I just bought a 2001 F150 4x4 with automatic transmission. I will either have to tow it home about 200 miles or transport on a trailer. Is there anything I need to worry about in towing it (assuming I know how to attach and use a towbar)? Thanks in advance.

 

Conventional wisdom says it's OK to flat tow an automatic a short distance at low speed. Towing further & faster calls for disconnecting propshaft so as to avoid toasting tranny.

Most states also require any vehicle on the road to be registered, licensed & insured. Even just back wheels on road from car on tow dolly.

When you "transport on a trailer" that's licensed these issues are avoided.

 

Follow on question here. I picked up an '03 at the crash auction so I need to have the title inspection done at state police. It's too big to fit on a U-Haul trailer so I am thinking about using a tow dolly. I don't really feel like doing the driveshaft disconnect so I have another idea. I only need to go 20 miles and I've read that the trans damage comes from the engine not running and therefore the trans fluid pump won't run. What if I left it running for the trip? Just idle and neutral. I don't need to speed, all back roads so 45mph max.

 

What if.....road jar from a pot hole or some such drops it in gear while trekking it back home?

What if....before leaving the auction site there is inspection for safe travel? kinda doubt that leaving it run in neutral on a tow dolly is going to go unnoticed?

Better to borrow/rent a trailer or have it towed/hauled....even though you have a relatively short distance. Or just drop the drive shaft.