No, you should generally not tow a car with its 4-wheel drive (4WD) system engaged with all four wheels on the ground. This can cause severe and expensive damage to the drivetrain. The correct method depends entirely on whether your vehicle has a part-time or a full-time (all-wheel drive) 4WD system. For part-time 4WD, the standard procedure is to tow with only two wheels on the ground or flatbed the entire vehicle.
The risk comes from a phenomenon called drivetrain wind-up. When a 4WD vehicle is towed with all wheels down, the engine and transmission are disconnected, but the wheels are still turning the axles, transfer case, and transmission. If the vehicle has a part-time 4WD system, the front and rear axles are locked together. Since the wheels on each axle will travel slightly different distances during a turn, this creates binding and immense stress within the drivetrain, potentially destroying the transfer case.
Here is a quick guide based on the most common 4WD systems:
| 4WD System Type | Recommended Towing Method | Key Reason |
|---|
| Part-Time 4WD | Flatbed tow truck OR tow with two wheels off the ground (dolly). | Prevents drivetrain wind-up and binding. |
| Full-Time 4WD / AWD | Often safe to tow with all wheels down, but always consult the owner's manual. | Center differential allows axles to turn at different speeds. |
| Manual Transmission (Part-Time 4WD) | Placing transfer case in Neutral may be an option. Verify with manual. | Disengages the drivetrain from the transfer case. |
The single most important step is to check your vehicle's owner's manual. It will have a specific section on recreational towing or "dinghy" towing that outlines the exact procedure for your model. This is the only way to be certain you are avoiding costly repairs. When in doubt, the safest choice is always to request a flatbed tow truck, which lifts all four wheels off the ground and eliminates any risk of drivetrain damage.
