Snatch/tow with auto transmission

[JGD Member Find all posts View Profile Close JGD]

I’ve been looking at some ’worst case’ type scenarios for an upcoming trip and I’m a little stuck with this one.

If I was in a situation where I could not run the engine (for whatever reason) would it be acceptable to snatch/tow a 120 Prado with auto transmission on dirt roads or sand over anything but a short distance?

I’ve looked through the owners manual and it says ‘emergency towing’ in this fashion can be done only on hard surfaced roads over short distances with the transmission in neutral and centre diff unlocked - this seems fairly obvious.

My concern would be that without the engine running the auto transmission (and possibly other components) could not be properly cooled. Would this concern be correct?

If the above is correct is there a safe way to snatch/tow an auto 120 over anything but a short distance when offroad?

Thanks,
JGD

[Duff Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Duff]

Re: Snatch/tow with auto transmission

Does the atuo transmission transfer lever have a neutral position? I dont think my manual one does.

If it does, stick the transfer in neutral and away you tow.

[JGD Member Find all posts View Profile Close JGD]

Re: Snatch/tow with auto transmission

Does the atuo transmission transfer lever have a neutral position? I dont think my manual one does.

If it does, stick the transfer in neutral and away you tow.

I'm a little confused mate!

Don't all GXL's (manual or auto) have a neutral position? As in: H -> HL -> N -> LL?

[Duff Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Duff]

Re: Snatch/tow with auto transmission

I cant remember, Im about 1000ks away from mine.

If you put the transfer in neutral there will be no drive to the trans so you could tow without damaging the box.

[JGD Member Find all posts View Profile Close JGD]

Re: Snatch/tow with auto transmission

I cant remember, Im about 1000ks away from mine.

If you put the transfer in neutral there will be no drive to the trans so you could tow without damaging the box.

Good stuff - just the info I was after.

Many, many thanks.