Cars with Automatic Transmissions That Can Be Flat Towed
Flat towing is a method of towing a vehicle behind another vehicle with all four wheels on the ground. This is in contrast to dolly towing, where only the front or rear wheels of the towed vehicle are on the ground, or trailer towing, where the towed vehicle is completely lifted off the ground.
Flat towing is a popular option for towing recreational vehicles, such as campers and trailers, because it is relatively easy and inexpensive to do. However, not all vehicles can be flat towed. In particular, vehicles with automatic transmissions must be specifically designed for flat towing.
Why Can’t All Vehicles with Automatic Transmissions Be Flat Towed?
Automatic transmissions rely on a fluid pump to circulate transmission fluid throughout the transmission. When the vehicle is moving, the transmission fluid is pumped through the transmission by the engine. However, when the vehicle is being flat towed, the engine is not running and the transmission fluid pump is not working. This can cause the transmission to overheat and eventually fail.
To prevent this from happening, vehicles that are designed for flat towing have a special transmission fluid pump that is powered by the wheels of the towed vehicle. This pump circulates transmission fluid through the transmission, even when the engine is not running.
Which Cars with Automatic Transmissions Can Be Flat Towed?
Not all cars with automatic transmissions can be flat towed. Only vehicles that are specifically designed for flat towing have the necessary transmission fluid pump.
The following is a list of cars with automatic transmissions that can be flat towed:
* Buick Enclave
* Cadillac Escalade
* Chevrolet Equinox
* Chevrolet Silverado
* Chevrolet Tahoe
* Chevrolet Traverse
* Dodge Durango
* Ford Explorer
* Ford F-150
* GMC Acadia
* GMC Sierra
* GMC Yukon
* Honda CR-V
* Honda Pilot
* Hyundai Santa Fe
* Jeep Grand Cherokee
* Jeep Wrangler
* Kia Sorento
* Mitsubishi Outlander
* Nissan Pathfinder
* Ram 1500
* Subaru Outback
* Toyota 4Runner
* Toyota Highlander
How to Flat Tow a Car with an Automatic Transmission
To flat tow a car with an automatic transmission, you will need the following equipment:
* A tow bar
* A safety chain
* A tow vehicle
* A transmission fluid pump
Once you have the necessary equipment, you can follow these steps to flat tow a car with an automatic transmission:
1. Connect the tow bar to the tow vehicle and the towed vehicle.
2. Connect the safety chain to the tow vehicle and the towed vehicle.
3. Start the engine of the tow vehicle.
4. Put the transmission of the towed vehicle into neutral.
5. Turn on the transmission fluid pump.
6. Drive the tow vehicle slowly forward.
The towed vehicle will be towed behind the tow vehicle. The transmission fluid pump will circulate transmission fluid through the transmission, even though the engine of the towed vehicle is not running.
Tips for Flat Towing a Car with an Automatic Transmission
* Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for flat towing your specific vehicle.
* Use a tow bar that is rated for the weight of the towed vehicle.
* Use a safety chain that is rated for the weight of the towed vehicle.
* Drive slowly and carefully when flat towing.
* Stop and check the transmission fluid level of the towed vehicle every few hours.
* Do not tow a car with an automatic transmission for more than 500 miles without stopping to let the transmission cool down.
By following these tips, you can safely flat tow a car with an automatic transmission.
