Abstract: A planetary drive assembly for a vehicle is disclosed which includes a wheel mounting spindle. A stationary mounting hub surrounds a portion of the spindle and is fixed to the frame of a vehicle. Wheel bearings are provided between the hub and the spindle which permit rotation of the wheel mounting spindle relative to the mounting hub. A power input shaft is axially mounted with respect to an axial opening in the mounting spindle, and a planetary gear train is provided between the power input shaft and the mounting spindle. A coupling gear is provided between the planetary gear train and the spindle which is adapted to selectively connect and disconnect the spindle to and from the planetary gear train and the power input so that the spindle is capable of being disconnected from the power source and the gear train. When the vehicle is towed, therefore, it may be towed at normal highway speeds since rotation of the spindle does not cause rotation of the gear train.