Can I flat-tow a new 2010 Suzuki Sierra Jimny 4WD ( i.e.on an A-Bar behind a motor home). Will flat-towing effect my new-car warranty? How do I set up the gears and transfer case for flat-towing? Thanks Ray. Monday 19/7/10, 2.20pm

welcome to USA forum
the country with not ONE< JIMNY,
but i can answer
there are 4 ways to tow this is but 1.
backwards towing is best way or drop rear drive shaft (ask)
flat tow 101:
the Jimny is SJ413 here,called Samurai.
the transfer case sets this rule (most rear device)
that rules is dont flat tow it, more that 200 miles
the rear bearing has no lube actions towed
here is the near same transmissions.

and rules (of xfr case)
ill quote my 2001 Vitara, (same setup.)

Follow these steps:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Shift your automatic transmission into PARK (P), or
your manual transmission to SECOND (2).
3. With the ignition key in the ON position, move the
transfer case to NEUTRAL and make sure the 4WD
light on the instrument panel cluster is off. See
"Four-Wheel Drive" in the Index.
4. Turn the ignition key to ACC to unlock the
steering wheel.
5. Release the parking brake
If you tow your four-wheel-drive vehicle from
the front, make sure to move the transfer case
into NEUTRAL or your vehicle could be badly
damaged and the damage would not be covered
by your warranty.
Stop towing every 200 miles (300 km) and start the
engine. Leave the transfer case shift lever in
NEUTRAL. Shift your automatic transmission to
DRIVE (D); leave a manual transmission in
SECOND (2) with the clutch engaged. Run the engine at
medium speed for one minute to circulate oil in the
transfer case. Turn the ignition key to ACC. Now, you
can continue towing your vehicle.
The front wheels transmit shocks during towing.
The steering column may not be strong enough to
withstand the shocks. Always unlock the steering
wheel before towing.
Make sure that the towing speed does not
exceed 50 mph (80 km/h), or your vehicle could
be badly damaged
end direct quote operators guide .....
got that?

not how the 5speed box is in 2nd.
this is to keep it from spinning, and its rear bearing damaged.
there are 2 bearings to worry the rear 5sp and rear transfer case.

on ours, we use an electric oil'er pump added to transfer case.
unlimited tow. (wires power feed from RV via coupler.)
or the drives shaft decoupling device, (not cheap)
or we drop the rear, of prop shaft, and tie up the rear up high
so it cant drop nor let it fall of rear of transfer cases
we use bunji cords, for up,
and then pull the front,
if the prop shaft falls out, you will lose GL4 gear lube out rear
of the transfer case. it falls out so very easy, off that spine.
there are all ways flat,
done them all.,

in English.
ah, how to tow a suzuki,
well that car has a year, and not stated.
and comes in 2wd or 4wd , 4speed auto, and 5 speed stick
and rules diffr.
so....... gee.
flat to or Dolley.
gee 5?
Ill now teach you why in few words,
the rear if the 2 tranmissions (both the transfer case)
and both main gear boxes do not like being towed due to rear bearings are run dry this way, a fact.
so short distance ok,
and gee you never said 5 miles or 3000 miles. so, gee 6
my 84 to 2004 , we most start car and run the gear box every 2oo miles with flat RV tow.
in 4wd, transfer case in neutral and main box in 1st.
these act relubes the dry gear for 200 more miles.
tell year, and the book pages are free.
shows all 4 modes of tow, and all boxs. in the operators guide. plain as day/

you can tow it with the proper set up correct weight class tow bar/hitch and IF your within your motor homes tow capacity

Your truck can be flat towed. By placing your transfer case in neutral you completely sever the link between the engine/ transmission and the driveshafts to the axles. The transmission could be left in gear (manual) or in the case of an automatic, park and it wouldn't make a difference. Please be advised to place the transfer case into 2wd or 4wd BEFORE unhooking towed vehicle as the vehicle will start to roll if on an incline. I would apply the emergency brake as well but I wouldn't use it as a first thing to do just in case it's out of adjustment and won't hold vehicle in transfer case neutral.

As far as things still moving would be the following, rear axle and driveshaft and front axle and half shafts. Before towing if towing for long distances maybe have the trucks bearings, U joints and seals checked.

Be safe!

we dont know what you are doing
are you :

1. adding one.
2. removing one.
3. or diagnosing one.

I guess you have and RV and are planning to tow a suzuki?
try to say what';s UP first then ask.

is it FOUR WHEEL DRIVE. then no

Is it front wheel drive, then put it on a car dolly and tow it like a trailer

2000 mountaineer i want to tow behind motor home how do i do it?

Hi,

Only the 4WD version is 'flat towable' - if yours is the front wheel drive version you will need a dolly as special equipment to prevent damage occuring to the transmission. Towing Auto vehicles is not really advisable in my opinion and unless it is specifically stated in the specification of the manufacturers handbook it is best avoided.

However you may want to check out this link which provides a list of towable pickups and SUVs that is updated each year. You can also find their list of towable vehicles from previous years there as well. These are vehicles that are factory approved by their manufacturers for towing behind a motorhome. Some vehicles such as the XL-7 require special procedures which must be followed, including speed and distance limitations.

For example, the 4WD version of the XL-7 requires special care to be taken every 200 miles in order to avoid the potential of transmission damage.

See link for more info


Hope this helps. Thanks for using FixYa.

must have a tow attachement on the frame in the front,go to uhaul,they have the attachements.or nissan