Does Flat Towing Vehicle Add Miles to Odometer

Updated 11/15/2021 | Published 06/12/2018

Question:

Will the odometer add miles when towed

asked by: Kathy

Expert Reply:

Yes, when you are flat towing a vehicle like your Fiat 500 the vehicle's odometer will keep track of the miles just as if you were driving the vehicle.

I attached an FAQ on flat towing for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C

John H.

1/16/2020

Just bought a 2013 F-150 4X4 5.0L V8 automatic that had been towed behind a motorhome. Do miles register while being towed?Thanks, John

Jason S.

1/17/2020

The 2013 Ford F-150 does not register miles when flat towed behind a motorhome. Some year/make/models do register on the odometer when being towed, but that vehicle does not. So you may have 50,000 miles on the truck odometer but 100,000 miles on the wheel bearings, etc.

Sam A.

7/14/2021

@JasonS How about at 2021 Ford Ranger being flat towed? Does it register miles? Thanks,

Daniel H.

11/11/2021

Does flat towing a 2000 Honda cr-v add to the odometer mileage?

Les D.

11/15/2021

The general rule is that electronic odometers do not registered unless powered up. If the odometer display is showing as you flat tow it will likely rack up the miles. Since many vehicles are meant to be towed with the ignition in the ACC position, they would likely roll the odomoter.