Can a 4WD Vehicle Be Towed?
1 Answers
Yes, full-time 4WD vehicles can only be towed using a flatbed tow truck. This is because all four wheels of a full-time 4WD vehicle are drive wheels, connected by a single driveshaft. If any set of wheels is lifted, the other set will continue to rotate, potentially causing damage to the transmission. Full-Time 4WD System: In a full-time 4WD drivetrain, a center differential is installed to distribute power to the front and rear axles. Unlike part-time 4WD or on-demand 4WD systems, full-time 4WD vehicles maintain power to all four wheels continuously during operation. The center differential adjusts the power distribution ratio between the front and rear wheels based on varying road conditions. Towing Impact: When using a wheel-lift tow truck, only the front wheels can be secured while the rear wheels continue to rotate freely. This causes the multi-plate clutch to rapidly increase its engagement level. The kinetic energy from the towed vehicle's rear wheels is then transmitted to the center differential, generating excessive heat through reverse friction, which may ultimately lead to burnout.