What does it mean that full-time four-wheel drive cannot be towed?
2 Answers
Full-time four-wheel drive cannot be towed means that this type of vehicle is not suitable for towing. Putting the transmission in neutral (N) is like removing the motor of a toy four-wheel-drive car, but the four wheels are still connected by a driveshaft. If the vehicle is towed, no matter which set of wheels is lifted onto the tow truck, the other set will rotate due to friction with the ground, generating force that drives the lifted set of wheels. Consequences of towing a full-time four-wheel-drive vehicle in neutral: The consequences of towing a full-time four-wheel-drive vehicle in neutral are obvious: either the driveshaft will twist, or the gears will be damaged, causing significant harm to the four-wheel-drive system. Therefore, generally, full-time four-wheel-drive vehicles can only be moved onto a tow truck entirely for towing operations. Towing techniques for full-time four-wheel-drive vehicles: Full-time four-wheel-drive vehicles must be towed using a flatbed tow truck, and the correct towing method requires all four wheels to be off the ground. Full-time four-wheel-drive vehicles should not be towed for extended periods or at speeds exceeding 20 km/h. In special circumstances, such as being stuck in mud, short-distance towing at speeds below 20 km/h is acceptable. If forced towing exceeds these limits, the most direct damage will be to the differential, causing wear to the differential shaft. Excessive speed or distance during towing can damage the towed vehicle.
I drove a full-time four-wheel-drive off-road vehicle for several years. Last year, the car broke down on a mountain. I initially thought of towing it downhill with a rope, but my friend from the repair shop immediately stopped me. He explained that in a full-time four-wheel-drive vehicle, all wheels are connected to the engine. If the car stalls and is towed directly, the wheels are forced to turn, but since the engine isn't running, the internal transmission oil pump doesn't work. Without lubrication, the components can overheat due to friction, leading to minor gear damage or even complete failure of the entire drivetrain. Repairing it could cost thousands, which really isn't worth it. Later, I learned that the correct approach is to call a professional tow truck with a flatbed to transport the vehicle or use a tow truck to lift the drive wheels off the ground. It's important to learn more about towing techniques beforehand—don't skimp on safety when it matters most.
