Towing the VX

[Travelin2]

Towing the VX;
I was looking for a dinghy to tow behind my motorhome when I accidently stumbled onto my VX. I had never seen or heard of one before. I knew immediatly we were meant for each other. I figured I could get around the fact that it won't tow 4-down by putting it on a trailer. Click on the pic.
Attachment 1002
We have taken a couple of trips now and I realize it's not too practical. First the VX and trailer weigh 5,800 lbs and the small motorhome knows it's there. Secondly it's kind of a pain to unload and load at times. Thirdly, parking the trailer is a problem at some RV parks.

Heres where I hope for some help. Does anyone know of a transfer case with a neutral that will mate up to the VX tranny so it will tow 4 down. Has anyone got an idea how I can get the VX to tow?

[rowhard]

Well, I'm certainly no help, but something I was wondering, if you disconnect the rear drive shaft at the diff, is there any reason why you couldn't use one of those dollies you can rent and sometimes see for sale cheap where you drop the front axle in?

[SlowPro48]

I'm going to show my ignorance about transfer cases and towing 4-down here but why can't you just put the TOD in neutral and pull that VX as-is? Why would you need another transfer case? Seems like all you would need to do is figure out a way to lock the TOD in neutral since from what I remember there's no detente for neurtal. Wouldn't want that thing jumping into gear if you hit a bump going down the road!

OK - somebody splain it to me...

[rowhard]

SlowPro, again no smarter then you. Just know that you can't drag this puppy with the rear wheels down and the fronts dangling. That's why my comment about disconnecting the shaft from the rear diff. Beyond that, I don't have a clue.

[SlowPro48]

Yeah, my bro was a repo man for a while and found that out the hard way when he towed an AWD Honda with only the rear wheels on the ground. I think by 4-down he mean with all four wheels on the road so there wouldn't be a speed differential between front and rear most of the time and when there was it wouldn't matter with the TOD in neutral anyway. BUT - since we don't have hubs that can unlock, basically the whole drivetrain would still be spinning so I think it must be more of a wear issue.

No worries - I'm sure some knowledgeable VXer will wade into this conversation soon and then we'll know!

[SlowPro48]

...but of course that wouldn't be solved by a different transfer case so we're back to square 1..

OK - time to fold some laundry. Maybe there will be an answer in the morning. What is this... Twitter?

[rowhard]

No worries - I'm sure some knowledgeable VXer will wade into this conversation soon and then we'll know!

Que LDUB

[crotchrocket]

You can solve the front wheel issue with locking wheel hubs that litterally disconnect the front wheels from the tranny by simply turning a switch on the hub. Inexpensive and simple to fit.

The rear is more problematic.

you could reverse it onto this and tow it backwards with the front wheels running freely

http://www.northerntool.com/images/p.../125760_lg.jpg



also look here

http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide..._behind_rv.php

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-p...g-options3.htm

[Ldub]

Que LDUB

I use the "search" function...

http://www.vehicross.info/forums/sho...ghlight=towing

http://www.vehicross.info/forums/sho...ghlight=towing

http://www.vehicross.info/forums/sho...ghlight=towing

[Travelin2]

Thanks fellas; I pretty much figured I would hear what you guys are saying but thought there might be an Easy Button out there I hadn't thought of. I think getting a different rig like Riff Raff said is the logical way.

[iamironman]

Tow the MH with the VX!!!

LOL... j/k

:bwgr::bgwp:

[Travelin2]

I agree that Crotchrockets idea has some merit since I have seen tow trucks pulling vehicles backward with the rear off the ground. I have to wonder though how it would track and how the tire wear would be since the camber, caster, toe-in combo is designed for the forward direction. Thanks for the links to the previous posts Ldub. It wasn't laziness that made me post this, just wanted to get some fresh feedback and see if I could draw you out of your lair. It is pretty obvious from this discussion and the previous threads that its not practical.

SlowPro, I know its bugging you why I mentioned installing a TC with 2H/4H/N/4L. The Borg/Warner TOD TC doesn't have a dedicated neutral and the system of clutches that makes up the TOD system evidently don't allow for the driveshafts to be driven without the transmission being spun. I know very little about the innards of the TOD TC but in looking up what it would cost to restuff the thing if a guy fried it gives one pause. Also if the silent chain is running there is one or more bearings in the transmission that need to be lubed and some require a lube pump to be turning. I'm not up on all that stuff so back to Riff Raffs' response..."Get a different car". I'm sure there are guys on here that understand what makes things tick in there.

[SlowPro48]

Travelin2,

OK so neutral in our TOD transfer case isn't really a "true" neutral. I just assumed it was neutral since the shop manual calls it that and the vehicle will roll when the transmission is in Park with the TOD in the neutral position.

Now it all makes sense. THANK YOU for that explanation.

[Travelin2]

I guess I'm the one confused. Mine is either in 4 hi or 4 lo according to the insignia on the shifter knob. It doesn't indicate a usable neutral.

[Ldub]

I guess I'm the one confused. Mine is either in 4 hi or 4 lo according to the insignia on the shifter knob. It doesn't indicate a usable neutral.

Slopro was indicating a false neutral that exists between 4 Hi & 4 Lo.