Towing a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) vehicle sounds simple until you realize that doing it incorrectly can cause thousands of dollars in transmission damage.

I learned this lesson years ago when helping a friend move his older Mustang. Someone suggested simply hooking up a tow strap and pulling it with all four wheels on the ground. Fortunately, we double-checked before attempting it. Had we gone ahead, we could have seriously damaged the drivetrain.Rear-wheel-drive vehicles require special attention because of how power is transferred from the engine to the rear wheels. Unlike some front-wheel-drive cars, you can’t always tow them any way you want.

In this guide, I’ll explain exactly how to tow a rear-wheel-drive car safely, which methods work best, what equipment you need, and how to avoid costly mistakes.

Understanding Rear Wheel Drive Vehicles

In a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, the engine sends power through:

Transmission
Driveshaft
Rear differential
Rear wheels

Because the rear wheels remain connected to the drivetrain, towing with the rear wheels spinning can keep internal transmission components rotating even when the engine is off.

Without proper lubrication, this can quickly lead to overheating and transmission failure. Common rear-wheel-drive vehicles include:

Ford Mustang
Chevrolet Camaro
Dodge Charger
Toyota Tacoma (certain trims)
Nissan Frontier
BMW 3 Series (many models)
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (certain versions)

Why Proper Towing Matters

Many people assume all vehicles can be pulled behind another vehicle. That assumption can become expensive. Improper towing can cause:

Burned transmission components
Damaged bearings
Worn differential gears
Bent driveshafts
Tire damage
Expensive repair bills

Transmission replacements can easily exceed several thousand dollars. A little preparation goes a long way.

Best Ways to Tow a Rear Wheel Drive Car

Generally, there are three accepted methods.

1. Flatbed Towing (Best Option)

A flatbed keeps all four wheels off the road. This eliminates drivetrain movement and is considered the safest method.

Advantages:

No transmission damage risk
Suitable for long distances
Works for nearly all vehicles
Reduced tire wear

Disadvantages:

Usually more expensive
Requires specialized equipment

For valuable vehicles, classics, or sports cars, I personally always recommend a flatbed.

2. Tow Dolly With Rear Wheels Elevated

A tow dolly can work if the rear drive wheels remain off the ground. For rear-wheel-drive cars, this means:

Rear wheels on the dolly
Front wheels rolling on the road

This setup prevents the driveshaft from spinning.

3. Disconnecting the Driveshaft

If flatbed equipment isn’t available, disconnecting the driveshaft may allow towing with all four wheels on the ground. However, this method requires:

Mechanical knowledge
Proper tools
Careful reinstallation

I usually consider this a last resort.

Towing Method Comparison Table

Towing Method	Safety Level	Transmission Risk	Cost	Best For
Flatbed Trailer	Excellent	None	Higher	Long-distance towing
Tow Dolly (Rear Wheels Up)	Very Good	Very Low	Moderate	Short to medium distances
Driveshaft Removed	Good	Low	Moderate	Emergencies
Four Wheels Down Without Prep	Poor	Extremely High	Cheap initially	Not recommended

Can You Tow a Rear Wheel Drive Car With All Four Wheels Down?

In most cases, no. Unless the manufacturer specifically approves recreational towing or the driveshaft is disconnected, towing with all wheels on the ground can damage the transmission.

Always consult the owner’s manual. Modern transmissions are especially sensitive because lubrication often depends on engine-driven pumps.

Step-by-Step: How to Tow a Rear Wheel Drive Car Safely

Method 1: Using a Flatbed

Step 1: Inspect the Vehicle

Check:

Tire condition
Parking brake status
Steering lock position

Step 2: Position the Trailer

Ensure:

Flat surface
Trailer brakes engaged

Step 3: Winch the Vehicle Onto the Trailer

Avoid sudden jerks.

Slow, controlled loading is safer.

Step 4: Secure the Vehicle

Use:

Wheel straps
Ratchet straps
Safety chains

Double-check everything before driving.

Method 2: Using a Tow Dolly

Step 1: Load Rear Wheels Onto Dolly

Rear wheels must be elevated.

Step 2: Secure Tires

Tighten wheel straps firmly.

Step 3: Verify Front Wheels Move Freely

The steering wheel may need to remain unlocked.

Step 4: Check Lights and Chains

Never skip safety inspections.

Common Mistakes People Make

Over the years, I’ve seen several towing mistakes repeated again and again.

Leaving the Parking Brake On

This can destroy tires quickly.

Forgetting About Steering Lock

Locked steering can cause dangerous instability.

Using Cheap Straps

Poor-quality straps can fail unexpectedly.

Ignoring Weight Ratings

Tow equipment should exceed vehicle weight requirements.

Towing Too Fast

Higher speeds dramatically increase risks.

Rear Wheel Drive Towing Speed Recommendations

Situation	Recommended Maximum Speed
Flatbed Towing	Follow local towing laws
Tow Dolly	55–65 mph
Driveshaft Removed	55 mph
Emergency Short Distance	Under 35 mph

Always follow local regulations and equipment limitations.

Equipment You’ll Need

Depending on the method, useful equipment includes:

Flatbed trailer
Tow dolly
Wheel straps
Safety chains
Ratchet tie-downs
Wheel chocks
Gloves
Basic hand tools

Quality equipment makes towing much easier and safer.

Personal Experience: Why I Prefer Flatbeds

I’ve towed several rear-wheel-drive vehicles over the years, including older pickup trucks and muscle cars. The first few times, I experimented with dollies and driveshaft removal methods.

While both can work, they require more preparation and increase the possibility of mistakes. Flatbeds simply remove nearly all uncertainty.

Yes, they’re more expensive, but the peace of mind is worth it, especially for long-distance moves. When transporting a valuable vehicle, I rarely consider anything else.

Signs Your Vehicle May Have Been Damaged During Improper Towing

After towing, watch for:

Transmission slipping
New whining noises
Fluid leaks
Delayed shifting
Burning smell
Check engine light

If any symptoms appear, have the vehicle inspected immediately.

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing Rear Wheel Drive Towing Equipment

Selecting proper equipment is just as important as choosing the towing method itself.

1. Know Your Vehicle Weight

Check:

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
Curb weight
Trailer capacity

Never guess.

2. Consider Towing Distance

Short Distance:

Two dollies may be sufficient.

Long Distance

Flatbeds usually provide superior protection.

3. Evaluate Vehicle Value

For expensive vehicles:

Sports cars
Collector vehicles
Luxury sedans

A flatbed is usually the safest investment.

4. Check Equipment Ratings

Look for:

Heavy-duty straps
DOT-approved components
Proper chain ratings
Quality wheel nets

Cheap equipment can become dangerous.

5. Ease of Use

Some trailers include:

Built-in ramps
Electric winches
Better tie-down points

Convenience often improves safety.

Which Rear Wheel Drive Vehicles Need Extra Caution?

Certain vehicles are particularly sensitive. Examples include:

Performance Cars

Chevrolet Corvette
Ford Mustang GT
Dodge Challenger Hellcat

Luxury Cars

BMW M Series
Mercedes AMG models

Older Vehicles

Classic muscle cars
Vintage trucks

Because replacement parts can be expensive, extra caution is recommended.

Is Professional Towing Worth It?

In many situations, yes. Professional towing companies:

Understand drivetrain differences
Have proper equipment
Carry insurance
Reduce the risk of mistakes

For many owners, the additional cost is worthwhile.

Long Distance Rear Wheel Drive Towing Tips

If towing hundreds of miles:

Stop Frequently

Inspect:

Tire temperatures
Strap tension
Chain security

Avoid Aggressive Driving

Smooth acceleration and braking improve safety.

Check Weather Conditions

Rain and crosswinds increase towing difficulty.

Keep Speeds Moderate

Excessive speed creates unnecessary risk.

FAQs: How To Tow A Rear Wheel Drive Car

Can you tow a Rear Wheel Drive car in neutral?

Usually no. Even in neutral, internal transmission components may still rotate without proper lubrication.

What happens if you tow a Rear Wheel Drive car incorrectly?

Improper towing can damage:

Transmission
Driveshaft
Bearings
Differential components

Repairs can become extremely expensive.

Is a flatbed necessary?

Not always, but it is generally considered the safest option.

Can a Rear Wheel Drive vehicle be towed with a tow dolly?

Yes, provided the rear drive wheels are elevated and secured.

Can I tow a Rear Wheel Drive truck behind an RV?

Only if:

The manufacturer approves it, or
Driveshaft is disconnected, or
The vehicle is carried on a trailer.

How far can you tow a Rear Wheel Drive car?

Distance depends on the towing method. Flatbeds are suitable for virtually any distance.

Do automatic transmissions get damaged more easily?

Generally, yes, because many rely on engine-driven lubrication systems.

Should I disconnect the driveshaft?

It can be an effective solution, but only if you are comfortable performing mechanical work and reinstalling components correctly.

Is professional towing worth the money?

For expensive, classic, or long-distance vehicle transport, professional towing services are often worth the extra cost for added protection and peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to tow a rear-wheel-drive car properly can save you from expensive repairs and unnecessary headaches. In most situations, the safest option is a flatbed trailer because it eliminates transmission concerns.

Tow dollies can also work well when the rear wheels remain elevated, while driveshaft removal may be appropriate in certain emergencies.

What you should generally avoid is towing a rear-wheel-drive vehicle with its drive wheels on the ground unless the manufacturer specifically approves it. A little preparation before towing can save thousands of dollars later.