Key Takeaways:
- Flat Towing Is Safe With Proper Setup: Early Broncos can be flat towed when the transfer case, hubs, and towing equipment are set correctly to protect the drivetrain.
- Correct Equipment Prevents Wear: Using high-quality tow bars, brackets, and lighting connections helps keep the Bronco stable behind the RV, reducing strain on steering and driveline components.
- Post-Tow Inspection Matters: Checking hubs, steering, and transfer case settings after unhooking ensures the Bronco transitions back to everyday driving without unnecessary wear and tear.
Many enthusiasts ask the same question: Can you flat tow a Ford Bronco? The answer is yes, as long as you follow the correct steps. Flat towing is a popular way to bring your Bronco along on RV trips, whether you’re exploring new campgrounds, taking the scenic route, or heading out for long-distance adventures. With proper setup, the Early Bronco tracks smoothly behind an RV and arrives ready for the next stretch of trail.
At TOMS OFFROAD, we have spent decades helping Early Bronco enthusiasts enjoy every part of classic Bronco ownership. Since 1976, our team has worked with these vehicles on the trail, in the garage, and behind the wheel, giving us the hands-on experience needed to guide you through safe towing practices. When you want real knowledge backed by years of passion, you come to the people who live and breathe Early Broncos.
In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about whether you can flat-tow a Ford Bronco. You’ll learn how to move your Bronco confidently and keep the drivetrain protected mile after mile.
Understanding Early Bronco Flat Towing Basics
Before flat-towing your Early Bronco behind an RV, it is essential to understand how the classic drivetrain, hubs, and transfer case work together. If you’ve been wondering, can a Ford Bronco be flat towed? The good news is that it can, provided everything is set correctly beforehand. Flat towing is safe when done correctly, but understanding the basics helps protect your Bronco from unnecessary strain.
What Flat Towing Means For Early Broncos
Flat towing refers to pulling your Bronco with all four wheels in contact with the ground, ensuring a stable and secure connection. The Early Broncos’ simple, mechanical drivetrain makes this possible, but only when the transfer case, hubs and rear drive shaft are addressed correctly. Without proper preparation, components inside the drivetrain can turn when they should not, leading to wear, heat buildup, improper oiling and eventual failure. If you are looking to better understand the towing limits and guidelines for trailers pulled by a Bronco, our resource on Ford Bronco towing capacity serves as a valuable companion reference.
How The Drivetrain Responds While Being Towed
When your Bronco is rolling behind an RV, the wheels and axles still rotate even though the engine is not running. This rotation of internal parts can be potentially damaging if the rear driveshaft is not disconnected correctly. Understanding how the gears and shafts behave ensures you avoid unnecessary rotation inside the transmission and transfer case, preventing failure.
Transfer Case Protection For Safe Towing = Drive shaft removal
The transfer case is the most commonly damaged component when flat towing. For Early Broncos, placing the transfer case in neutral IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH. By simply placing the transfer case in neutral, there is a significant oiling problem for the rear output shaft bearings. The rear drive shaft must be disconnected from the 9” differential in order to prevent this issue. This simple step prevents the internals from spinning without proper oiling and eliminates the possible wear inside the transfer case.
Locking Or Unlocking The Front Hubs
Most Early Broncos come with manual locking hubs. Before towing, the hubs should be set to the free position so the front axle does not engage while rolling. Unlocking the hubs keeps the front differential from spinning, which reduces heat and makes long-distance towing safer.
Why Proper Preparation Protects Key Components
Flat towing affects every rotating part of the Bronco, so preparation is essential. When the rear drive shaft is removed from the rear differential and hubs are correctly aligned, the Bronco rolls smoothly without stressing its internal components. This protects the axles, shafts, bearings, and gears that keep your Bronco running strong. If you’re planning a full project or long-term improvements, this step also ties into overall Bronco restoration practices that keep your classic in peak condition.
Essential Equipment You Need For Safe Flat Towing
Before towing your Early Bronco behind an RV, having the right equipment makes all the difference. Proper towing gear keeps the Bronco stable, protects the drivetrain, and ensures the setup meets road safety requirements.
A Quality Tow Bar Designed For Stability
A sturdy tow bar is the foundation of a safe towing setup. It connects the Bronco to the RV and keeps everything aligned as you move. The tow bar must attach cleanly to the Bronco’s frame or bumper and lock in securely. A strong tow bar reduces sway, improves tracking, and helps the Bronco follow the RV smoothly at highway speeds.
Safety Chains For Added Security
Safety chains act as a backup connection between the Bronco and the RV. If the tow bar were ever to loosen or shift, the chains keep the Bronco attached. For Early Broncos, attach the chains to solid frame points rather than thin brackets. Properly crossed chains help guide the Bronco in a straight line if the primary connection fails.
Supplemental Braking System For Controlled Stops
Depending on local regulations and RV capacity, a supplemental braking system may be required. These systems help slow the Bronco while the RV brakes, reducing strain on both vehicles. Early Broncos are heavier than they look, so added braking support creates safer, smoother stopping distances.
Lighting And Wiring For Road Visibility
Flat-towed vehicles must display working brake lights, turn signals, and running lights. A simple wiring harness lets your Bronco’s rear lights operate through the RV’s system. Good lighting ensures that other drivers can see your signals clearly, especially at night or in heavy traffic. Proper wiring also prevents electrical issues when you switch back to everyday driving. Owners who tow often also benefit from proven Ford Bronco aftermarket parts that improve overall durability.
Step-By-Step Guide: How To Flat Tow A Ford Bronco Safely
Flat towing your Early Bronco is straightforward when you take each step slowly and pay attention to how the Bronco connects to the RV. A careful setup protects the drivetrain, improves stability, and ensures the entire tow remains predictable.
Position The Bronco And RV on Level Ground
Start by parking both vehicles on a flat, stable surface. Position the Bronco directly behind the RV so the tow bar can attach without twisting or pulling at an angle. Level ground helps the bar sit correctly and prevents stress on the bumper, brackets, or frame. This simple step also makes connecting the equipment much easier.
Attach The Tow Bar And Secure Safety Chains
With both vehicles aligned, attach the tow bar to the Bronco’s mounting points. Ensure the pins lock in completely before attaching safety chains. Cross the chains underneath the tow bar so they can support the Bronco if the primary connection loosens. A clean, even connection ensures the Bronco follows the RV smoothly and stays centered.
Protect The Transfer Case by Removing the Rear Driveshaft
Before towing, remove the rear driveshaft.. This prevents the internal gears of the transfer case from turning while the wheels rotate. Not removing the driveshaft can cause unnecessary heat or wear.
Unlock The Front Hubs For Reduced Resistance
Most Early Broncos have manual locking hubs. Set both hubs to the free position so the front axle does not engage while rolling. Unlocking the hubs allows the wheels to turn without driving the front differential. This reduces drag, lowers heat buildup, and makes long-distance towing safer for the drivetrain.
Test the Lights, Brakes, And Rolling Movement Before Leaving
Once the Bronco is fully connected, test the rear lights to make sure they respond to the RV’s signals. If your setup uses supplemental braking, confirm it activates correctly. Finally, pull forward a short distance to ensure the Bronco tracks straight and rolls freely. As you plan long hauls or improvements, many owners also review must-have upgrades for classic Broncos to prepare their Broncos for future trips and trail use.
Toms Offroad Parts That Support Safe Flat Towing
Flat-towing an Early Bronco becomes safer and more predictable when the correct parts are installed. We carry components designed specifically for Classic Broncos, providing enthusiasts with reliable equipment that fits correctly and withstands the rigors of long trips.
Driveline Components
Upgrading or refreshing worn parts in general can prevent vibration and unnecessary movement. We offer driveshaft and U-joint components that help keep the Bronco’s rolling movement smooth. A stable driveline reduces noise, heat, and wear over long distances. This is a part that will need to be removed, then installed once the destination is reached. Due to the constant removal and installation, ensure the components are in top notch condition, or simply replace them.
Steering And Suspension Parts That Improve Tow Tracking
Healthy steering components help the Bronco follow the RV naturally. Items such as tie rods, bushings, and track bar parts make a noticeable difference when flat towing. When these parts are tight and aligned, the Bronco stays centered behind the RV and responds predictably during lane changes.
Lighting And Wiring Solutions For Road Visibility
Every flat-towed vehicle must display working taillights and turn signals. This can be done by adding axillary lights to be used just during towing, or the factory rear tail lights can be integrated for a more classic look. Toms offers any and all of the factory tail light buckets, LED bulbs and lenses needed to ensure bright and functional lighting while towing.
How To Unhook And Inspect Your Bronco After Towing
Once you arrive, a careful unhooking process keeps your Early Bronco protected and ready for everyday driving.
- Park On Level Ground Before Disconnecting: Position both vehicles on a flat surface so the Bronco stays steady while you release tension from the tow bar.
- Ensure the Parking brake is on. Install the rear driveshaft before disconnecting the tow bar.
- Release Tow Bar Tension Slowly: Gently move the RV to relieve pressure from the tow bar, allowing the pins to disengage cleanly without stressing the brackets.
- Disconnect Wiring And Safety Chains In Order: Unplug the wiring harness, then remove the safety chains. This keeps the area clear and prevents tangles while you work.
- Inspect Steering, Hubs, And Driveline Before Driving Away: Check for heat, loose hardware, or unusual steering movement to make sure everything is ready for everyday road use.
A quick and organized unhooking routine keeps your Bronco in great shape and ready for the next stretch of travel.
Final Thoughts
Flat-towing your Early Bronco can be a safe, simple, and reliable process when you follow the correct steps. Proper tow equipment, correct driveshaft removal, unlocked hubs, and clear wiring connections all work together to protect your Bronco’s classic drivetrain. Taking a few minutes to prepare before towing and inspecting afterward helps prevent unnecessary wear and keeps your Bronco ready for the road ahead.
At TOMS OFFROAD, we have helped thousands of enthusiasts set up their Broncos for towing, road trips, and full-season adventures. With the right approach, every RV trip becomes an opportunity to bring your Bronco along for the adventure.
Read Also:
- Bronco Wheels
- How Much Can A Ford Bronco Tow? Complete Towing Guide By Year
- Bronco Restoration 101: Everything You Need To Bring Your Classic Back To Life
Frequently Asked Questions About Can You Flat Tow A Ford Bronco
Can you flat tow an Early Ford Bronco behind an RV?
Yes. Early Broncos can be safely flat towed as long as the rear driveshaft is removed and the front hubs are unlocked.
Do I need special equipment to flat tow my Bronco?
A quality tow bar, safety chains, a lighting hookup, and strong mounting brackets are essential for safe and stable towing.
Do I really need to remove the rear drive shaft?
Yes, this is the only safe way to flat tow an Early Bronco for any distance. Is it a pain, yes. But it will save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars for repairs and cost downtime on planned vacation.
Should the transfer case be in neutral while towing?
Shifting the transfer case into Neutral for flat towing is NOT GOOD ENOUGH! While this “may” work for a short tow across town, we NEVER recommend doing this as it leads to oil starvation of the rear output shaft bearings. Removing the rear driveshaft is required in order to prevent transfer case damage from flat towing.
Do the manual locking hubs need to be unlocked?
Yes. Unlocking the hubs prevents the front differential from spinning, reducing heat and resistance.
How do I keep my Bronco tracking straight behind the RV?
Proper alignment, strong tow bar brackets, and fresh steering components help the Bronco follow smoothly without pulling.
Is a supplemental braking system required?
Some states require it. Even when not needed, supplemental braking improves safety and reduces stress on the RV. Check the state regulations of all states you plan to travel through.
