michelb
Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Joined: 04/11/2007
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I'm thinking of buying a cheap / old car to use as a toad (neither of our 2 cars is towable 4-down). Will any manual transmission do?
Also I've heard that you can flat tow an automatic by leaving the engine idling while pulling the car to keep the oil pumping in the transmission. Any truth to that?
There are towables cars / trucks lists available but does anyone have one that covers early to mid 90s cars?
Let me know. Thanks
* This post was
edited 11/14/09 09:01pm by michelb *
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B Bob
Jamul, CA, USA
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Joined: 05/07/2003
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We are in the same boat. You really have to check the list on Remco's web site or the old issues of motor home towing guide. We were just at the Ford dealer and we would like a Mustang convertible to tow. After a half hour we find out that with a manual you cannot do it. Same with Camaro. Some cars are towable and some not. But we are not experts on this like you.
Bob & Barbara Nuttmann
Jamul, CA
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Deen
Vancouver, WA
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Joined: 12/07/2000
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No, just because it's a stick doesn't make it towable. A stick trans is lubed by splash from the gears and splash plates. If the splash comes from the output of the trans then go ahead and tow it, if from the input shaft then the only time it's rotating is if the engine is running. Someone posted last week about a Mazda(?) that they ruined the stick trans on by towing thinking that it was OK due to it being a stick trans.
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Stennis
Starkville, Mississippi
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I certainly would not tow a car while the motor was running. Just me but I would worry about something happening. I know they work fine for many but for the same reason, I do not care to use a transmission pump.
There are a number of early to mid-90's that can be towed. I think l 4x4 Jeeps with a transfer case that can be placed in netural are towable (towed a Jeep Cherokee). Some say one cannot tow Honda's but I towed a 95 Civic automatic (using procedures provided by Honda - if one does not follow their procedures precisely you will screw it up). Many people tow cars and trucks with drive shaft disconnects. It seems to me that these are foolproof. I see mention to and have seen Chevy Trackers being towed. You just have to do your research - there are posibilities out there.
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PapPappy
Wilmington, NC
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Joined: 12/23/2007
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Why would you want to leave the engine running??? I realize that it's to run the oil pump, but geez, what a pain in the butt.....and God forbid the tranny should drop into gear!!!
There are plenty of other choices that might be better (won't require any pumps, or alterations)......
Bill & Claudia / DD Jenn / DS Chris
Dogs: Sophie, Abby, Brandy, Kahlie, Annie, Maggie & Beau 
RIP: Cookie (Sheltie) & Gidget (Lab-mix) over the Rainbow Bridge.
2000 Winnebago "Minnie" 31C, Ford V-10
Purchased April 2008 FMCA# F407293
The Pets
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mowermech
Billings, MT
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Joined: 06/28/2003
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No.
Yes, but I wouldn't do it.
I don't know.
There y'go, you're welcome.
CM1, USN (RET)
'94 Dodge 3500 4X2 CTD, 5 speed, 4.10 LS diff., Jacobs Rambrake, 274,000 Miles
'99 Monaco McKenzie 32' triple slide
'95 Tioga 29H Ford-based Class C
Daily driver: '08 Subaru Outback
Towed: '06 Jeep Rubicon Unlimited/Load Trail 16' flatbed
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robatthelake
Vancouver Island
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Joined: 08/24/2003
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How Cheap? The cost to Set up the Rig may set you back more than the Value of the Vehicle!
Rob & Jean
Dutch Star Diesel Pusher ..Tracker 4X2
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Golden_HVAC
Fulltime, CA, USA
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Joined: 08/19/2003
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Hi,
I would suggest that you look for a Honda Accord - and also check with Roadmaster and Blue Ox to see if they make a tow bar assembly for that model car.
They also tend to list if it is a easy, difficult or impossible tow bar installation job, meaning 1, 2, 3 or more hours to install the tow bar.
You want a car with a economical tow bar installation, and lower cost tow bar. Many of the older Honda's can be towed with automatic transmissions, until about 2004. After 2004, I think only the CRV is towable 4 down.
I had a 99 CRV, and I see them for about $4,500 now. They are towable with automatic, and can include all wheel drive (not true 4 wheel drive). The hitch installation was only about an hour at home, with only a large torque wrench the only tool that is a requirement and not in the common toolbox.
The Accord and Civic are both comfortable, and towable 4 wheels down with the proper hitch. Check with Roadmaster for the years they build hitches for them.
http://www.roadmasterinc.com/
I was able to find the cars easy at Autotrader.com
Good Luck,
Fred.
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msredneck84
Southeastern U S (habitually)
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I pulled a early 90's model 4x4 5 spd manual tran. Geo Tracker. Nice Tow vehicle if you could find one.
Drinking out of my saucer!
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427435
Rochester, Mn
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Joined: 11/12/2005
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They will be hard to find now, but an old Ford Tempo or Mercury Topaz with the 5 speed manual transmission is towable 4 down.
Mark
2000 Itasca Suncruiser 35U on a Ford chassis
2003 Ford Explorer toad with US Gear brakes,
ReadyBrute tow bar, and Demco base plate.
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