Identify the exact drivetrain
Provide the model year, make, model, trim, engine or EV version, and whether the vehicle is front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, AWD, full-time 4WD, or selectable 4WD. Do not guess when the trim changes the drivetrain.
Tommy'sRoad RescueCall live dispatch816-588-8888Protect the complete drivetrain
How AWD and 4×4 Vehicles Should Be Towed
Call live Kansas City dispatch at 816-588-8888 for current availability.
Start with a safe, accurate request
AWD, full-time four-wheel drive, selectable 4WD, hybrids, and electric drivetrains do not share one universal towing method. The model-year owner's manual and actual wheel, steering, power, transfer-case, and damage conditions control the plan.
Step-by-step
Check the manufacturer's transport section
Look for emergency towing, disabled-vehicle transport, recreational towing, flat towing, neutral tow, transfer-case, parking-brake, and transport-mode instructions. Recreational flat-tow guidance is not automatically the same as recovery transport guidance.
Describe every wheel and control condition
Tell dispatch whether each wheel turns, rolls, and points normally; whether tires are flat or missing; whether steering is locked; and whether brakes, suspension, axles, hubs, or the transfer case may be damaged.
Confirm power, keys, and modes
Some vehicles need low-voltage power, a recognized key, touchscreen access, or a prescribed neutral or transport mode for loading. If those are unavailable, dispatch may need a different loading method.
Keep unapproved wheels from turning
When a manufacturer requires all wheels off the ground, the plan may involve a carrier or a wheel-lift with suitable dollies. The exact equipment and method must be confirmed for the vehicle and scene.
What to prepare
Drivetrain clues
AWD or 4×4 badges, dashboard messages, drive-mode controls, transfer-case selector, VIN-based owner information, and the exact trim—but the manual remains the controlling reference.
Loading complications
No power, missing keys, electronic parking brake, locked steering, damaged wheels, air suspension, lowered ride height, collision damage, mud, snow, ditch position, or garage clearance.
Vehicle-specific equipment
Tow eye, wheel-lock key, key card, remote, manual-release tool if supplied by the manufacturer, charging adapter, and official transport instructions.
Destination questions
Whether the receiving facility accepts an immobilized or collision-damaged AWD/4×4 vehicle and can handle after-hours keys, charging, or special unloading needs.
Important limits
- No website statement can make one towing method safe for every AWD or 4×4 vehicle.
- Do not shift a transfer case, force Neutral, release an electronic brake, or energize a damaged vehicle without the applicable procedure.
- A flatbed or dollies may be required, but current compatible equipment and availability must be confirmed by dispatch.
- Collision, wheel, suspension, axle, steering, low-voltage, or high-voltage damage can override the normal owner-manual procedure.
Questions drivers ask
Does every AWD vehicle require a flatbed?
Not every model uses identical instructions, but many manufacturers restrict wheel-on-ground movement. The model-year manual and actual condition determine whether a carrier, wheel lift with dollies, or another approved method is appropriate.
Is AWD the same as four-wheel drive for towing?
No. AWD, full-time 4WD, and selectable 4WD can use different driveline layouts, controls, transfer cases, neutral procedures, and transport restrictions. Give dispatch the exact model and trim.
Can I select Neutral and tow it with two wheels down?
Do not assume so. Neutral may not disconnect every driveline component, and some transport modes permit only very slow, short loading movement. Follow the exact manufacturer instruction.
What if the owner's manual is inside a locked vehicle?
Use the manufacturer's official online owner-support page or provide the VIN and exact model details so dispatch can qualify the request. Do not force entry merely to retrieve a manual.
Official and primary resources
Ford: Can my vehicle be flat towed?
Ford directs owners to VIN- and model-specific manuals rather than applying one flat-tow answer to every vehicle.
Subaru Owner Support
Official Subaru owner and model-support information for all-wheel-drive vehicles.
Tesla Model 3 transporter instructions
A manufacturer example requiring an approved transport position and limiting Tow Mode to loading or very short repositioning.
External resources are provided for convenience. Tommy's is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of those organizations.
Related guides
Safety first.
If anyone is injured, in immediate danger, facing a fire or hazardous spill, or blocking an active traffic lane, call 911 first. Move only when you can do so without entering traffic or increasing the danger.
Need help now?
Call live dispatch. An online form or email does not dispatch a truck.