1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

towing a taco with an automatic transmission question

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by Hansel, Apr 23, 2013.

  1. Apr 23, 2013 at 6:22 AM
    #1
    Hansel

    Hansel [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2013
    Member:
    #100925
    Messages:
    217
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Glenn
    Arizona
    Vehicle:
    base
    I have a 2003 base Tacoma with an automatic transmission.

    Question:

    I plan on towing this taco about 10 to 15 miles with a large PU using a tow rope. Can I put the ignition to the on position, put the transmission in neutral, and tow the Taco with all for wheels on the ground without doing any damage to the automatic transmission?

    I'm almost positive this would not be an issue for a manual transmission, but it might damage the automatic.

    I hope there are some experts out there who know the answer. Thanks!
     
    Last edited: Apr 23, 2013
  2. Apr 23, 2013 at 6:24 AM
    #2
    Matic

    Matic The "OFG" Baby!!!

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2009
    Member:
    #22436
    Messages:
    26,681
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Tricky Dick
    Easley, SC
    Vehicle:
    1 owner 2002 TRD, SR5, DC, 2.7. Full OME suspension, STT pro's.
    OME 881 coils with OME nitrochargers shocks up front. TC UCA's OME Dakars with extra leaf in the rear. Warn 8000 winch with 80ft custom braided synth line. Custom 60ft synth extension. All pro tube bumper, Hi-lift jack, Safari Snorkel, Wilco tiregate. 2019 Jeep JLUR.
    I don't see a problem. That's a pretty good distance though.

    Meaning safety wise. A dolly from uhaul is only like $35. Most rollbacks in my area will tow anything within a 35 mile radius for $35.
     
    Last edited: Apr 23, 2013
  3. Apr 23, 2013 at 6:38 AM
    #3
    Hansel

    Hansel [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2013
    Member:
    #100925
    Messages:
    217
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Glenn
    Arizona
    Vehicle:
    base
    Good advice Matic, I think I'll get the dolly. This will also make it less stressful. I remember as a youngster, helping my dad when towing a vehicle with a chain. he'd get pissed if i let any slack get in the chain....stressful :.)

    But even with the dolly, the back (driving) wheels will still be on the ground.

    I'd like to get the opinions of several people regarding that it will be safe to tow it about 15 miles or so without doing damage to the automatic transmission. Just want to make sure, because repairing a transmission is pretty expensive.

    By the way I just posted the following question on the list:

    At what temperature does the engine fan clutch engage?

    It explains why I need to do all this.

    Thanks for all the help on the site!


     
    Last edited: Apr 23, 2013
  4. Apr 23, 2013 at 6:40 AM
    #4
    127.0.0.1

    127.0.0.1 AKA ::1

    Joined:
    Dec 24, 2012
    Member:
    #93641
    Messages:
    3,918
    Gender:
    Male
    /etc/hosts
    Vehicle:
    2013 NBM AC 4.0 4x4 Auto OR
    the only answer that really works is:

    mark, and then disconnect drive shaft at differential

    install heavy strap to hold it up

    tow away

    ---
    easier and safer to fork over the dough for a roro trailer though, just costs $$
     
  5. Apr 23, 2013 at 6:45 AM
    #5
    Trigo

    Trigo Because fuck you that's why...

    Joined:
    Dec 21, 2011
    Member:
    #69160
    Messages:
    7,055
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rodrigo
    San Diego
    Vehicle:
    1st gen
    I've seen people with auto transmission be towed off trails in nuetral so I think you'll be good
     
  6. Apr 23, 2013 at 8:44 AM
    #6
    taco47001

    taco47001 Newborn

    Joined:
    May 11, 2012
    Member:
    #78644
    Messages:
    1,912
    Gender:
    Male
    Aurora, IN
    Vehicle:
    LX470
    When being towed off the trail, was the engine running? I'm no expert but I'm pretty sure that fords have to be running to circulate trans fluid and do not disengage "everything" in the tranny while in neutral. Are toyotas any different? If towing in neutral and the engine is off, I'd be concerned that fluid is not being circulated. Dolly or roll back would be my two choices....or have the engine running the whole time.
     
  7. Apr 23, 2013 at 9:09 AM
    #7
    127.0.0.1

    127.0.0.1 AKA ::1

    Joined:
    Dec 24, 2012
    Member:
    #93641
    Messages:
    3,918
    Gender:
    Male
    /etc/hosts
    Vehicle:
    2013 NBM AC 4.0 4x4 Auto OR
    disco drive shaft
    it is one of the easiest things to do, just has to be redone correctly or you
    get vibes after slapping it back on
     
  8. Apr 23, 2013 at 9:39 AM
    #8
    BamaToy1997

    BamaToy1997 Wheel Bearing Master

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2012
    Member:
    #71846
    Messages:
    10,792
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bill
    Navarre, FL
    Vehicle:
    1997 Tacoma 4X4 AKA "Blue Beast"
    best wheel bearings around! www.marionbumper2bumper.com
    It is always the safest option to disconnect the rear driveshaft when towing. No, there is no fluid circulation if the engine is not running. Towing in neutral IS the safest way if you do have to tow a vehicle, and to be honest, I have never seen a transmission be damaged from such a short distance like you are talking about. I would not recommend doing this over a longer distance however.
     
  9. Apr 23, 2013 at 5:29 PM
    #9
    tan4x4

    tan4x4 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 30, 2011
    Member:
    #67982
    Messages:
    3,809
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rick
    Folsom, CA
    Vehicle:
    99 Tacoma EC 4x4 2.7L Auto
    Bilsteins, OME 881's, 3-leaf AAL, Detroit TruTrac, Tundra brake swap, Michelin LTX AT2, Tranny skidplate, TC skidplate, CBI rear bumper, TG sliders, UltraGauge, PowerTank, Reverse Camera
    If you have a transfer case, putting that in neutral would prevent the tranny from spinning when being towed wouldn't it?
     
  10. Apr 23, 2013 at 9:05 PM
    #10
    Sittingbull2

    Sittingbull2 Old N.R.A. Hippy

    Joined:
    Sep 24, 2012
    Member:
    #87633
    Messages:
    124
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mitch
    Southeast texas
    Vehicle:
    2000 Xtra Cab SR5 White
    3" Body lift, ARB Front Bumper w/9000 lb. Warn Winch, Chevy Alum. Rims w/ Kelly 285's M/S
    What tan4x4 ^^ said 15 miles ain't nothing. Stick it in neutral on the transmission selector if it is not a 4x4. If it is 4x4 put 4x4 gear shift in neutral. Tow away that ain't far at all.
     
  11. Apr 24, 2013 at 5:55 AM
    #11
    BamaToy1997

    BamaToy1997 Wheel Bearing Master

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2012
    Member:
    #71846
    Messages:
    10,792
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bill
    Navarre, FL
    Vehicle:
    1997 Tacoma 4X4 AKA "Blue Beast"
    best wheel bearings around! www.marionbumper2bumper.com
    Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe the OP has a 2wd, so he does not have a transfer-case.
     
  12. Apr 25, 2013 at 9:55 PM
    #12
    Sittingbull2

    Sittingbull2 Old N.R.A. Hippy

    Joined:
    Sep 24, 2012
    Member:
    #87633
    Messages:
    124
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mitch
    Southeast texas
    Vehicle:
    2000 Xtra Cab SR5 White
    3" Body lift, ARB Front Bumper w/9000 lb. Warn Winch, Chevy Alum. Rims w/ Kelly 285's M/S
    He didn't mention it either way. I just gave him option if it was or wasn't a 4x4 thats all.
     
  13. Apr 26, 2013 at 7:11 AM
    #13
    Hansel

    Hansel [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2013
    Member:
    #100925
    Messages:
    217
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Glenn
    Arizona
    Vehicle:
    base
    I did mention it was a base model with Auto transmission in the original post. By base I meant stripped down. But it somehow came with an automatic. It is a 2wd.

    Thanks for everyone's help and posts
     
  14. Apr 26, 2013 at 7:55 AM
    #14
    twfsa

    twfsa Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 29, 2010
    Member:
    #37997
    Messages:
    1,342
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Tom
    Omaha Ne
    Vehicle:
    04 TRD 4X4
    881 Front coils, Bilstien 5100's all the way front set to "0" Icon Dynamic's mini leafs in rear, stock tires.
    Tape up the universal joint needle bearing cups, so not to loose them or any needle bearings.
     
  15. Apr 26, 2013 at 2:23 PM
    #15
    BamaToy1997

    BamaToy1997 Wheel Bearing Master

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2012
    Member:
    #71846
    Messages:
    10,792
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bill
    Navarre, FL
    Vehicle:
    1997 Tacoma 4X4 AKA "Blue Beast"
    best wheel bearings around! www.marionbumper2bumper.com
    No need to tape up any universal joints. The Tacoma has a flange that bolts to the rear diff yoke. So no open universal joints.
     

Products Discussed in

To Top