2000 TC manual gearbox towing

Winterhawk

New Member
I know I shouldn't, but for a one time only situation can the Rover manual be towed in neutral with all 4 wheels on the ground and still lubricate the transmission properly? I know some manual transmissions can and some can't, but I have no clue about the Rover gearbox. I can also disconnect the drive shaft of course, or just rent a trailer, but mainly for my own information has anyone ever done this?
 
Just make sure that the gearbox has actually oil in it, in case that you are buying an unknown project.
 
I agree with what they say.
Out of interest, which manual boxes don't like being towed?
The LT77 for one - the oil pump is driven by the layshaft, so if that's not turning, oil isn't flowing to the bearings. I believe that the recommendation for cars equipped with this gearbox, that have to be towed, should have the propshaft removed.
 
The LT77 for one - the oil pump is driven by the layshaft, so if that's not turning, oil isn't flowing to the bearings. I believe that the recommendation for cars equipped with this gearbox, that have to be towed, should have the propshaft removed.

I was going to say that, but I am sure that back in my past when I rebuilt some of these, I had worked out that the layshaft does turn when being towed. I wasn't 100% sure so didn't say anything :oops:

Richard
 
Layshafts will only turn when being towed if it's in gear at the time, which it won't (or shouldn't) be. If it did then the engine would turn over as well unless you had the clutch pedal depressed. I towed hundreds of LDV Convoys that had LT77s without disconnecting the props and never had a problem.
 
Okay, so if I absolutely have to I'm good with towing a 2000 tc, correct? Most autos can't be towed except for some (not all) newer GM and Ford cars, and Jeeps with a transfer case that can be shifted into nuetral. I know not all manuals can, but most can as long they stay somewhat level. So if the 2000 tc gearbox gets lubrication in nuetral just as it would in gear I'm fine. I'd still feel safer using a trailer though. I'll let you know how it goes.
 
Colin,

Not sure where you're from, but in the States almost all states require a braking system. More than one way to do it, but the most popular way is a device located on the drivers side floor which is wired to the tow vehicle brakes. When the tow vehicle brakes it actuates the device which pushes the brake pedal. BrakeBuddy - Braking systems for motorhomes towing a vehicle

Based on the website info I don't need a brake system where I live because the P6 is less than 3000 pounds (1360 kg), just a tow bar.
 
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Colin,

Not sure where you're from, but in the States almost all states require a braking system. More than one way to do it, but the most popular way is a device located on the drivers side floor which is wired to the tow vehicle brakes. When the tow vehicle brakes it actuates the device which pushes the brake pedal. BrakeBuddy - Braking systems for motorhomes towing a vehicle

Based on the website info I don't need a brake system where I live because the P6 is less than 3000 pounds (1360 kg), just a tow bar.

Hi, I'm in the UK, near Gatwick airport. There use used to be a bit of a grey area but the rules about towing, trailers and weights have over the last few years been clarified and tightened up, Unbraked trailers have a maximum weight of 750kgs. I have used them in the past and you need to be a bit circumspect with there use, like braking in a straight line and not in corners. One of their uses is to tow small cars behind motorhomes (what you would call RV's) but they're usually fitted with low-loss quick release hook up's into the towed cars hydraulic brake lines or the handbrake cables.

As an aside some cars can't be towed with them because of peculiarities with their steering geometry, as soon as you move off they go on full lock.

Colin
 
Hi, I don't know what the rules are in SA but over here they're illegal unless they're braked. Because the towed vehicle becomes a trailer, so unless it weighs less than 750kgs it needs to be braked.

Colin
I think they fall into a grey area here. Lots of folks have a ''holiday toy'' that they hook up behind the pick-up to play with and they often have permanent fitted A frames or a similar set-up to my link. I have seen Baja bugs, Willys replicas, pipe cars and even a Series Landy being dragged off on holiday.
A mate had a garage and this is all he uses for tow-ins.
The 750kg unbraked trailer rule and the overrun brakes over 750 rules do apply here. I don't have it off the top of my head, but there is a limit where a trailer combo needs a working service brake, too.
 
Simple rule of thumb with P6's all manuals including the lt77 and r380 manual gearboxes can be towed as is. Even the 5 speeds with pumps, the pumps are to force oil around when the box is under load, there will be no harm done if in neutral and being towed as the box isnt under load and splash lubrication will be enough. ALL auto boxes must have their props unbolted, because if towed more than a few hundred yards at more than 5 mph they will burn out.
 
ALL auto boxes must have their props unbolted, because if towed more than a few hundred yards at more than 5 mph they will burn out.

Not true, you can tow an auto up to 30 miles at up to 30mph if you add fluid, according to the WM, and early boxes had a rear pump so if you know for certain it has one of those it can be towed without the need to add fluid, and for much longer distances.
 
PS. I should add that if the engine is running you can tow them as far and fast as you want without the need to add extra fluid.
 
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