Getting stuck on the side of the road or needing to move a project vehicle can be a stressful experience for any owner. When you realize you are dealing with a rear-wheel-drive setup, the stakes for a safe recovery become much higher than a standard front-wheel-drive pull.
Knowing how to tow rwd car setups correctly is the only way to ensure you don’t end up with a destroyed transmission or a warped drivetrain. In this guide, we will break down the exact methods professionals use to keep your gears cool and your tires on the pavement.
We will explore everything from flatbed trailers to tow dollies and driveshaft disconnects. By the end of this article, you will have a clear, actionable roadmap to move your vehicle safely without making expensive rookie mistakes.
Understanding the Mechanics of Rear-Wheel Drive Towing
Before you hook up a strap or call a friend, you must understand why rear-wheel-drive (RWD) vehicles require special care. In an RWD car, the power travels from the engine through the transmission, down the driveshaft, and into the rear differential.
When the rear wheels are on the ground and spinning while the engine is off, the internal components of the transmission are still moving. However, in most automatic vehicles, the lubrication pump only operates when the engine is running.
This means if you tow the car with the drive wheels down, those gears are spinning at high speeds without any oil circulation. This creates massive frictional heat that can melt seals and weld gears together in just a few miles.
Manual transmissions are slightly more forgiving because they often use “splash lubrication,” but even then, long distances can cause issues. Understanding how to tow rwd car configurations starts with acknowledging that the drivetrain must be protected from this unlubricated movement.
The Safest Method: Using a Flatbed Trailer
If you ask any veteran mechanic at FatBoysOffroad, they will tell you that a flatbed is the gold standard for moving an RWD vehicle. This method involves winching the entire car onto a platform so that no wheels touch the ground during transit.
Using a flatbed eliminates the risk of transmission damage entirely because the driveline remains static. It also prevents uneven tire wear and protects your suspension components from the stresses of highway speeds on uneven roads.
When loading the car, ensure the winch cable is attached to a sturdy recovery point or a “T-hook” slot in the frame. Never attach a winch hook to a control arm or a steering tie rod, as these parts can bend easily under the weight of the vehicle.
Once the car is on the bed, use heavy-duty ratchet straps to secure it. The best practice is to strap through the wheels or over the tires to allow the car’s suspension to work naturally during the drive.
How to Tow RWD Car Setups Using a Tow Dolly
A tow dolly is a small two-wheeled trailer that lifts one end of the vehicle while the other end remains on the road. While common for front-wheel-drive cars, using one for an RWD vehicle requires a specific technical approach to avoid disaster.
There are two primary ways to use a dolly for an RWD car, and each has its own set of pros and cons. You must decide based on the distance you are traveling and the tools you have available at the time.
Method A: Backing the Car onto the Dolly
The most common way to use a dolly for an RWD vehicle is to load it backwards. By placing the rear wheels on the dolly, you ensure the drive wheels are not spinning while you are in motion.
However, this creates a major safety concern: the steering rack. If the front wheels are on the ground and the steering wheel is not perfectly locked, the car will “fish-tail” or oscillate wildly at high speeds.
You must use a steering wheel lock device or secure the wheel with heavy-duty straps to ensure it stays dead-center. Never rely solely on the factory ignition lock, as it is not designed to handle the lateral forces of towing.
Method B: Lifting the Front and Disconnecting the Driveshaft
If you prefer to tow the car facing forward, you must lift the front wheels onto the dolly. Since the rear wheels will be spinning, you cannot leave the driveshaft connected to the transmission.
You will need to crawl under the car and remove the bolts connecting the driveshaft to the rear differential. Once disconnected, secure the driveshaft to the chassis with thick wire or heavy-duty zip ties so it doesn’t drag.
This method is labor-intensive but is often safer for highway travel because the vehicle’s weight distribution is more stable. It effectively turns the RWD car into a “free-rolling” trailer that won’t overheat the gearbox.
Flat Towing (Dinghy Towing) for Long Distances
Flat towing, or “dinghy towing,” involves pulling the car with all four wheels on the ground using a tow bar. This is a favorite among RV enthusiasts, but it is the most complex way to handle an RWD vehicle.
To do this safely, you generally need a driveshaft disconnect kit or a transmission lube pump. A disconnect kit allows you to flip a lever to mechanically decouple the rear wheels from the transmission from the comfort of the driver’s seat.
An electronic lube pump is another option, which circulates transmission fluid even when the engine is off. Without one of these two modifications, flat towing an automatic RWD car for more than a few miles will almost certainly lead to a total transmission failure.
If you are a DIYer, installing a disconnect kit is a great weekend project. It provides peace of mind and makes the vehicle much more versatile for cross-country trips or off-road expeditions.
Essential Safety Gear for RWD Towing
You should never attempt to move a vehicle without the proper equipment. Safety is the priority, not just for your car, but for other drivers on the road. Here is a checklist of gear you should have on hand.
- Rated Tow Straps: Ensure they are rated for at least double the weight of the vehicle.
- Safety Chains: These are your backup in case the primary hitch or strap fails.
- Magnetic Tow Lights: Your car’s taillights won’t work if the battery is disconnected; these keep you legal and visible.
- Wheel Chocks: Use these whenever you are loading or unloading to prevent the car from rolling.
- Torque Wrench: If you removed the driveshaft, you’ll need this to reinstall the bolts to factory specs later.
Using high-quality equipment prevents accidents that can lead to vehicle loss or personal injury. At FatBoysOffroad, we always recommend over-speccing your gear rather than using the bare minimum.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Tow RWD Car Correcty
Follow these steps to ensure a smooth process. Taking your time during the setup phase will save you hours of frustration later on the road.
- Verify the Weight: Check the owner’s manual for the curb weight and ensure your tow vehicle can handle the load.
- Inspect the Hitch: Ensure the hitch ball and receiver are properly greased and the locking pin is secure.
- Connect the Vehicle: Whether using a trailer or dolly, ensure the car is centered to maintain balanced weight distribution.
- Secure the Drivetrain: If the rear wheels are on the ground, either disconnect the driveshaft or confirm the transmission is in the proper “tow mode” (if applicable).
- Check the Lights: Plug in your auxiliary lights and test the turn signals and brake lights before moving.
- Test the Brakes: Take a slow lap around the block to feel how the added weight affects your stopping distance.
Always remember to re-tighten your straps after the first 10 miles. Straps often stretch or settle as the vehicle bounces, and a loose strap can quickly lead to a dangerous situation.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
One of the biggest mistakes people make when learning how to tow rwd car models is assuming that putting the car in neutral is enough. While “Neutral” disconnects the engine from the transmission, it does not disconnect the output shaft from the gears.
Another common error is ignoring the speed rating of the tow dolly or trailer. Most dollies are not designed for speeds over 55 MPH. Exceeding this can cause the tires to overheat and blow out, or cause the car to sway uncontrollably.
Finally, never forget about the parking brake. It sounds simple, but many people leave the e-brake engaged when loading the car onto a dolly. This will cause the rear tires to drag, creating flat spots and potentially snapping the tow straps.
If you encounter a situation where the steering won’t lock or the driveshaft bolts are rusted solid, stop and call a professional. It is better to pay for a professional tow than to risk a highway accident or a ruined drivetrain.
Legal Requirements and Road Safety
Towing laws vary by state, but there are some universal rules you must follow. Your license plate must be visible, and your tow vehicle must have mirrors that allow you to see past the width of the trailer.
In many jurisdictions, any trailer or dolly carrying a vehicle over a certain weight must have its own braking system. Check your local DOT regulations to ensure you are compliant. Being pulled over is bad, but being liable for an accident because of improper lighting is worse.
Always maintain a generous following distance. A truck pulling an RWD car on a trailer can take twice as long to stop as a solo vehicle. Avoid sudden lane changes and use your engine braking when descending long hills to prevent brake fade.
Frequently Asked Questions About how to tow rwd car
Can I tow an RWD car with the engine running?
Technically, yes, if the engine is running in neutral, the oil pump will lubricate the transmission. However, this is extremely dangerous as the engine could overheat without airflow, or the car could vibrate into gear. It is not recommended.
Is it okay to tow an RWD car in neutral for a short distance?
Most manufacturers suggest a limit of 15–25 miles at speeds under 30 MPH. Anything further or faster requires disconnecting the driveshaft or using a flatbed to prevent heat buildup in the transmission.
What happens if I tow my RWD car with the rear wheels down?
If you tow it too far or too fast, the transmission fluid will overheat because the pump isn’t running. This leads to catastrophic failure, often requiring a total transmission replacement which can cost thousands of dollars.
Do I need to worry about the differential?
Generally, the differential is fine because it is bathed in gear oil that doesn’t require a pump. The transmission is the primary concern when learning how to tow rwd car setups safely.
Final Thoughts for the DIY Tower
Mastering how to tow rwd car setups is a vital skill for any serious automotive enthusiast. Whether you are hauling a classic muscle car to a show or recovering a broken-down daily driver, the principles remain the same: protect the transmission and secure the load.
Always prioritize the use of a flatbed if your budget allows. If you must use a dolly or a tow bar, take the extra time to disconnect the driveshaft or secure the steering wheel. These small steps are what separate a successful trip from a mechanical nightmare.
Stay safe, double-check your chains, and always keep your eyes on the road ahead. With the right prep and a safety-first mindset, you can tackle any towing challenge with confidence. Happy hauling!
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