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View Full Version : Flat towing a manual 4x4 - suggestions on best place to mount? etc...



dirtritual
05-03-2021, 03:31 PM
I already did some research and referenced this thread: https://www.toyotavantech.com/forum/showthread.php?4057-Transporting-(towing)-a-5spd-4wd-van&highlight=flat+towing
which was very helpful!

but wondering if anyone who has flat towed the lil wonder wagon has any suggestions on the best place to mount the tow bar (in the front)? wanted to ask before I went to the trouble to take the bumper off to inspect what was going on with the chassis there. just want the most legit sturdy spot to bolt onto *without* drilling holes hopefully, but also no big deal if that's the best way.

Also, wanted to clarify if I am correct on the specification for the hubs?
"On four wheel drive models, disengage both free wheeling hubs (if so equipped) and the front drive control lever must be in "H2" (manual)"
which means that the hubs should be in the "free" position (4wd off)? JUST TRIPLE CHECKING. because they're always disengaged unless you lock them and turn on your 4wd...
Or if there is anything else specifically I should know or take into account about the 4x4 or flat towing from the front.
leaving to go back to the west coast in the next week and a half so would love if anyone has insight asap! is there a maximum amount of miles i should stop towing it at? don't wanna do anything harmful ta my baabbyy. i'm talkin ~2,400miles

thanks in advance ya'll!

boogieman
05-04-2021, 09:58 AM
1109611097

i made a couple brackets, bolt to bumper mounts, carry them in the van just in case...

Jtbechtold
05-13-2021, 03:48 AM
so Does the van your towing have manual or auto hubs?

dirtritual
05-13-2021, 04:26 PM
manual!

also.. taking this bumper off is a pain in the ass! found a picture of what the bumper looks like off which is helpful but hard to see up in there :/

RicoSanDiego
12-08-2023, 03:15 AM
Reviving this thread, hoping to get more info and photos of how and where to mount the "base plate" on a Van Wagon that a towbar would attach to. I understand that no one sells one anymore made to fit our vans. Thanks boogieman for posting your photos! I'm wondering where the mounts came out through the plastic bumper facia. They don't look long enough, which makes me think you made them just for emergency towing, with the facia removed.

Has anyone else set up their van to be towed with a towbar? I'm good with fabrication and would like to see how others may have adapted a universal kit or something. Obviously it would be nice to not have to cut into the bumper facia. Maybe the mounts could poke out of the grill in the bumper. Best, I guess, would be to have the bracketry all be just under the bumper but that would put it very low to the ground. Maybe it then extends up in front of the bumper to an appropriate height.

Thanks!
Rich