Figuring out how to tow awd without flatbed trucks can feel like a total nightmare when you're stuck on the side of the road. Most people will tell you that it's simply impossible, or that if you try it, you'll end up with a mechanical paperweight instead of a car. While a flatbed is definitely the safest "no-brainer" option, there are times when you just can't get one. Maybe the tow company is backed up, or perhaps you're in a tight parking garage where a massive flatbed truck can't even clear the ceiling.
Whatever the reason, you aren't completely out of luck. You just have to be a lot more careful and a bit more technical about how you approach it. If you treat an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) car like a standard front-wheel-drive sedan, you're going to have a very bad day. Let's break down why it's so tricky and what your actual options are when the flatbed is a no-show.
Why AWD Vehicles are Picky About Towing
Before we get into the "how-to," we should probably talk about why everyone makes such a big deal out of this. In a standard two-wheel-drive car, the front or back wheels are disconnected from the engine when the car is in neutral. You can lift the drive wheels, let the others roll, and call it a day.
With AWD, things are much more interconnected. Most AWD systems use a center differential or a viscous coupling to distribute power to all four wheels. If you lift the front wheels and let the back wheels spin on the pavement while the car is being towed, those spinning back wheels are still trying to turn the components inside the transmission.
Because the car isn't actually running, the transmission fluid isn't circulating to keep things cool. The result? Heat builds up incredibly fast, and you can literally melt the internal components of your drivetrain in just a few miles. It's an expensive mistake that usually ends with a repair bill that costs more than the car is worth.
The Most Reliable Method: Using Tow Dollies
If you can't get a flatbed, the next best thing is using a set of tow dollies. Now, I'm not just talking about a standard wheel dolly that lifts two wheels. To do this right for an AWD vehicle, you need a setup that gets all four wheels off the ground.
Some professional tow trucks carry "auxiliary dollies." They'll use a traditional hook-and-chain or a wheel-lift to grab the front of your car, and then they'll slide these little sets of wheels under your rear tires. Once they jack those up, your car is basically "floating" on its own little set of wheels.
It's a bit more work for the driver, and it might cost you a little extra in labor, but it's the most effective way to protect your transmission. It effectively turns a standard tow truck into a makeshift flatbed. If you're calling for a tow, always ask if they have "dollies for all four wheels" before they head your way.
Disconnecting the Driveshaft (The Mechanical Workaround)
If you're in a real pinch and you have some tools (and a bit of mechanical grease under your fingernails doesn't scare you), you can technically tow an AWD car by disconnecting the driveshaft. This is basically the "old school" way of doing things.
By crawling under the car and unbolting the driveshaft from the differential, you're essentially breaking the physical connection between the wheels and the transmission. Once the driveshaft is tucked up and secured (don't just let it dangle!), the rear wheels can spin freely as much as they want without sending any force back into the sensitive "guts" of the car.
I wouldn't recommend this for a quick trip to the grocery store, and you definitely shouldn't try it if you aren't comfortable working on cars. It's also worth noting that on many modern AWD vehicles, this is easier said than done. Some have complex electronic systems that might throw a fit if they sense things aren't connected properly, but from a purely mechanical standpoint, it stops the transmission damage.
Flat Towing and "Dinghy" Mode
You might have seen RVs pulling cars behind them with all four wheels on the ground. This is called "flat towing" or "dinghy towing." Some AWD vehicles are actually designed to handle this, but it's definitely not the norm.
Usually, vehicles with a manual transfer case—like some older Jeeps or certain trucks—can be put into a true "Neutral" that completely disconnects the wheels from the gears. Some modern SUVs also have a "towing mode" hidden deep in the digital menus that prepares the car to be pulled.
However, you must check your owner's manual. Don't just assume because it's in neutral that it's safe. For example, many Subarus with CVT transmissions are strictly "flatbed only." If you flat tow those without following the manual's very specific (and often restrictive) instructions, you'll fry the transmission before you hit the highway.
What About Short Distances at Low Speeds?
You'll always find someone on an internet forum saying, "Oh, I towed my AWD Audi three blocks and it was fine." While they might have gotten lucky, it's a massive gamble.
The heat buildup I mentioned earlier happens because of the speed and duration of the spin. If you're just pulling a car out of a ditch or moving it fifty feet across a parking lot, you're probably not going to blow anything up. But "probably" is a scary word when you're talking about a $5,000 transmission.
If you absolutely have no other choice and have to move the car a very short distance without a flatbed or dollies, keep the speed under 5-10 mph and keep the distance as short as humanly possible. Even then, you're doing it at your own risk. Personally? I wouldn't risk it unless it was a literal life-or-death emergency.
Talking to the Tow Company
When you call for help, you need to be very specific. Don't just say, "I need a tow." Say, "I have an All-Wheel Drive vehicle, and I need a flatbed." If they tell you they only have a standard truck, ask them specifically about dollies.
Some less-experienced drivers might try to convince you that "it'll be fine for a short trip" on just two wheels. Don't listen to them. They aren't the ones who have to pay for your new center differential. If they don't have a flatbed or a full set of dollies, thank them for their time and call the next company on the list.
Preparation for the Future
If you own an AWD car, it's a good idea to know exactly what your manual says before you're actually stuck in the rain. Take five minutes to flip to the "Emergencies" or "Towing" section of that thick book in your glovebox. It will tell you exactly which wheels can be on the ground and if there are any specific speed limits for towing.
Some cars even have a little "tow eye" bolt in the trunk that you have to screw into the bumper. Knowing where that is can save you a lot of headache when the tow driver is standing there waiting for you to figure it out.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, knowing how to tow awd without flatbed is mostly about knowing how to use dollies or when to disconnect mechanical parts. It's not as simple as hook-and-go. AWD systems are amazing for grip and safety in the snow, but they are definitely high-maintenance when they aren't moving under their own power.
If you can't get a flatbed, insist on dollies for all four wheels. If dollies aren't an option, and you aren't a mechanic willing to pull a driveshaft, it's honestly better to wait for the right equipment than to ruin your car. A few hours of waiting for the right truck is a lot cheaper than weeks in the shop getting a transmission swap. Stay safe out there, and don't let anyone convince you to drag your AWD car on its wheels!