I have a car dolly that I have used a few times to tow my 86 4runner with and it works ok. I always tow with the front up and rear tires on the ground. I have seen a few people tow with the front on ground and rear on the dolly. My question is, is it ok to tow that way, what are the benefits or downfalls. It would be sweet not to have to disconnect the rear drive shaft and also if I break the rear I can tow it home still. Do you lock the steering or leave it unlocked. Its that time of year so I thought I would ask. Thanks

 

Not dropping a shaft (or being able too) is for lazy ppl.

I'd far rather deal with a DS than backing on and having to deal with immobilizing the steering...


The only reason I can think of where I'd rather, no need, to back one on is weight biase.

I towed a no engine no tranny/TC 4Runner one time and the weight was all at the back and it would fish tail.

But all that pales in comparison to a steering lock breaking or the rope you used to tie the wheel came undone and the front wheels are now free...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZY22...eature=related

 

I owned a tow company and towed many vehicles by the rear wheels.

The trick to safely towing from the rear is to secure the steering wheel without relying on the steering wheel lock via key.

Simple way to fix this. Run the seat belt through the steering wheel (at the 6 oclock position of course) and your done. You may have to move the seat or tilt the wheel down to do this but I have yet to find a car that I couldnt run the seat belt through the wheel.