Flat tow
12-17-2013, 08:33 PM
#1
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Flat tow
I have a 2 wheel drive 2000 F150 XLT with 4.6 V6 and 5 speed stick shift. My owners manual says not to tow behind my RV. I bought it thinking it would be a snap without consulting manual (bad idea) anyway this must be a mistake. I do not see why I can't put a hitch to it and go. Does anyone have this problem and if so what did they do?
Last edited by 3dognite; 12-17-2013 at 08:37 PM. Reason: left out 2 wheel drive
12-17-2013, 11:08 PM
#2
Keepin' the lights on!
You will need a driveshaft coupler : http://www.remcodsc.com/driveShaft.php
Or some type of lube pump for the transmission because going down the highway without the engine running, most of the internals will still be spinning but the front pump won't be pumping anything to keep it lubed. It will burn up. You will also need a baseplate, safety cables, at least a bulb and socket set for the tail lights, and possibly a supplimental braking system.
The new driveshaft from Remco will be easier than doing a lube pump. Once properly adjusted (and a little bit of a learning curve) they work like a charm.
Or some type of lube pump for the transmission because going down the highway without the engine running, most of the internals will still be spinning but the front pump won't be pumping anything to keep it lubed. It will burn up. You will also need a baseplate, safety cables, at least a bulb and socket set for the tail lights, and possibly a supplimental braking system.
The new driveshaft from Remco will be easier than doing a lube pump. Once properly adjusted (and a little bit of a learning curve) they work like a charm.
12-18-2013, 07:20 AM
#3
Senior Member
You will need a driveshaft coupler : http://www.remcodsc.com/driveShaft.php
Or some type of lube pump for the transmission because going down the highway without the engine running, most of the internals will still be spinning but the front pump won't be pumping anything to keep it lubed. It will burn up. You will also need a baseplate, safety cables, at least a bulb and socket set for the tail lights, and possibly a supplimental braking system.
The new driveshaft from Remco will be easier than doing a lube pump. Once properly adjusted (and a little bit of a learning curve) they work like a charm.
Or some type of lube pump for the transmission because going down the highway without the engine running, most of the internals will still be spinning but the front pump won't be pumping anything to keep it lubed. It will burn up. You will also need a baseplate, safety cables, at least a bulb and socket set for the tail lights, and possibly a supplimental braking system.
The new driveshaft from Remco will be easier than doing a lube pump. Once properly adjusted (and a little bit of a learning curve) they work like a charm.
12-18-2013, 09:26 AM
#4
Senior Member
The easy answer is to disconnect your driveshaft when flat towing for any significant distance. If that's easily doable for your skill level, then it's the cheapest and most straight forward approach. Disconnect it at the axle, strap it up, and be on your way..
12-18-2013, 10:06 AM
#5
Keepin' the lights on!
12-18-2013, 11:54 AM
#6
Grumpy Old Man
Originally Posted by 2000 F-150 Owner's Guide
Pages 170, 171
Recreational towing (all wheels on the ground)
An example of recreational towing would be towing your vehicle behind
a Motorhome. Follow these guidelines if you have the need for
recreational towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground.
These guidelines are designed to ensure that your transmission is not
damaged.
2WD vehicles (with automatic transmissions)
² Place the transmission in N (Neutral)
² Maximum speed is 56 km (35 mph)
² Maximum distance is 80 km (50 miles)
If a distance of 80 km (50 miles) or a speed of 56 km (35 mph) must be
exceeded, the drive shaft will have to be removed until the vehicle is
being towed.
Ford recommends the driveshaft be removed/installed only by a qualified
technician. See your local dealer for driveshaft removal/installation.
Improper removal/installation of the driveshaft can cause
transmission fluid loss, damage to the driveshaft and internal
transmission components.
4WD vehicles electronic shift transfer case (with automatic
transmissions)
4x4 vehicles with electronic shift on the fly cannot be towed with any
wheels on the ground.
12-18-2013, 06:03 PM
#7
Senior Member
I believe it's possible the input shaft, counter shaft, and associated gears all need to be spinning in order to supply proper lubrication to the transmission, period. For example if you throw the tranny in neutral, and then spin the output shaft (connected to the drive shaft and rear axle) for a prolonged period of time at freeway speeds, then what's lubricating that output assembly? Surely not the gear oil sitting at the bottom of the transmission because it's not being circulated by the input shaft or gears..
Last edited by xcntrk; 12-18-2013 at 06:12 PM.
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12-18-2013, 07:00 PM
#8
Senior Member
12-18-2013, 08:55 PM
#9
Grumpy Old Man
That Remco website says:
"2000 Ford F-150 XL or XLT
RWD
V8 4.6L cyl
5-Speed Manual Transmisssion
Notes
"2000 Ford F-150 XL or XLT
RWD
V8 4.6L cyl
5-Speed Manual Transmisssion
Notes
- Towable as is without speed or distance restrictions. See Owner's Manual for confirmation and procedures.
- Please check your Owner's Manual for confirmation. Follow procedures within Owner's Manual for guidance when towing this vehicle."
Last edited by smokeywren; 12-18-2013 at 08:58 PM.