Thor Forums

[gmc]

Originally Posted by Ag&Au

Please tell me if this is correct. (or not)

I am thinking that:
Any car flat towed will register the towed miles.
A rear wheel drive car on a dolly will register the towed miles.
a front wheel drive car on a dolly will not register the miles.
I have read about lube pumps for towing. When are they required or desirable?

Thanks, Ken

And the answer is of course... 'It depends...'

My Jeep flat towed with transfer case in neutral does not register miles whether battery connected or not... I'd expect this behavior in any vehicle towed in 'transfer case neutral' as the transmission sees nothing.

For a flat tow without 'transfer case neutral' - the transmission will see movement - and may need something disconnected or a lube pump to keep it happy.
Old mechanical odometers would record mileage if driveshaft is in place. Newer electronic versions may not.

A rear wheel drive on a dolly would likely need to have the driveshaft disconnected (or possibly lube pump) for any length towing...
Old mechanical odometers would record mileage if driveshaft is in place. Newer electronic versions may not.

A front wheel drive car on dolly should not record mileage.

A lube pump may be required when the vehicles drive wheels are on ground and transmission is engaged (even in neutral)... The transmission counts on the engine rotating to drive lubrication - and typically not driven when the 'tail is wagging the dog' (driveshaft only turning...)
The lube pump forces the lubrication.
The need for it should be reflected in the owners manual (under recreational towing) - or perhaps aftermarket locations if they provide pumps for vehicles the manufacturer says not to tow with drive wheels down...