Can these AWD cars be towed with a tow dolly?

Hylton · May 9, 2017

Owned a few AWD and 4WD vehicles and understand the engineering behind them. I would think that if an XC70 has the Haldex system, it could be towed with the rear wheels on the road provided that the car was not on since it's the Haldex unit which determines engagement. Regardless, I think one should be able to tow it if I remove the driveshaft.

Thanks for your comments!

wagonfan00 · May 9, 2017

Hylton said:
Owned a few AWD and 4WD vehicles and understand the engineering behind them. I would think that if an XC70 has the Haldex system, it could be towed with the rear wheels on the road provided that the car was not on since it's the Haldex unit which determines engagement. Regardless, I think one should be able to tow it if I remove the driveshaft.

Thanks for your comments!

I'd rent a trailer for my FWD wagon never mind an AWD car.

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GrecianVolvo · May 9, 2017

Hylton said:
Owned a few AWD and 4WD vehicles and understand the engineering behind them. I would think that if an XC70 has the Haldex system, it could be towed with the rear wheels on the road provided that the car was not on since it's the Haldex unit which determines engagement. Regardless, I think one should be able to tow it if I remove the driveshaft.

Thanks for your comments!

It is not recommended. Flatbed only.

christopher.moor · May 9, 2017

Yes as you can see mine needed a tow and this was the only way.

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nsjames · May 9, 2017

http://volvo.custhelp.com/app/manuals/OwnersManual/om_id/626

I would be worried about the bearings in the AOC not being properly lubed with no spinning driveshaft.

Guest · May 9, 2017

General rule of thumb for awd is flatbed only. That being said, I have met some enthusiasts in the past that swear up and down you can either a) flat tow them (using a bumper bar and leaving it in neutral) or B) remove the driveshaft and use a tow dolly. There was a gentleman I knew that did the latter with many a Subaru SVX for thousands of miles and never had a problem.

Personally, I'll stick to the flatbed only, unless there is no other option and then I'll flat tow it a short distance if necessary. I don't trust pulling the driveshafts for fear of damaging rear diff/aoc as nsjames mentioned.

Can these AWD cars be towed with a tow dolly?

Hylton

wagonfan00

GrecianVolvo

christopher.moor

nsjames

Guest

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