Towing AWD with tow strap ?

Dougernautt · Post by **Dougernautt** » 13 Sep 2014, 10:51

Sorry if this is posted elsewhere I'm on my iphone and in a jam. Can I use a tow strap to tow a 99 xc70 AWD or do I need to call a flatbed tow truck ? Thanks for your replies in advance.

Post by **rspi** » 13 Sep 2014, 11:28

What does the owners manual say? Maybe 100 yards, any further than that, I'd call a flat bed.

Post by **Matty Moo** » 13 Sep 2014, 12:03

We towed mine a mile with a tow strap last year. It was fine but I wouldn't do it again.

Dougernautt · Post by **Dougernautt** » 13 Sep 2014, 12:47

Thank you for kindly pointing out that I'm an idiot and should refer to owners manual. Flatbed is the ONLY way Volvo recommends an AWD vehicle be towed. Thanks again

Post by **abscate** » 14 Sep 2014, 07:08

If I were a mile from home I would tug any car slowly (10-20 mph), traffic permitting. When you think about it, if you car stalls you can roll to a stop over 1/2 Mile without destroying anything.

10 miles at 55 mph would probably cost you a new (expensive) something

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 14 Sep 2014, 08:07

The real problem with a tow strap is the transmission fluid getting circulated in an "unatural" manner. As Steve indicated, it is the speed that will hurt you in that regard.

The real NO-NO is to tow an AWD car on a dolly.

...Lee

Post by **Matty Moo** » 14 Sep 2014, 08:28

We rolled at about 10mph.

I don't like doing it anyway, there's too much coordination involved between the two cars. Gotta keep the strap tight, stop signs, no power steering on the back car, can't run over the strap, police, etc.

Post by **rspi** » 14 Sep 2014, 09:59

The one that I enjoy the most is seeing a convoy of vehicles going down I-40 with 3 and 4 vehicles connected. A Jeep, pulling another Jeep, with 1 or 2 more cars attached. Just nuts. Usually through Arkansas, Oklahoma or Tennessee.