Flat towing I don’t understand

[jako999]

We’ve just got back from the States and while over there I’ve seen loads of RVs flat towing now the bit I don’t understand is simple here in the UK we’re told you can’t tow an auto gear box or a 4x4 but over there nearly every car is an auto and I saw at least 50 RVs towing big SUVs Jeep, Honda Ford and so on. So if they can flat tow big auto 4x4s from multiple manufacturers what’s the difference? Unfortunately I never got to speak to anyone but are we just been told the wrong information by dealer.
The one thing I did see which made me look in amazement was a big RV with a massive trailer on the back with a Jeep a big speed boat and a jet ski on the trailer, I was impressed I wouldn’t have like to manoeuvre it around at a guess I would say around 60 to 70 feet in length.

 

[Tigger-Tim]

As I understand it ...

You need a 4x4 with a transfer box that can be put into neutral. As that disconnects the drive from the gearbox, you can leave the gearbox in Park (just to make sure it doesn't turn).

It's been a while since I had a 4x4 with a proper transfer box - I think my last one was a landcruiser (sold as a Lexus in the USA).

 

[busbuddy]

I know some of the older kia sportage 4x4s can be flat towed and I think some Suzuki ones
I have seen a land rover discovery 3 being flat towed on the M5
As for the big RV and trailer, they are fine on their big wide freeways and entrances to trailer parks and resorts are designed for them and almost dual carraigeway size, no single track road to your pitch in the main RV resorts

 

[DDJC]

We flat-towed our roboticised gearbox Suzuki on an A Frame. The car was too 'electronic' but the A Frame converter told us that yes, of course it will work.

Nope, two miles down the road, everything ground to a halt with smoke pouring out of the Suzuki. Car recovered by AA, holiday sacked, a bill from Suzuki for, wait for it... seven grand for a new engine because the towing had blown a hole through the block.

Out local garage did the engine for a couple of thousand, but with hire car charges, the loss was three grand, none of it recoverable through the insurance.

Moral of the story is, only flat tow an auto if you have a mechanical auto gearbox that you are absolutely sure won't shift into gear. Didn't want to risk it again, so we got a lightweight trailer and haven't used the A Frame ever again.

 

[Two on Tour]

As far as I'm aware most modern 4x4's do not have a transfer box and central diff, they are fixed rear wheel drive with an electronically operated clutch that engages the front wheels for 4-wheel drive as was the Vauxhall Frontera's that I had and the Nissan Navara that I presently have, and as such can be towed.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[eddie]

We still very occasionally tow nowadays, but we still have our Terios 4 x 4 which we bought new in 2007 on the strength of the manufacturer having a section in the handbook about towing of a frame behind an RV.

As you say it’s a huge market in the States

edit:- Just found our inaugural trip up to the Highlands of Scotland