Will Flat Towing Blow Up Your Transmission?

Yes, your transmission can actually explode if you ignore the manufacturer’s directions. We’re not talking about a Michael Bay-esque explosion complete with RVs torpedoing through the air, but that doesn’t mean there’s anything comfortable about the words “transmission” and “explode” in the same sentence.

So how do you know if your transmission is safe to flat tow? What makes some vehicles safe and others off-limits for dinghy towing? Let’s get into it below.

NOTE: Always check your owner's manual to determine if your particular vehicle can be flat towed, and if so, what steps are required to tow your vehicle. Most manuals list flat towing recommendations under "Recreational Towing" or "4 Wheel Down Towing."

Why Are Some Transmissions Wrecked by Flat Towing?

To understand why some transmissions blow up when flat towed while others are perfectly fine, we have to look at how transmissions operate normally. When you drive, your transmission needs to be lubricated by cool transmission fluid so that it doesn’t overheat.

The problem is that when you flat tow, all the components are still moving and spinning, only now the car isn’t pumping fluid through everything to keep it cool. Hence, the overheating. At a basic level, flat towable vehicles are those that allow you to disengage the transmission and allow the wheels to turn freely on their own. This is called "true neutral." Placing a vehicle in true neutral breaks the connection between the transmission and drive wheels and lets them move independently. In the diagrams below, you can see how different vehicles' drive wheels are connected to the transmission.

Rear Wheel Drive Vehicle Transmission Diagram

Front Wheel Drive Vehicle Transmission Diagram

Four Wheel Drive Vehicle Transmission Diagram

Note: In the case of 4WD vehicles, the transfer case AND transmission must be disengaged.

So…Will Your Transmission Blow Up?

Okay, so that's the why behind it all. But how do you know if your transmission is safe?

Best Case Scenario: Your Transmission Allows Towing

The best flat towable vehicles are those that allow for true neutral without having to physically disconnect any components. Manual transmission vehicles are generally easier to place in true neutral, and that's why so many manuals are flat towable. However, these days, many automatics are often flat towable as well.

If your vehicle is flat towable, you'll find flat tow instructions in your owner's manual, along with any restrictions. (If you don't know where your owner's manual is these days, that's fine—you can almost always find it online.)

If Your Transmission Doesn't Allow Towing

Some owner's manuals will specifically state that a vehicle cannot be flat towed with all four wheels on the ground.

The only way around these restrictions is to physically disconnect your driveshaft so your wheels can turn freely. The easiest way to accomplish this is to install a driveshaft disconnect. However, be aware that flat towing against your manufacturer's advice will void your warranty, so it's not recommended.

Special Cases: CVT Transmissions & Electric Vehicles

There are also vehicles—such as those with CVT transmissions and electric vehicles—that cannot be flat towed at all because they cannot be disengaged to let the wheels turn freely. Don't flat tow these!

NOTE: Vehicles that can't be flat towed should be towed on a trailer with all 4 wheels off the ground (or on a dolly with 2 wheels up if the owner's manual allows).

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Updated: 1/30/23

Written by: Amber S.

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