Generally, no, you should not tow a 4-wheel drive (4WD or AWD) vehicle with a standard car dolly trailer. A car dolly only lifts the vehicle's front wheels off the ground, leaving the rear wheels on the road. For most 4WD systems, this can cause severe and expensive damage to the drivetrain because the wheels left on the ground are still connected to the transmission and transfer case.
The core of the problem is drivetrain binding. In many 4WD vehicles, when the transmission is in "Park," it locks the output shaft. If the rear wheels are rolling, they force the drivetrain to turn against this lock. Even with the transmission in neutral, many systems require specific procedures to fully disengage the drivetrain for "flat towing." Towing with a dolly often fails to meet these conditions, leading to damage in the transfer case, differentials, or transmission. The repair costs can easily run into thousands of dollars.
The only safe way to determine if your specific 4WD vehicle can be towed on a dolly is to consult the owner's manual. The manual will have a section dedicated to recreational towing or towing procedures. It will explicitly state whether dolly towing is permitted and outline the precise steps to prepare the vehicle. If the manual prohibits it, you must use an alternative method.
The safest alternative is a flatbed trailer or car carrier, which lifts all four wheels off the ground. This completely eliminates any risk of drivetrain damage. While renting a flatbed is typically more expensive than a dolly, it is far cheaper than a major transmission repair.
| Towing Method | Wheels on Ground | Risk to 4WD Drivetrain | Best For |
|---|
| Car Dolly | Rear Wheels | High (Severe damage likely) | 2WD vehicles only |
| Flatbed Trailer | None | None (Safest option) | All vehicles, especially 4WD/AWD |
| All-Wheel Dollies | None | None | Short-distance moves (e.g., repossession) |
