Can you tow a silverado in neutral?

Generally not recommended. For most automatic Silverado transmissions, towing with the driveshaft turning while the engine is off can damage the transmission. The safest approach is to use a flatbed trailer or a tow dolly that keeps at least one axle off the ground, and always verify the guidance in your specific year/model owner’s manual.

Overview: towing rules for a Silverado

The Chevrolet Silverado comes in 2WD and 4WD configurations and uses automatic transmissions in most recent years. Because transmission lubrication and cooling often depend on engine operation, towing a Silverado with all four wheels on the ground (neutral or otherwise) is not universally permitted. Always consult the exact owner’s manual for your year, engine, and drivetrain to confirm what is allowed.

• Transmission type matters: Automatic transmissions rely on engine-powered lubrication and cooling. Towing with the engine off and the driveshaft rotating can risk transmission wear or failure over time.


• Drivetrain differences: 2WD and 4WD versions have different towing cautions, especially regarding the transfer case and neutral positioning in some setups.


• Distance and speed limits: If any neutral-towing configuration is permitted, it typically involves strict distance and speed limits and specific procedures documented in the manual.

Conclusion: Because rules vary by year and configuration, the safest move is to avoid towing with the driveshaft turning. Use a flatbed trailer or a tow dolly (with appropriate guidance from the manual) and, when in doubt, hire a professional tow service.

Recommended towing options for a Silverado

Before towing, consider how to minimize drivetrain wear and stay within warranty terms. The following methods are commonly recommended by manufacturers and towing professionals:

• Flatbed towing: The entire vehicle sits on a trailer, wheels are not turning, and the engine can remain off. This is the simplest way to avoid transmission stress.


• Tow dolly or tilt trailer (front wheels elevated): If permitted by your manual, this method keeps at least one axle stationary to limit transmission movement while the engine is off. Always follow the exact procedures in your manual.


• Professional towing service: A licensed tow operator has the equipment and model-specific guidance to move your Silverado safely without risking drivetrain damage.

In all cases, the owner’s manual is the definitive source. If it says not to tow in neutral or not to tow with all four wheels on the ground, follow that guidance to protect the transmission and drivetrain.

Notes by year and drivetrain

There is no universal yes for “tow in neutral” across all Silverado models. Most modern automatics in the Silverado family are not recommended to be flat-towed with the drive wheels on the ground. Always verify with the exact year, engine, transmission, and four-wheel-drive setup in your owner’s manual or with Chevrolet support before attempting any tow.

Summary

To summarize, towing a Silverado in neutral is not a one-size-fits-all answer. For most automatics, the recommended approach is to avoid towing with the driveshaft turning by using a flatbed trailer or a tow dolly, unless your specific manual provides a different, approved method. Always consult the exact owner’s manual for your year and configuration to protect the transmission and stay within warranty guidelines.

Can you tow a 4x4 truck in neutral?

No, you generally cannot tow a 4x4 in neutral with all four wheels on the ground unless the vehicle has a specific "Neutral Tow" feature enabled, as this can damage the transmission and drivetrain. To safely flat tow a 4x4, you must first put the vehicle's transfer case into neutral, not just the main transmission, and follow your owner's manual's specific instructions for that model. For some vehicles, this involves a special procedure and confirmation message, while for others, the only safe options are using a tow dolly or a flatbed trailer to lift the drive wheels off the ground. 
Why flat towing a 4x4 in neutral can be damaging

• Automatic transmissions: The lubrication pump for an automatic transmission is often driven by the engine's torque converter. When the engine is off, the pump won't spin, leading to insufficient lubrication and cooling, which can cause significant damage over time. 
• Manual transmissions: Even with a manual transmission, spinning the output shaft while the engine is off can cause components to wear down or fail because the lubrication system is not designed for this type of motion. 
• Transfer case vs. transmission: Shifting the main transmission to neutral disconnects the engine from the wheels, but it still connects the transmission to the transfer case and drivetrain. If the transfer case is left in 4x4 or 2x4, towing it can still cause internal damage to both the transmission and transfer case. 

How to safely flat tow a 4x4

• Read your owner's manual: This is the most important step, as towing procedures vary by make and model. 
• Enable the specific feature: Some modern 4x4s have a "Neutral Tow" feature that must be enabled through the infotainment system. This will typically involve putting the transmission in neutral, turning the ignition to "Accessory" mode, and confirming the selection on the display. 
• Follow the specific procedure: Your manual will provide the exact steps for your vehicle, which may involve shifting the transfer case to neutral, turning off the engine, and ensuring the parking brake is off. 
• Use a tow dolly or flatbed: If your vehicle does not have a "Neutral Tow" feature or your manual advises against it, use a tow dolly that lifts the front wheels or a flatbed trailer to keep all four wheels off the ground. 

What to do if you have to tow a 4x4 without the proper equipment

• Disconnect the driveshaft: As a last resort, a mechanic can disconnect the driveshaft, which will prevent the drivetrain from spinning while the wheels are on the ground. 
• Tow with a tow dolly: If you have a tow dolly, you can tow the vehicle with the front wheels on the dolly and the rear wheels on the ground. This is a safer alternative to towing with all four wheels down. 

Can a Chevy Silverado be flat towed?

Yes, you can flat tow a Chevy Silverado, but only if it's a four-wheel-drive model with a two-speed transfer case that includes a neutral setting. You must first properly prepare the vehicle by shifting the transfer case into neutral, installing necessary towing equipment like base plates and tow bars, and connecting a supplemental braking system.
 
You can watch this video to learn how to prepare your Silverado for flat towing: 59sFirst State ChevroletYouTube · Oct 23, 2019
Before you tow

• Check your transfer case: Your Silverado must be a 4x4 model with a two-speed transfer case that has a Neutral (N) setting. Attempting to flat tow a 2WD model or one without this specific transfer case can severely damage the transmission. 
• Install equipment: You will need to install a compatible base plate kit, a tow bar, and a supplemental braking system. Some people also recommend a battery disconnect switch. 
• Gather instructions: Consult your Silverado's owner's manual for the specific steps for your model year, as procedures can vary. 

Preparing the vehicle

1. Position the Silverado: Position the Silverado behind your motorhome or towing vehicle on a level surface and securely attach it to the tow bars. 
2. Start the engine and set parking brake: Start the engine, then put the parking brake on. 
3. Shift to neutral: Shift the transmission into Neutral (N). 
4. Disengage the transfer case: Follow the specific steps for your model to put the transfer case into neutral. This often involves repeatedly pressing the "2 High" button five times within a 10-second span until the "Neutral" light appears on the dash. 
5. Turn off the engine: Once the transfer case is in neutral, you can turn the engine off. 
6. Release parking brake: Release the parking brake before you begin towing. 
7. Connect the braking system: Connect the supplemental braking system to the Silverado's brake pedal. 

You can watch this video to learn how to prepare your Silverado for flat towing: 59sJack ChevroletYouTube · Oct 10, 2025

Is it okay to pull a truck in neutral?

You should never tow a vehicle on its drive wheels in neutral be it an automatic or a manual transmission unless it has some sort of rear pump or the engine is running. Automatic transmissions have the oil pump driven off the torque converter. So of the engine isn't running there is no lubrication.

How do I put my Silverado in tow mode?

Performance for towing. And not only that it also has something called flash to pass. So in every single GM vehicle when you lightly tap your turn signal. It will signal three. Times.