Backwards on tow dolly?

So is there any reason I can’t just back my truck on the tow dolly and tow it with the front tires on the ground because I really don’t want to be taking the driveshaft in and out when I tow it.

 

because the steering wheel? unless youve got a lock bar for it, i wouldnt bother. when i tow my auto ranger, i just unbolt the 4 bolts connecting the shaft to the rear diff and tie the shaft up on the frame.

 

But the steering wheel locks. That’s why I don’t understand.

 

I’m curious too, I was thinking of towing mine.
I believe the steering lock is a tiny pin that will not be sufficient to go over pot holes, bumps and turns.
Maybe device a steering wheel bar like an old club lock
to clamp it to something.

 

If it is not locked perfectly straight, you will ruin your tires...

 

I just hate the idea that I have to take loose my drive shaft when I tow it behind my camper.

 

I can see that but even if my dolly is on a turn table?

 

Yea not sure, but I would imagine more people would take the easy route if it was safe and not going to damage anything though right?

 

They make a thing for this.
Personally, I wouldn’t want to run it on my truck.
For simple reason- more parts = more to go wrong

https://www.remcodsc.com/coupling/
Others make similar products.
That’s just the first one I found

 

For towing a repo with rear lifted we'd wrap the seat belt around the bottom of the steering wheel, lock the belt, then cram the seat backwards. It's awkward without dead straight wheels as the towed vehicle will yaw a bit and crab sideways hanging out behind the truck. It works but I wouldn't suggest it.

 

Yeah, Definitely not recommended as you said.

I see your (tow driver situation).
Not your truck.
You have a job to do.
And the person being towed, probably shouldn’t have done what ever it was to get towed.

Also, not picking on Tow Drivers.
I know a few, and that is a tough job.

 

I guess I'm not totally understanding but if it was a manual just put it neutral and go with the front off the ground. Could you just put the auto tranny in neutral and go? Even if it means keeping the keys to the on (not start) position? I haven't been in a newer auto in awhile. All of my last vehicles have been 1995s

 

Problem is the prop shaft is spinning when the input is not, this isnt good for the tcase or the trans in a 2WD.

Some trucks have sling drives on the prop shaft, but not the tacoma.

 

Gotcha, when you say ..

this isnt good for the tcase or the trans in a 2WD

I'm guessing you also mean it wouldn't be good for a 4wd or 2wd. Just curious. Because the rear drive shaft will always be in play and t case and that is why someone would disconnect driveshaft? And if so you would disconnect shaft from the rear end (Near rear diff obviously in my head)

A few bolts and a torque wrench (torque spec of course) to get it back in proper order?

 

Yup ideally you remove from the flange on the rear differential.

On old floating axles, you'd unbolt and remove the axles from the hubs, but that's only heavy duty now.