Steering Wheel Lock and Tow Trucks

[BrennanK]

Just a random question.

Today I noticed that my steering wheel does not lock like they use to. That isn't a big deal, but it got me thinking. What do you do when you need to get your truck towed by a tow truck other then a rollback?

In the past they would grab your rear tires and lock the steering wheel and you are good to go. What would do on our trucks where the steering does not lock?

I also called my local AAA and learned that you actually have to pay extra to request a rollback when it is not specifically required. Although I am not sure it is strictly enforced.


Note:
Wasn't sure of the best place for this, so feel free to move the thread.

[306LBZ]

I might be wrong but I thought that my steering wheel did lock when you shut the truck off then try to move it. Maybe Im wrong.... Could'nt you just use the seat belt through the wheel to stop it from turning. I've seen it done more than once on other vehicles...

[heymccall]

Assuming the steering isn't damaged, towing from the rear will keep the front wheels straight.

[306LBZ]

What is the proper recomended way to tow these trucks anyway? Not tryin to thread jack I just figure it kind of applies to your(the op) question...

[BrennanK]

Originally Posted by 306LBZ

What is the proper recomended way to tow these trucks anyway? Not tryin to thread jack I just figure it kind of applies to your(the op) question...

Please jack away. I am quite interested as well. Personally I would always prefer a rollback, but that is not always what I will get. So knowing the procedures would be nice.

From what I gather, no need to lock the steering because it will self center when towing from the rear wheels.

[306LBZ]

Im not anywhere close to my manual right now but Im pretty sure it says to put the t case in Neutral (I think this is done by holding both 2Hi and 4Lo at the same time for a few seconds for the push button units but Ive never done it) but not sure what else it might have said. I would assume just put the t case in N and the Tow Truck would grab the rear wheels and lift to tow but not positive...

[carhauler]

Originally Posted by heymccall

Assuming the steering isn't damaged, towing from the rear will keep the front wheels straight.

Heymccall Your wrong on that one,( Your not wrong much! LOL) needs to be secured , seatbelt idea is sorta OK , tie it with a rope or strap slammed in the door is the accepted method, even the steering lock is not the best I've had a vehicle towed backwards get a shake so bad it will break the lock. If you don't secure it the vehicle will be all over the road or may just drop to the lower side of the crown and stay until you turn. Many years of experience on this one.

[christopherglenn]

I thought the tow in would cause the wheels to self center when going forward, should make them very unstable backwards??
As far as putting the tcase in N, IIRC first it engages the front end, then disengages the allison. That was how the manual tcase was explained to me. Not sure on the electronic one.

[elvenhome21]

if you disengage the the Tcase you tow it from the the front like normal. its only when you have a issue with the rear end that you would tow it backwards

[thunder550]

IIRC the manual says that 4wd either has to be towed flat 4 with tcase in neutral, or on a rollback. 2wd has to be towed on rollback or by the rears with fronts down.