No, generally you cannot use a standard tow dolly to transport a car with all-wheel drive (AWD) safely. Doing so can cause significant damage to the vehicle’s driveline, transmission, and other critical components.
Towing a vehicle, especially one with an all-wheel drive system, requires careful consideration to avoid costly repairs. While towing dollies are a popular option for vehicle transport for many types of cars, their design is inherently incompatible with the way AWD systems operate. This guide will delve into why this is the case, what alternatives exist, and how to ensure your AWD vehicle reaches its destination without damage.
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Deciphering AWD and Towing Challenges
An all-wheel drive (AWD) system is designed to send power to all four wheels of a vehicle, enhancing traction and performance in various driving conditions. Unlike front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive vehicles, where only one axle is powered, AWD systems continuously or selectively engage all wheels. This constant or variable power distribution is the very reason why towing them with a dolly can be problematic.
How a Tow Dolly Works
A towing dolly typically lifts the front wheels of a car off the ground, allowing the rear wheels to roll freely. The vehicle is then pulled by the tow vehicle. This method is effective for many front-wheel drive and some rear-wheel drive vehicles, as their driven wheels are either on the ground or are the ones being lifted.
The AWD Problem
When you place an AWD vehicle on a tow dolly with its front wheels lifted, the rear wheels remain on the ground and are still connected to the powertrain. Even if the vehicle is in neutral, the transmission and differentials are still engaged to some extent. As the tow vehicle moves, the rear wheels of the AWD car are being forced to rotate, but they are also trying to drive the front wheels through the AWD system. This creates immense internal stress and friction within the driveline.
Imagine trying to turn a doorknob while someone else is pushing on the door from the other side with equal force. Something has to give, and in the case of your AWD car, it’s usually the delicate and expensive components of the drivetrain.
Potential Damage from Improper AWD Towing
Using a tow dolly on an AWD car can lead to a cascade of mechanical failures. The forces generated by the wheels trying to drive each other through the drivetrain can cause:
- Transmission Damage: The transmission is designed to handle specific torque loads. Forcing it to operate with different rotational speeds between the front and rear axles can overheat and burn out internal components, including clutches, bands, and gears.
- Differential Damage: Differentials allow wheels to rotate at different speeds, especially when turning. In an AWD setup, the center differential (if present) and axle differentials are constantly working to balance power. Forcing them to operate under uneven, imposed rotation can cause gear teeth to strip or break.
- Driveshaft Issues: The driveshaft connects the transmission to the differentials. The immense torque and strain can cause the driveshaft to twist, bend, or even break.
- Transfer Case Failure: In more robust four-wheel drive systems, the transfer case manages power distribution between front and rear axles. Improper towing can overload and destroy this crucial component.
- Tire Wear: While less critical than internal damage, uneven rotation can also lead to accelerated and irregular tire wear.
Even a short distance can be enough to inflict serious harm. The concept of neutral towing is often misunderstood in this context. While putting the car in neutral disengages the engine from the transmission, it does not disconnect the mechanical linkage between the front and rear axles in an AWD vehicle.
Factors Influencing Risk
The severity of damage can depend on several factors:
- Type of AWD System: Some AWD systems are more robust than others. For instance, some systems have a clutch or viscous coupling that can disengage, potentially reducing risk. However, many modern AWD systems are designed for constant engagement.
- Transmission Type: Automatic transmissions are often more susceptible to damage from improper towing than manual transmissions due to the complex hydraulic systems and torque converters involved.
- Distance Towed: The longer the distance, the greater the accumulated stress on the driveline.
- Speed of Towing: Higher towing speeds exacerbate the stresses.
- Vehicle Manufacturer Recommendations: Always consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific towing instructions. Manufacturers explicitly warn against towing AWD vehicles with the drive wheels on the ground.
When is AWD Towing Possible with a Dolly?
There are very few scenarios where a standard tow dolly is recommended for AWD vehicles. The primary exception is if the AWD system can be completely disengaged or if specific manufacturer instructions allow it.
Disengaging the AWD System
Some vehicles with advanced AWD systems might offer a feature to disengage the drive to one axle, effectively turning the vehicle into a front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive vehicle for towing purposes. However, this is rare and usually only found on more specialized SUVs or trucks.
Another, albeit less common, possibility is if the vehicle has a selectable transfer case that can be shifted into neutral. This would disconnect the drivetrain from the wheels entirely, allowing neutral towing without causing internal damage. This is typically found on traditional four-wheel drive vehicles, not most modern AWD cars.
Consult Your Owner’s Manual
The most definitive answer will always be in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. It will clearly state whether AWD towing is permitted with any specific method. If it advises against it, do not attempt it.
Safer Alternatives for AWD Vehicle Transport
Given the risks associated with tow dollies, it’s crucial to explore safer and more reliable methods for transporting your AWD car.
Car Trailers
This is the most recommended method for transporting any AWD vehicle. A car trailer, also known as a car carrier or auto transport trailer, allows all four wheels of the towed vehicle to be lifted completely off the ground.
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Types of Car Trailers:
- Open Car Trailers: These are the most common and affordable. They are either flatbed or have ramps for loading. They are suitable for most weather conditions but offer no protection to the vehicle being towed.
- Enclosed Car Trailers: These offer full protection from the elements, dust, and potential road debris. They are more expensive but ideal for transporting valuable, classic, or new vehicles.
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Loading an AWD Car onto a Trailer:
- Ramps: Most trailers use ramps for loading. Ensure the ramps are securely fastened and can support the weight of your vehicle.
- Winch: For heavier vehicles or if you’re loading onto an enclosed trailer, a winch can make the process much easier and safer.
- Tie-Downs: Use proper tie-down straps, ideally with wheel nets or straps that secure the tires, to prevent the vehicle from shifting during transport. Never strap around suspension components or axles unless the trailer manufacturer specifies it.
Flatbed Tow Trucks
A flatbed tow truck is essentially a trailer that is part of the tow vehicle itself. The entire car is loaded onto the bed of the truck. This method completely eliminates any stress on the towed vehicle’s drivetrain, making it the safest option for AWD vehicles.
- Advantages:
- Complete Wheel Lift: All wheels are off the ground.
- Security: Vehicles are securely winched and strapped onto the flatbed.
- Professional Service: Typically performed by experienced towing professionals.
Drive It (Under Specific Circumstances)
If the AWD system has a true neutral towing setting that completely disconnects the drivetrain (often found on specific four-wheel drive vehicles, not typical AWD cars), you might be able to tow it yourself using a tow dolly or even by being towed from the rear.
- Crucial Steps:
- Consult the Owner’s Manual: This is paramount. Verify the exact procedure for placing the transfer case and transmission in neutral.
- Disconnect Battery: In some cases, disconnecting the battery is recommended to prevent any electrical systems from accidentally engaging the drivetrain.
- Use a Tow Dolly or Flat Tow: If the manual confirms a neutral towing capability, a tow dolly (lifting the front) or a flat tow (using a tow bar, connecting to the towed vehicle’s frame) might be permissible. However, always check if the steering wheel needs to be locked and if there are any speed or distance limitations.
However, for the vast majority of AWD cars, this is not an option.
Renting a Car Hauler
If you need to transport your car yourself but don’t own a trailer, renting a car hauler from a local equipment rental company is a viable option. Ensure you have a suitable tow vehicle with the proper towing capacity.
Key Considerations for Towing Any Vehicle
Regardless of the AWD status of your vehicle, certain towing best practices apply:
- Tow Vehicle Capacity: Ensure your tow vehicle has sufficient towing capacity, including weight-carrying and weight-distributing capabilities, to safely handle the towed vehicle and the trailer (if used).
- Trailer Brakes: If you are using a trailer, it must have its own braking system, especially if the towed vehicle is heavy.
- Towing Lights: Ensure the trailer’s lighting system (brake lights, turn signals, tail lights) is correctly wired and functioning to match your tow vehicle’s lights.
- Proper Loading: Load the vehicle onto the trailer or dolly evenly, ensuring proper weight distribution on the trailer axles.
- Securement: Double-check all tie-downs and connections before and during your journey. Stop frequently, especially on longer trips, to check the security of your load.
- Speed and Conditions: Drive cautiously, at reduced speeds, and be mindful of wind, road conditions, and other traffic.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I tow my AWD car with a tow dolly by putting it in neutral?
No, putting an AWD car in neutral does not disconnect the driveline between the front and rear wheels. This means the front wheels (if lifted) are being driven by the rear wheels (if on the ground), causing significant internal stress and potential damage to the transmission, differentials, and other drivetrain components.
Q2: My AWD car has a “Neutral Tow” mode. Can I use a tow dolly?
If your owner’s manual specifically states that the “Neutral Tow” mode allows for towing with the front wheels lifted on a tow dolly, then it might be permissible. However, this feature is rare in typical AWD passenger cars and more common in specific four-wheel drive trucks or SUVs. Always follow the manual’s instructions precisely, including any speed or distance limitations.
Q3: What happens if I tow my AWD car on a tow dolly anyway?
You risk severe and expensive damage to your vehicle’s transmission, differentials, transfer case, and driveshaft. The internal components are not designed to withstand the rotational forces created when one axle is driven by the other.
Q4: What is the safest way to transport an AWD car?
The safest ways to transport an AWD car are using a flatbed tow truck or a car trailer that lifts all four wheels off the ground.
Q5: I have a Subaru Outback with AWD. Can I use a tow dolly?
Most Subaru Outbacks, like many AWD vehicles, are not designed for towing on a tow dolly. Subaru typically recommends flatbed towing or using a trailer that carries all four wheels. Always check your specific Subaru model’s owner’s manual for definitive towing instructions.
Q6: My AWD vehicle has a manual transmission. Is it safer to tow with a dolly?
While manual transmissions can sometimes be more robust, the fundamental issue of the AWD system connecting both axles remains. Towing an AWD vehicle with a manual transmission on a tow dolly is still generally not recommended and can cause damage. The driveline is still engaged.
Q7: What are the risks of towing a car with a tow dolly in general?
Beyond the AWD issue, risks include improper loading, unsecured vehicle, trailer sway, brake failure, and exceeding the tow vehicle’s capacity. Always ensure securement and proper weight distribution.
Q8: How can I find out if my specific AWD car can be towed on a dolly?
The most reliable source is your vehicle’s owner’s manual. You can also check the manufacturer’s website or contact their customer service department. Look for sections related to towing dolly, vehicle transport, or recreational towing.
Q9: What is a “tow bar” and is it suitable for AWD vehicles?
A tow bar is a device that connects your towed vehicle directly to your tow vehicle’s bumper or frame. Similar to a tow dolly, it’s generally not suitable for AWD vehicles unless the vehicle has a specific feature to disengage the drivetrain entirely (often called “dinghy towing” capability). The same driveline stress issues apply.
Q10: My AWD vehicle is a performance car. Are there special considerations?
Yes, performance AWD vehicles often have more sophisticated and sensitive drivetrains. The tolerance for improper towing is even lower. Always prioritize professional vehicle transport services or a fully-equipped trailer for these types of vehicles.
Conclusion
When it comes to transporting your all-wheel drive vehicle, safety and preserving its mechanical integrity should be your top priorities. While a towing dolly is a convenient tool for front-wheel drive and some rear-wheel drive cars, its use with AWD vehicles is a recipe for disaster. The interconnected nature of AWD systems means that lifting only one axle creates immense internal stress that can quickly lead to costly transmission damage, differential failures, and driveline destruction.
For guaranteed safe AWD towing, opt for flatbed tow trucks or car trailers that lift all four wheels off the ground. These methods ensure that your AWD vehicle is transported without any strain on its vital components. Always consult your owner’s manual for specific towing guidelines, as manufacturer recommendations are the ultimate authority on how to safely move your vehicle. Investing in the right towing method will save you a significant amount of money and headache in the long run.