Towing (Toad) 2002 Tacoma 4x4 5-speed J Shift manual T-case

I have a 2002 Tacoma (6cyl) Xcab 4x4 5-speed transmission. I want to tow as a toad behind my motorhome all wheels down. I've read all the Forums that say not to and the Owners manual says you can in an emergency with trans in Neutral and Manual Transfer case in H2 (Transfer case has L4-N-H). Then also I've read on the Remco forum that it is Ok to tow as described in the emergency section of the owners manual. Then I read on another site where owners have towed with the trans in Neutral and Transfer case in Neutral. Any real world experience out there? Thanks.

 

Also they recommend having key in ACC position.

 

I guess it depends just how you define Emergency !!!

If the rear wheels are on the ground the rear drive shaft gets removed .

This was a company policy myself I would rather be safe then paying for a customers repairs

Is this ADD or do you have locking Hubs ??

Then it is yours

That is what is nice about Front wheel drive cars scoop them with the Wheel lift ratchet strap the front wheels and go.

 

Not sure what your question is? Is this ADD? This is my vehicle, it has the TRD off road package and Rear Differential lock if that's what your asking. Otherwise automatic front locking hubs. I went ahead and pulled it behind my motorhome this evening for about 200 miles with the Differential in Neutral and the Transmission in Neutral. No obvious problems thus far. I talked to a installer of Remco products this evening and he suggested just keeping both in Neutral position.

 

The Remco tech also advised that mine was a 1st Generation Tacoma (1995-2004) and in 2005 they went to a different transmission. He said most of the concerns is rather the transmission and differential would get enough lubrication (standard shift) while being towed 4 down. He said to his knowledge they had not came across any problems yet with their customers following this towing procedure with the 1st generation Tacomas with standard shift.

 

Dear Roy,

I see you are trying to find advice on towing your Tacoma. I have the same rig except for mine is a few years older with manual locking hubs. Here is the problem with towing them without removing the rear gear shaft. When the transfer case is in neutral, it completely stops all of the kinetic energy from the engine and transmission from going to the front gear shaft or the rear gear shaft. Both the front gear shaft and the rear gear shaft are completely free to spin in any direction when the transfer case is engaged in the neutral position. When towing a four wheel drive Tacoma for short distances, and the transfer case is in neutral, there probably is not any potential for breaking anything as long as it is a short distance. What you need to be careful about when towing these Tacomas long distances behind a motor home is proper lubrication. The differentials are not something you need to worry about because they sit in a reservoir of gear oil, and it does not matter if they are spun from the engine or from motion, they will be effectively lubricated either way. It is the transmission and transfer case that you need to worry about as far as proper lubrication. The reason why it is recommended that you disconnect the rear gear shaft whenever you tow is because this insures that no potential energy will get to the transmission or transfer case.

Good Luck,
Paul

 

Paul thanks for the comments and recommendations. I decided to tow the Toyota back from my destination with the differential in H2 and the transmission in Neutral per Toyota recommendation in the manual. I couldn't tell either way that the differential or the transmission overheated. After disconnecting the Toyota both times everything went into gear properly and drove fine. I understand your reasoning, thanks again.

 

So with an automatic transmission 1st gen it is definitely recommended to remove the rear gear shaft? Even if if one were to use a toad hauler with front wheels off the ground?

 

I have an 03 prerunner automatic that I had a driveshaft disconnect installed. Works great. I also ran a "live" wire from the RV thru the cable to charge the Taco battery as I drive. I love it cus I can still use my 03 for anything.

 

I have towed mine 30 k miles. auto, driveshaft disconnect. I know this does not help you. There are a couple of guys on this site that have manuals and have towed more than me Transfer case in 2h and trans in neutral. Key must be on to unlock column and a braking system is needed.

Here you go:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/flat-towing-truck-with-an-rv.659237/page-3#post-28257246

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...d-xcab-v6-5spd-setup-to-tow-behind-rv.792558/