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Are you supposed to tow 4 down with the steering unlocked

opnspaces
Navigator
Navigator
I've always wondered but never asked. I have an old Bronco that came with a tow bar and dirveshaft disconnect. It's so old there is no steering lock. In 20 years I have never towed it 4 wheel down behind anything. Occasionally I think I should figure this out as a just in case so why not now?

My question, If I want to tow it behind my Suburban do I just:
  • Hitch up to an appropriate sized and weight rated hitch
  • Attach safety chains
  • Disengage the driveshaft
  • Attach magnet mount trailer lights
  • And tow

    Or do I have to somehow lock the steering wheel in the straight ahead position?
.
2001 Suburban 4x4. 6.0L, 4.10 3/4 ton **** 2005 Jayco Jay Flight 27BH **** 1986 Coleman Columbia Popup
7 REPLIES 7

opnspaces
Navigator
Navigator
I figured that steering unlocked was the correct answer but wanted to be sure.

In stock form the Bronco is about 3,500 lbs. With it's second tank and roll cage I would guess mine is at 4,000 lbs.

Thanks for the replies, now I know.
.
2001 Suburban 4x4. 6.0L, 4.10 3/4 ton **** 2005 Jayco Jay Flight 27BH **** 1986 Coleman Columbia Popup

wildtoad
Explorer II
Explorer II
As above you need a brake system. On edit, how much does the Bronco weigh versus what your hitch and tow capacities are.
Tom Wilds
Blythewood, SC
2016 Newmar Baystar Sport 3004
2015 Jeep Wrangler 2dr HT

bgum
Explorer
Explorer
If you fail to unlock your steering you will soon need a new set of tires for your front wheels.

Otherwise on turns you will drag the tires side ways.

What about your need for braking in your list of things to do?

ssthrd
Explorer
Explorer
Clicky
Seems logical to me that the front wheel caster will make the toad front wheels follow the TV. Like pulling a furniture dolley with a rope attached to the frame. Mine follows me nicely.
2014 Keystone Laredo 292RL
2013 Palomino Maverick 2902
2018 GMC 3500HD, 4x4, 6.5' box, SRW, Denali, Duramax, Andersen
DeeBee, JayBee, and Jed the Black Lab

The hurrier I go the behinder I get. (Lewis Carroll)

Colo_Native
Explorer
Explorer
I am going to say the steering wheel should always be unlocked when towed
2015 Winnebago Forza 34T
pushed by a 2011 Fusion Hybrid or 2020 Escape Hybrid
Retired DFD

JRscooby
Explorer II
Explorer II
Never did a toad, but pulled some spread tandem trailers. On any curve, axles walk out of line. A corner, at least 1 axle slides sideways. Now if there was some way to allow the front axle wheels to follow the truck looks like would be less stress on both vehicles.

Grit_dog
Nomad III
Nomad III
Steering not locked. It needs to turn and track w/ the tow vehicle.
2016 Ram 2500, MotorOps.ca EFIlive tuned, 5” turbo back, 6" lift on 37s
2017 Heartland Torque T29 - Sold.
Couple of Arctic Fox TCs - Sold