Towing 6-speed manual 4x4 behind RV

I am getting mixed opinions on whether it is OK to tow a 2014 6-speed manual transmission 4x4 Tacoma with electronic transfer case with four wheels down behind a motor home with the transfer case in 2-high and the transmission in neutral. Some expert Toyota dealer mechanics have opined that they can't see why this is a problem since the transmission is splash lubricated. An expert at The University of Toyota has stated this 6-speed is a "pump dependent manual transmission and shouldn't be towed". We are trying to figure out whether Toyota is just covering their tail since they don't want to approve any kind of towing or whether this is a serious problem. Nobody I have talked to has heard of a "pump dependent manual transmission"! There is no neutral selection on the electronic transfer case. Anybody have any opinions on this?

 

I have heard that the tail housing bearings are not properly lubricated without the gears turning and splashing gear oil around. Sort of acting as a pump. With only the output shaft turning the bearings may starve for oil. Not sure though just a thought.

 

Toyota's official word (as stated in the Tacoma owners manual) is that they don't sanction "dinghy towing" of any Tacoma model. So, you're on your own as far as warranty concerns go.

That being said, I know of people who are towing their six-speed manual models and have claimed no damage has resulted to date. (My brother-in-law has an '11 with probably 6k miles towed in this manner and over 40k total miles currently.)

 

Doug, I was wondering how flat towing your taco worked out. I have similiar concerns for my 2015?

 

4 bolts, undo the rear driveshaft from the rear diff flange and tie it up. Boom done. No spinning transmission.

And the front always free spins anyways so your fine.

 

Yeah, that's what I was thinking. I thought if someone had actually towed it without disconnecting the drive line, I could avoid that. Probably better to disconnect and not worry about it. Thanks!

 

hell depending on how much driving you plan on doing after towing it. could always remove the entire driveshaft. and throw her in 4hi when you want to drive it to and from the store in FWD haha.

 

This

 

I would unbolt the rear drive shaft for long mileage towing. The main shaft will spin with the drive shaft connected this means the gears free wheel on the main shaft and the small bearing inside of the head gear spins also. Will this do damage, hard to tell until some thing fails. I don't think I would worry about it for a few hunderd miles but cross country maybe an issue.