light, compact and have an old fashioned transfer case with a lever. Put the transfer case in neutral, you can flat tow them.
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