I drove a Tow truck from the Early 90's to the early 2000's. Back then Rear wheel drive cars were picked up from the rear or front the front providing we were going local and not driving at speeds of less than 30 mph. Front wheel drive cars were picked up from the front and they could not be picked up from the back because severe damage can result to the transmission and/or drive shafts. 4x4 cars were either shifted into 2 wheel drive and picked up from te front or rear with the steering wheel locked. AWD cars were rare back then but they had to be towed on a flatbed because by then plastic bumper and spoilers came out and slinging became obsolete, thus making a wheel lift impossible to use because the 4 wheels has to move simultaneously. The same goes today for 4x4 vehicles. So a flatbed (Roll Back) truck is now necessary. At the time I was leaving towing for good, I heard certain drivers knew about certain trick to disable an AWD System so that it can be towed by a wrecker using a wheel lift or self loader. Some say to disconnect the battery and other say there's a switch similar to disable. I really don't know or trust these scam-artists tow drivers. Would anyone know from a mechanics point of view if an AWD System could be temporarily disabled so that towing could be possible by a wrecker without loading it unto a platform flatbed truck?
There have been some AWD vehicles with transfer cases that could be switched into neutral or 2WD. That would be the only way to disable it as far as I know. I suspect the drivers you're referring to are doing a lot of damage.
they must go on a flat bed. Period.
There are about 57 varieties of AWD and 4WD
I heard of tricks and one of the above comments mentioned some AWD vehicles with transfer cases that could be switched into neutral or 2WD.
It depends on the vehicle. Not all AWD vehicles have had that mode permanently engaged.I have owned some where AWD could be turned off as part of the factory setup, no trickery involved.
AMC Eagles, except for the very earliest models, could be switched into 2WD, disengaging the front wheels from the drivetrain. Older Jeeps equipped with AWD transfer cases can be shifted into neutral (no drive) or rear drive. I don't know about newer ones.
However a flatbed tow is always best.
Yes, every single AWD that I have towed was always on a flatbed. However, I heard of tricks and one of the above comments mentioned some AWD vehicles with transfer cases that could be switched into neutral or 2WD. I was just curious if this is possible. I don't tow anymore, but was curious to know in case I go back to towing.
I heard you the 1st time, and I said they MUST be flat bed towed. No tricks.
The term "all-wheel-drive" is a just marketing jingo that doesn't mean very much. There are many different kinds of powertrains. Some electronic. Some mechanical. They don't all work the same.
Thank you for that YouTube video. I have seen that before and it looks like that is in Israel? Years ago I saw an article like that in the American Tow-Man magazine. Europe also uses that technology as well. Another alternative for not using a flatbed for an AWD car is by using tow dollies with "Gojacks" and that is such a pain in the butt. Picking up, assembling, and putting back those 50 pound dollies all day will wear one out and kill ones back. (Been there....done that) Plus imagine doing a repo or illegally parked car? The owner will be there to argue with you. Dollies are meant for slow local rides and are dangerous at highway speed because potholes and bumps can make those things come off and they are not legal for highway use in New York.