Dingy Towing - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Spanky · 03-13-2004, 12:18 PM

Can anyone tell me why my new 04 Tacoma Ext. cab 4x4 cannot be towed behind my motorhome? I towed a 93 HiLux 4x4 for over 30000 miles and never had any problems. I called Toyota cust. service and all they do is quote from the owners manual. I have been told from a respected Toyota mech that it can be towed and that Toyota just puts that it cannot be towed in the manual just to cover their butts. I bought this truck sight unseen from a dealer and he told me it was towable.
If the truck cannott be towed as it is, is there a mod that can be made to render it towable? I am told that a front locking hub setup might do the trick. HELP!!!!!!!!!
Spanky

Taco30 · 03-13-2004, 03:26 PM

All you have to do is disconnect or remove the rear drive shaft, then you can tow it from the front (front wheels off the ground).

It's only 4 bolts to the 3rd member, then you can either secure the drive shaft somewhere with rope or something like that or just remove it all together, another 4 bolts, very easy to do...

That would be the free fix but another thing you can do is get yourself a dolly, I have no idea what one of those costs...

I believe about the front hubs, you mean modify yours to manual locking hubs? This would be a pretty expensive mod.

Spanky · 03-13-2004, 04:46 PM

Thans I am checking all options.
Gary

Rycam · 03-13-2004, 06:06 PM

I am assuming your truck is an autotranny? If so, be careful as the typical autotranny needs the engine running to operate the fluid pump in the tranny that circulates the cooling/lubricating ATF.
You can probably tow an autotranny truck, but there may be limits such as: "35mph for no more than 50 miles".

Dropping the drivelive is a sure bet. If you do so, get an extra set of nuts/bolts from the dealer, as they are definitely a special soft alloy, and losing one on the side of the road is Murphy's Law. Dedicate a special set of wrenches just for this pursose.

Rycam · 03-13-2004, 06:16 PM

You could remove the rear driveline (not just loosen the rear) and put the transfer case in 4x4. This would give you FRONT WHEEL DRIVE!

This is usulally a last resort when thing break on the trail, but it will at least move (the front driveshaft is not as robust as the rear).

Rycam · 03-13-2004, 06:19 PM

And....you could always ask here!

http://www.tacomaterritory.com/

Spanky · 03-14-2004, 08:17 AM

My truck is 5 speed. Automatic tranny is for girls.
Gary

Spanky · 03-18-2004, 04:21 PM

Still looking for info on this subject if any one has anything to add.
Thanks, Gary

reb · 03-19-2004, 07:11 PM

I noticed a Jeep the other day that had locking hubs on all four wheels. It is probably an expensive mod, but that would remove all doubts about towability. None of the drive train would be rotating while towing with that setup.

redfox435cat · 03-20-2004, 11:46 PM

My truck is 5 speed. Automatic tranny is for girls.
Gary

I used to say that. I guess I'm getting lazy since I've been driving stick since puberty. auto for trucks, stick for sport car is my motto now

for like 2800 buck u can get a nice flat bed trailer just big enough for the truck no wear and tare on the drive train and tires , it's useful for other things like ATVs. A good front axle dolly is like 600 bucks.

Since it is a manual u can tow it no problem. when customer service said no u can't tow it they had to of asumed u had an auto. Problem is a good tow bar is like 1300 bucks installed for mounts, bar and tail light mod and cables but of course it only takes one person if u get the colasable bar.

Spanky · 03-21-2004, 09:19 AM

Thanks Red,
Are you saying that since it is a 5speed manual that I can tow it. I already have the Blue OX folding towbar and all the brackets that came off my 93 Toy. The brackets and everything else matches up perfectly. I towed my 93 Toy 5speed 4wd for over 30000 miles and never had any problems. I have always heard that if you have a seperate stick for the tcase then it can be towed. I plan to put manual hubs on the front anyway and I noticed a post on another forum that if it has digital speedo then it won't rack up mileage when the key is off. On my old truck(may she rest in peace) I could reach up under on the passenger side and unplug the speedo. I see on this truck that it is the same(at least it looks the same). I think I will install the front hubs and give it a try. I really have no choice as my wife and I live and work fulltime in our motorhome and travel a lot all over the country. Thanks for your reply and please let me know if you see any more info on this subject. The trailer thing is ok but when I check in to a RV park they want to charge me storage on the trailer so I am trying to stay away from that.
PS Nice looking truck mine is the same except it is Silver. I put over 200.000 on my 93 and I hope this one last that long.
Thanks, Gary