I have a 2005 Ford ranger RWD with 5 speed manual. We want to tow it on a dolly with our RV. My manual says that is OK, but I have a mechanic tell me I should disconnect the drive shaft Looking online there seems to be a 50-50 split. What are your thoughts?
which wheels do you plan to have on the ground?
You have to disconnect the driveshaft. When doing so you really have to know what you are doing because it can be really dangerous. If you can get a trailer that would be much better. Dollies are more for FWD.
Someone please correct me as I am trying to get it straight, but I thought for RWD vehicles you only disconnect the drive shaft if the front wheels are on the dolly but the rear wheels touch the ground, BUT on the other hand if the rear wheels are on the dolly and the front wheels touch the ground (so you are towing the vehicle backwards) then you would NOT need to disconnect the drive shaft (however you’d need to lock the steering wheel in that case). Or you just put the whole vehicle on a trailer so none of the wheels touch the ground and not have to worry.
@daywalker what you say sounds right to me bud.
Disconnect drive shaft 100%.
I mean no disrespect. But why? My owners manual says do not go over 55 MPH, make sure it is neutral. No mention of driveshaft disconnect. A local Ford dealer service department said "no problem". Unlimited mileage. Inquiring minds want to know.
@gdearmond I mean my owners manual says change the transmission fluid @ 150k mi. To me that’s nonsense. Ford service department doesn’t care about you and I’m not disrespecting you at all. They would love for you to do that than something happen and you got to come in and pay a fortune for a repair. I could absolutely be wrong, I’ve just always disconnected the driveshaft when I’m pulling a vehicle like yours just out of habit. As you know it’s up to you do what you want.
If it's a long trip you plan to go on with your RV, why not get a drive on trailer instead of a dolly.
Because a dolly is MUCH more inexpensive than a trailer. At least $2K.
@gdearmond it sounds like you’ve already made up your mind. Keep the shaft on and see what happens. If it ends up ok then you know you don’t need to disconnect it.
manual transmissions are splash lubricated. It'll be fine.
