When it comes to towing a vehicle behind your RV, there are a few options available. One of the most popular methods is flat towing, which involves towing a vehicle with all four wheels on the ground.
According to our research, the best cars to tow behind an RV are rear-wheel drive manual or automatic transmission vehicles, as well as four-wheel drive vehicles with a neutral setting.
Installing a driveshaft decoupler and lubrication pump can also help avoid complications during the towing process.
The Jeep Wrangler is a popular choice among RVers due to its ease of setup and off-road capabilities, but there are also other options available, such as the Honda Civic and Toyota Land Cruiser.
What are the top 10 vehicles that can be flat towed?
The top 10 vehicles that can be flat towed behind an RV are the Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chevrolet Colorado, Ford F-150, Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Sierra 1500, Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Jeep Cherokee, and Ram 1500.
Understanding Flat Towing
Flat towing, also known as four-down towing or dinghy towing, is the process of towing a vehicle with all four wheels on the ground. This is different from traditional towing methods where the vehicle is lifted off the ground using a tow truck or dolly. Flat towing is a popular option for RVers who want to bring a vehicle with them on their travels.
To flat tow a vehicle, you need a few things. First, you need a tow bar that connects the front of the towed vehicle to the back of the towing vehicle. You also need a base plate installed on the towed vehicle that allows the tow bar to attach securely. Finally, you need to make sure that the towed vehicle is properly equipped for flat towing. This may include putting the vehicle in neutral, disengaging the parking brake, and disconnecting the battery.
Not all vehicles are designed to be flat towed, so it’s important to check your owner’s manual or consult with a dealer to see if your vehicle is suitable for four-down towing. In general, vehicles with manual transmissions are better suited for flat towing than those with automatic transmissions. However, there are some automatic transmission vehicles that can be flat towed with the right equipment and procedures.
It’s important to note that flat towing can put additional wear and tear on your vehicle, especially if it’s not designed for this type of towing. You should also be aware of the weight of the towed vehicle and make sure that your towing vehicle is properly equipped to handle the load.
In summary, flat towing is a popular option for RVers who want to bring a vehicle with them on their travels. However, not all vehicles are designed for this type of towing, so it’s important to check your owner’s manual or consult with a dealer to see if your vehicle is suitable. Additionally, you should be aware of the weight of the towed vehicle and make sure that your towing vehicle is properly equipped to handle the load.
Types of Vehicles That Can Be Flat Towed
When it comes to flat towing, not all vehicles are created equal. Some vehicles are designed to be flat towed, while others are not. In this section, we will discuss the types of vehicles that can be flat towed and provide some examples.
Compact and Subcompact Cars
Compact and subcompact cars are some of the most popular vehicles for flat towing. They are lightweight and easy to maneuver, making them ideal for towing behind an RV. Some popular compact and subcompact cars that can be flat towed include the Mini Cooper, Chevrolet Sonic, and Honda CR-V.
SUVs and Pickups
SUVs and pickups are also popular choices for flat towing. They offer more space and towing capacity than compact cars, making them ideal for larger families or those who need to tow heavier loads. Some popular SUVs and pickups that can be flat towed include the Ford F-150, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Ram 1500.
Jeeps and Off-Roading Vehicles
Jeeps and other off-roading vehicles are some of the most popular vehicles for flat towing. They are designed to handle rough terrain and are built to be towed behind an RV. The Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Cherokee are two popular choices for flat towing, as well as the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon.
It is important to note that not all models of these vehicles can be flat towed, so it is important to check the owner’s manual before attempting to tow a vehicle. Additionally, it is important to make sure that the vehicle is properly equipped for flat towing, including the use of a tow bar and other necessary equipment.
Transmission Types and Towing
When it comes to flat towing a vehicle, the type of transmission can play a significant role in determining whether a car can be towed or not. Here are some things to consider when it comes to transmission types and towing.
Manual Transmission
Manual transmissions are generally the easiest type of transmission to flat tow. Most manual transmissions can be put into neutral, which allows the wheels to spin freely, making them safe to tow. However, it is important to note that some manual transmissions may require the clutch to be engaged or disengaged before towing, so it’s always best to check the owner’s manual for specific instructions.
Automatic Transmission
When it comes to automatic transmissions, things can get a bit more complicated. While some automatic transmissions can be flat towed, many cannot. It is important to check the owner’s manual to see if the vehicle is capable of being flat towed and if any special procedures need to be followed. In some cases, a transmission cooler may need to be installed to prevent damage to the transmission during towing.
Four-Wheel and Rear-Wheel Drive
When it comes to four-wheel and rear-wheel drive vehicles, they are generally the easiest types of vehicles to flat tow. Most four-wheel and rear-wheel drive vehicles can be put into neutral, which allows the wheels to spin freely, making them safe to tow. However, it is important to note that some four-wheel and rear-wheel drive vehicles may require the transfer case to be put into neutral before towing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when it comes to flat towing a vehicle, the type of transmission can play a significant role in determining whether a car can be towed or not. Manual transmissions are generally the easiest type of transmission to flat tow, while automatic transmissions can be more complicated. Four-wheel and rear-wheel drive vehicles are generally the easiest types of vehicles to tow, but it is important to check the owner’s manual for specific instructions.
Motorhomes and RV Towing
When it comes to towing a vehicle behind your motorhome or RV, it’s important to make sure you have the right setup and equipment. There are a few different options for towing, including using a tow dolly or flat towing (also known as dinghy towing). In this section, we’ll focus on flat towing.
Flat towing involves attaching a tow bar to the front of your vehicle and towing it on all four wheels. This method is preferred by many RVers because it allows them to bring their own vehicle along for exploring their destination without the need for a separate vehicle trailer.
When choosing a vehicle to flat tow, there are a few things to consider. First, the vehicle must be capable of being towed on all four wheels without causing damage to the transmission. Rear-wheel drive manual or automatic transmission vehicles are typically the best candidates, as are four-wheel drive vehicles with a neutral setting.
Some of the most popular vehicles for flat towing include the Jeep Wrangler, Toyota Corolla, and Honda CR-V. It’s important to check the manufacturer’s guidelines for any vehicle you’re considering to ensure it is capable of being flat towed.
It’s also important to make sure you have the right equipment for flat towing. This includes a base plate installed on the front of your vehicle, a tow bar, and safety cables. It’s also a good idea to install a supplemental braking system, which can help reduce wear and tear on your motorhome’s brakes and improve safety.
Overall, flat towing can be a convenient and practical way to bring your own vehicle along on your RV adventures. With the right setup and equipment, you can safely and easily tow your vehicle behind your motorhome or RV.
Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
Electric and hybrid vehicles are becoming more popular as people look for more environmentally-friendly transportation options. However, when it comes to flat towing, there are some important considerations to keep in mind.
Firstly, it is important to note that not all electric or hybrid vehicles can be flat towed. In fact, many cannot be towed at all, or require specific procedures to be followed. As always, it is important to consult the owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer to determine whether a particular vehicle is suitable for flat towing.
That being said, there are some electric and hybrid vehicles that can be flat towed. For example, the Toyota Prius and the Chevrolet Volt are both capable of being flat towed with certain precautions. However, it is important to note that towing an electric or hybrid vehicle can drain the battery, which may impact the vehicle’s performance or require it to be recharged before use.
It is also worth noting that some electric and hybrid vehicles may have unique features or requirements that need to be taken into account when flat towing. For example, the Tesla Model S requires specific procedures to be followed in order to enable flat towing mode.
In summary, while some electric and hybrid vehicles can be flat towed, it is important to do your research and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure that you do not damage your vehicle or compromise its performance.
Towing Equipment and Add-Ons
When it comes to flat towing, there are a few essential pieces of equipment that you will need to tow your vehicle safely and efficiently. These include a tow bar, baseplate kit, safety cable set, tow bar wiring, and a supplemental braking system. Let’s take a closer look at each of these components.
Tow Bar
The tow bar is the primary component of the towing system, and it connects the towed vehicle to the towing vehicle. It is important to choose a tow bar that is appropriate for the weight of your vehicle and the towing capacity of your RV. There are several types of tow bars available, including A-frame, self-aligning, and adjustable tow bars.
Baseplate Kit
The baseplate kit is an essential component of the towing system, and it connects the tow bar to your vehicle’s frame. It is important to choose a baseplate kit that is specifically designed for your vehicle make and model. Some baseplate kits require drilling into your vehicle’s frame, while others use existing bolt holes.
Safety Cable Set
The safety cable set is designed to provide an additional level of security in the event that the tow bar or baseplate kit fails. It is important to choose safety cables that are rated for the weight of your vehicle and the towing capacity of your RV. The safety cables should be attached to both the towed vehicle and the towing vehicle.
Tow Bar Wiring
Tow bar wiring is necessary to provide power to the taillights, turn signals, and brake lights on your towed vehicle. This ensures that other drivers on the road can see your vehicle’s signals and brake lights. There are several types of tow bar wiring kits available, including diode kits and magnetic kits.
Supplemental Braking System
A supplemental braking system is designed to help your RV stop more efficiently when towing a vehicle. It is important to choose a supplemental braking system that is appropriate for the weight of your vehicle and the towing capacity of your RV. There are several types of supplemental braking systems available, including portable systems and permanently installed systems.
In addition to these essential components, there are also several aftermarket add-ons that can enhance your towing experience. These include tow dollies, flatbed trailers, driveshaft decouplers, and lubrication pumps. It is important to choose the right add-ons for your specific towing needs and vehicle type.
Overall, choosing the right towing equipment and add-ons is essential for a safe and efficient flat towing experience. By selecting the appropriate equipment and add-ons, you can ensure that your towed vehicle is secure and that your RV is operating at its full capacity.
Precautions and Warranty Considerations
When it comes to flat towing, there are some precautions and warranty considerations to keep in mind to ensure a safe and hassle-free experience.
Firstly, it is important to check your vehicle’s owner’s manual to see if it is approved for flat towing. Some vehicles require specific equipment or procedures to be followed, and failure to do so could result in damage to the vehicle or voiding of the warranty.
In addition, some vehicles may require the steering wheel to be locked or the ignition switch to be in a certain position during towing. It is important to follow these instructions to prevent damage to the steering components or electrical system.
Another consideration is the fuses in the vehicle. Some vehicles may require certain fuses to be removed before flat towing to prevent damage to the electrical system. Again, it is important to follow the instructions in the owner’s manual to prevent any damage or warranty issues.
Lastly, drivetrain components such as the transmission and differential may be affected by flat towing. Some vehicles may require specific lubrication or cooling procedures to be followed during towing to prevent damage.
Overall, it is important to be knowledgeable and follow the instructions in the owner’s manual to ensure a safe and warranty-compliant flat towing experience.
Choosing the Right Vehicle for Flat Towing
When it comes to choosing a vehicle for flat towing, there are several factors to consider. The size and fit of the vehicle, its versatility, and its towing capabilities are some of the most important considerations.
One of the first things to consider is the size of the vehicle. It’s important to choose a vehicle that is not too large or heavy to tow behind your RV. A smaller, lighter vehicle will be easier to maneuver and will put less strain on your RV’s towing capacity.
Fit is also an important consideration. The vehicle you choose should fit comfortably on your tow bar and be easy to connect and disconnect. It’s also important to make sure that the vehicle’s towing system is compatible with your RV’s towing system.
Another important factor to consider is the vehicle’s versatility. A vehicle that is designed for off-road adventures, like the Jeep Gladiator, can be a great choice for those who like to explore remote areas. However, if you’re planning to use your flat tow vehicle primarily for highway driving, a more fuel-efficient car like the Honda Civic may be a better choice.
Reviews and customer feedback can also provide valuable insight into the towing capabilities and overall experience of a particular vehicle. It’s important to do your research and read reviews from other RVers who have experience with flat tow vehicles.
Finally, it’s important to consider the service and support available for the vehicle you choose. Make sure that the manufacturer provides a reliable product and solution for flat towing, and that there is a network of service centers available to assist you if you have any questions or issues.
Overall, choosing the right vehicle for flat towing requires careful consideration of several factors. By taking the time to explore your options and do your research, you can find a flat tow vehicle that meets your needs and enhances your RVing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which flat tow bar is the most reliable?
There are many reliable flat tow bars on the market, but the Blue Ox Alpha is a popular choice among RVers due to its durability and ease of use. It is also reasonably priced compared to other options.
What are the best flat tow vehicles for 2022?
As of now, there is no official list of the best flat tow vehicles for 2022. However, based on previous years’ models, some of the best options include the Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chevrolet Colorado, Ford F-150, and Chevrolet Equinox.
What are the cheapest vehicles that can be flat towed?
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, the 2015-2018 Chevrolet Spark and the 2014-2018 Nissan Versa are two of the cheapest vehicles that can be flat towed. However, it’s important to note that towing capabilities may vary depending on the specific model and year.
What are the easiest vehicles to flat tow?
Generally, vehicles with four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive systems are the easiest to flat tow. Some of the easiest vehicles to flat tow include the Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Chevrolet Colorado.
Can an AWD vehicle be flat towed?
Yes, some AWD vehicles can be flat towed with the proper equipment and precautions. However, it’s important to consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure safe towing.
