QuestionYou have helped us so much! But please one more question.
What type of tow bar for our Suzuki Sport Sidekick 1998/4dr/4wd/auto hubs do you recommend? Also where do I attach it if I am doing the work myself?
Thank you, thank you,for your help!
Paul McCabe
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The text above is a follow-up to ...
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Thank you for the quick response! One more question please: Would you leave both gear boxes in neutral while towing?
Again, my appreciation and thanks,
Paul McCabe
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Followup To
Question -
We're thrilled we found your web site! I do the computer and my husband is asking the question.
This will be our first experience towing a car behind our RV. We bought a 1998 Suzuki Sidekick JLX 4 WD, with a manual transmission and automatic hubs. CAN WE TOW IT BEHIND OUR RV WITHOUT PUTTING IT ON A DOLLY? We have had all kind of answers but would appreciate your expert advice.
Thanking you in advance.
Paul McCabe
Answer -
Yes, you can tow it without any special modifications. There are a couple of conditions:
1)It must be in 2wheel drive
2)you should drive it a few feet in 2wd to ensure the hubs are "out"(you can tell the hubs are out because when the front wheels turn, the front axles won't rotate)
3)It must be in neutral
Make certain the tow gear is firmly attached, and, of course, make sure the steering wheel isn't locked.
You should be all set.
Oh, yeah, remember, your RV will now have the weight of an additional vehicle to slow down, so be prepared for increased stopping distances.
Scotty
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Put the transfer case in 2wheel high, and the trans in neutral. I would have to check to be certain, but I believe that putting the transfer case in neutral engages a portion of 4wheel. At least that's the case with Samurai models. I don't remember whether my sidekick did that or not, but it would be best to be safe, unless you would like to jack all four wheels off the ground, put the tramsfer case in in neutral, and see.
Scotty
AnswerI'm not at all sure about the tow bar. I've seen some fancy folding tow bars that have one leg collapse when you take out a locking pin, and they fold up against the front bumper. I'm told they are very pricey. I've also seen the old style basic bar that just sits vertically against the front when disconnected. It's more a price and esthetics issue. I don't tow or trailer, I drive the vehicle there, and do traditional low tech camping in tents, so I have no first hand knowledge or experience.
Scotty
