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Old 10-19-2016, 08:13 PM   #1
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Towing a 2000 Dodge Dakota

Motorhome magazine says a 2000 Dakota 4WD is towable as a dinghy. Ours is not 4WD. Can someone please explain to me why it has to be 4WD?

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Old 10-19-2016, 08:27 PM   #2
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Because four wheel drives have neutral that allow the truck to free wheel. Son the four wheel drive you would put the gear shift in neutral, and than the four wheel drive in neutral
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Old 10-19-2016, 08:38 PM   #3
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Originally Posted by fhenn View Post
Because four wheel drives have neutral that allow the truck to free wheel. Son the four wheel drive you would put the gear shift in neutral, and than the four wheel drive in neutral
I forgot to mention it's a 5 speed, if that matters.

So why can't you just put the gear shift in neutral? Sorry for being ignorant. Thanks!
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Old 10-19-2016, 11:03 PM   #4
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It must have a transfer case. A transmission requires a pump for lubrication and without the engine running the pump doesn't run and therefore no lubrication and a burned out transmission. Additionally the Trans will spin and could cause the engine to spin also without an oil pump and therefore engine damage.
A transfer case does not use a pump for lubrication, it is self oiling so it can spin. In neutral it spins when towed but does not transmit energy to the transmission as long as the Trans is in park or in gear.
That is why you can't tow a vehicle that does not have a transfer case.
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Old 10-20-2016, 06:37 PM   #5
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Originally Posted by OutcastJeeps View Post
It must have a transfer case. A transmission requires a pump for lubrication and without the engine running the pump doesn't run and therefore no lubrication and a burned out transmission. Additionally the Trans will spin and could cause the engine to spin also without an oil pump and therefore engine damage.
A transfer case does not use a pump for lubrication, it is self oiling so it can spin. In neutral it spins when towed but does not transmit energy to the transmission as long as the Trans is in park or in gear.
That is why you can't tow a vehicle that does not have a transfer case.
Thanks, Outcast. Your explanation helps!

The reason why I questioned it is because I've read several posts here where people are dinghy-towing cars that are not recommended by Motorhome magazine.

We have 2 or 3 vehicles available to us but none seem to be 'dinghy appropriate'. Hate to have to buy another vehicle just to use as a dinghy.
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