Towing SUVs Safely

The assurance of extra traction on our wet and bad roads has made all-wheel drive (AWD) a popular option for many car buyers. 

Cars such as the Toyota RAV4, Toyota Highlander, Lexus RX350, Honda Pilot, Mercedes GL series are now in higher demand. However, the addition of all-wheel drive makes towing a vehicle complicated. 

An AWD warning sticker

What is AWD (All Wheel Drive) and 4WD (Four Wheel Drive)?

Both terms are commonly used interchangeably as they have similarities. There're some differences, however.

4WD systems are generally optimized for off-road use. Part-time 4WD systems allow the driver to manually engage all four wheels at low speeds (crawl mode). Full-time 4WD systems work similarly to AWD, allowing drivers to keep all four wheels engaged. Most 4WD systems use front and rear differentials, plus a transfer case for engaging the front and/or rear axles e.g., the Toyota Hilux with the low jack mode.

AWD systems are optimized for on-road use. AWD systems typically use front and rear differentials just like their 4WD counterparts, but with the addition of a viscous or electronic coupling to split power between each set of axles or even individual wheels. Most AWD systems are also permanently engaged to varying extents, making it impossible to disengage without removing a driveshaft. e.g., the Toyota RAV4.

AWD vs 4WD

The Problem with Towing AWD Vehicles

When it comes to towing a vehicle on two wheels, common wisdom dictates that the vehicle being towed shouldn't be towed by its drive wheels. Even if the vehicle is left in neutral, towing a car by its drive wheels can cause significant damage to the transmission. 

With a front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicle, that means towing the car with its rear wheels on the ground. For a rear-wheel drive (RWD) car, the opposite applies -- the car must be towed with its front wheels on the ground (with the steering locked in for safety) or with the driveshaft removed while its rear wheels are on the ground.

For an AWD car, this does not apply. Towing a vehicle equipped with a permanent AWD system on two wheels could result in damage to the coupling, as well as the transmission and various other drive components.

How to Tow an AWD Vehicle without Damage

When dealing with AWD vehicles that need a tow, keeping it off the ground is usually the best strategy. For this, you'll need a flatbed tow truck or a flatbed trailer. Trailering or towing an AWD vehicle on a flatbed is the easiest and often safest choice of moving such a vehicle without causing thousands of naira in damage to its drivetrain. 

Do not tow AWD vehicles even over short distances. You could be causing irreparable damage.

Towing a Car with Dollies. This is a good alternative where Flat Bed trucks are not available.

The RIGHT way to move an AWD vehicle.

The WRONG way to move an AWD vehicle.

As always, it is important to know the specifications/equipment list of the car you drive. Consult your owner's manual or do a VIN search.

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