Info - Recreational (Dinghy) Towing

This bulletin is being revised to add model years, models and additional information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 00-00-89-008E (Section 00 -- General Information).

Some customers may want to tow their vehicle behind another vehicle with all FOUR tires on the ground. This is referred to as "dinghy" towing.

Towing in this manner is acceptable only on the certain vehicles. The vehicle should be properly equipped and prepared as described below.

The passenger cars listed above are the vehicles that CAN be dinghy towed. Passenger cars not listed above are vehicles where dinghy towing is not permitted or recommended.

Certain 4WD trucks can be dinghy towed depending on the transfer case option. Rear wheel drive and AWD trucks should NOT be dinghy towed. Refer to the truck models and transfer case options below.

Please refer to the applicable vehicle Owner's Manual before towing.

Passenger Cars

Notice: These vehicles must not be towed backwards or transmission damage may occur.

Towing Procedure

Notice: Failure to follow these instructions may result in damage to the transmission.

Important: The towing speed as stated in the Owner's Manual should not exceed 104 km/h (65 mph) for 1995-2005 vehicles.

In order to properly dinghy tow the vehicle, follow these steps:

1. Firmly set the parking brake.
2. Open the fuse panel and pull the fuse(s) indicated in the Owner's Manual section detailing towing your vehicle. This prevents the instrument panel (IP) and/or electronic PRNDL indicator from draining the battery.
3. Securely attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle.
4. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position, which is one position forward of LOCK. Unlocking the steering column allows for proper movement of the front wheels and tires during towing.

For 1997-1999 Cutlass, 1997-2003 Malibu, 2004-2006 Chevrolet Classic and 1999-2004 Alero/Grand Am models, turn the ignition switch to the accessory (ACC) position, which is one position forward of OFF. This position unlocks the transaxle.

5. Shift the transmission to Neutral (N).

Notice: Use extra care whenever towing another vehicle. Do not exceed the towing vehicle's gross combination weight (GCW) by adding the weight of the dinghy towed vehicle or vehicle damage may result.

6. When the vehicle being towed is firmly attached to the tow vehicle, release the parking brake.
7. Replace the fuse(s) in the fuse panel when finished towing.

Tracker Models

Notice: Locking the steering column when towing your vehicle may damage the steering column. Always unlock the steering column before towing.

Important: 

In order to properly dinghy tow a 4WD Tracker, follow these steps:

1. Set the parking brake.
2. Shift the transmission into Park (AT) or second gear (MT).
3. With the ignition key in the ON position, move the transfer case to Neutral. Make sure the 4WD indicator on the instrument panel cluster is Off.
4. Turn the ignition key to ACC in order to unlock the steering wheel.
5. Release the parking brake.

Stop towing the vehicle every 300 km (200 mi) and do the following steps:

1. Start the engine of the towed vehicle.
2. Leave the transfer case shift lever in Neutral.
3. Shift the transmission to Drive (AT). For vehicles with MT, leave the transmission in second gear with the clutch engaged.
4. Run the engine at medium speed for one minute to circulate the oil through the transfer case.

2003-2007 Pontiac Vibe

Only the front wheel drive vehicles with manual transmission are designed to be dinghy towed. Use the following procedure to properly dinghy tow these models:

1. Place the shift lever in Neutral.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the ACC position to avoid locking the steering wheel. Make sure that the audio system is turned off and that nothing is plugged into the power outlets.
3. Release the parking brake.
4. After dinghy towing the vehicle, let the engine idle for more than three minutes before driving the vehicle.

Four Wheel Drive and All Wheel Drive Light Duty Trucks

Dinghy towing is permitted on the following trucks with the transfer case placed in the Neutral position. Refer to the end of this bulletin for identification information to determine type of transfer case.

The following vehicles should NOT be dinghy towed because the transfer cases in these vehicles either have no neutral position or do not have an internal oil pump to provide lubrication while being towed. In order to properly tow the following vehicles, place the vehicle on a platform trailer with all four tires off the ground. Avoid towing the vehicle with all four tires on the ground. In rare instances when towing with all four tires on the ground is unavoidable, both the front and the rear propeller shafts must be removed in order to prevent damage to the transfer case and/or transmission. Because front and rear propeller shafts are matched to attaching components at assembly, refer to the applicable Service Manual for procedures on propeller shaft removal/installation.

Towing Procedure

In order to properly dinghy tow the vehicle, use the following procedure:

1. Firmly set the parking brake.
2. Place the AT in Park (P) or the MT in the lowest gear (1st).
3. Securely attach the vehicle being towed to the tow vehicle.

Caution: Shifting the transfer case to Neutral can cause the vehicle to roll, even if the transmission is in park (automatic) or 1st gear (manual), and may cause personal injury.

4. If equipped, place the transfer case shift lever in Neutral (N).

Notice: Use extra care whenever towing another vehicle. Do not exceed the towing vehicle's gross combination weight (GCW) by adding the weight of the dinghy towed vehicle or vehicle damage may result.

5. When the vehicle being towed is firmly attached to the tow vehicle, release the parking brake.
6. The Owner's Manual specifies the appropriate ignition key position to ensure that the steering is unlocked to allow the front wheels to follow the tow vehicle.

Rear Wheel Drive Light Duty Trucks

Important: 

Rear wheel drive vehicles, equipped with AT or MT, should NOT be dinghy towed. These transmissions have no provisions for internal lubrication while being towed. In order to properly tow these vehicles, place the vehicle on a platform trailer with all four tires off the ground. Avoid towing the vehicle with all four tires on the ground. In rare instances when it is unavoidable that a rear wheel drive vehicle be dinghy towed, the propeller shaft to axle yoke orientation should be marked and the propeller shaft removed. Refer to the applicable Service Manual for procedures on propeller shaft removal/installation.

Transfer Case Identification

The identification tag on the rear half of the transfer case provides the following information: