Best Vehicles to Flat Tow Cover Featuring RV Towing Car

Best Vehicles to Flat Tow Behind an RV

Your RV is great for camping—but maybe not so much for daily driving. No one wants to pack up camp and haul their RV into town for sightseeing or errands. Luckily, many trucks, cars, and SUVS can be flat towed (also called dinghy towed) with all four wheels on the ground behind a motorhome, so you have access to your daily vehicle at the campsite.

However, some models are more popular for flat towing than others due to their easier setup and limited restrictions. So what are the most popular flat towing vehicles among campers?

Check out the top choices below, then visit our linked flat tow setup guides for more information on your favorite model. You can also check out our help article, Towing Your Vehicle: A Basic Overview, for some general flat towing info.

Note: Your owner's manual is the definitive source of truth for any vehicle you plan on flat towing, so always check to make sure your particular model can be flat towed. Also, obey any restrictions or limitations listed—they're there for a reason, plus your manufacturer will void your warranty if if you flat tow against their advice or ignore other restrictions. For help translating your owner's manual click here for our guide on owner's manual jibberish.

JUMP TO THE LIST

What Makes a Vehicle Ideal for Flat Towing?

You likely already know that not every vehicle can be flat towed—some must be towed on a dolly or trailer—but you might not know why. Because your vehicle is turned off when you're flat towing, it's not actively cooling your transmission fluid. And without cool transmission fluid, your transmission can easily overheat and be ruined. (A popular question is whether or I can tow an electric vehicle. The answer is usually no, or at least not yet. Click the link above to check out why!)

So how do you get around this? By preventing the components that can overheat from spinning and overheating to begin with. In most cases, this means making sure your transmission and transfer case are both disconnected from your driveshaft. You'll see many vehicles below require manual transmissions or 2-speed transfer cases—these components allow you to easily put your vehicle into "true neutral," thereby disconnecting the driveshaft and preventing dangerous overheating. For more info about this, watch our video "Will Flat Towing Hurt My Transmission?"

We avoided including vehicles that require driveshaft disconnects, since this is an involved process that must be completed every time you flat tow. Since this is a list of the best flat towable vehicles, we stayed away from the most labor-intensive models. Some of the vehicles below may require you to pull fuses or disconnect the battery, but most offer options to take care of this with the flip of a switch.

We believe there is a great flat tow option for everyone, so we included a variety of models below. Of course, this is by no means an exhaustive list—if you're curious about a vehicle and it's not here, feel free to drop us a comment below, and we're happy to check into it for you. We want to help you find the best flat towable vehicle for your needs, whether you're a dedicated off-roader, a large family, or a couple who needs a grocery-run car.

Category: Off-Road SUV

1. Jeep Wrangler (1997-2023)

The Jeep Wrangler is the #1 most popular flat tow vehicle among RVers (and also here at etrailer). Its popularity has spanned over two decades and multiple vehicle generations, and for good reason. It's easy to set up for flat towing and is designed for off-road adventures. For those who like to get off the beaten path, there's essentially no terrain a Wrangler can't wrangle.

Most Wranglers sit between 2,800 and 3,300 lbs of curb weight, so they're great options to pull behind Class A and Class C motorhomes. The Wranglers have no speed or distance restrictions, and both manual and automatic transmission models can be flat towed.

Flat Tow Setup Guides

Choose a model for setup information, required products, and expert recommendations:

Category: Pickup Truck

2. Jeep Gladiator (2020-2023)

Is it a Jeep or a truck?

The answer is yes.

Built for off-roading, Jeep’s mid-size truck is the ideal outdoorsy vehicle. It provides excellent ground clearance and a smooth ride due to its 5-link suspension. And best of all, it combines what you love about Jeeps with what you love about trucks. It’s convertible, with a removable top and removable doors. It’s great for towing and hauling. Whether you’re driving around town, making a trip to the hardware store, or exploring the trail, the Gladiator can do it all. And because it can ride behind your RV, you never have to leave it behind.

Both automatic and manual models can be flat towed. There are no speed or distance restrictions.

Category: Pickup Truck

3. Ford Ranger (2019-2023)

Ford's midsize pickup, the Ranger, is a popular choice for flat towing here at our shop. The Ranger took a hiatus from 2011 to 2018, but it's back with new models for 2019-2023. Not only do these trucks provide a more compact alternative to full-size pickups, they also feature a super clean look with flat tow components installed, making them a favorite among RVers.

What's more, there are no speed or distance restrictions for these newer-model Rangers, so you can just hook up and hit the road.

Category: Compact Crossover SUV

4. Honda CR-V (2007-2014)

If you're looking to pick up a solid older-model vehicle, a great option is the compact Honda CR-V. This smaller, very reliable SUV is ideal for towing behind both Class A and Class C motorhomes.

The CR-V does have a speed limit of 65 mph when being flat towed. Additionally, if the CR-V is flat towed for longer than 8 hours, the vehicle should be taken out of tow mode, allowed to run for a few minutes, and placed back into tow mode. Sadly, Honda stopped making CR-Vs flat towable in 2014, so used vehicles are your only options for these compact crossovers.

Flat Tow Setup Guides

Choose a model for setup information, required products, and expert recommendations:

Category: SUV

Image Credit: Big Truck, Big RV

5. Ford Bronco (2021-2023)

The Ford Bronco makes a triumphant return in 2021 after a 25-year hiatus, and the good news for RVers: it was built to be flat towed. You’ll love taking this rugged off-road SUV on any adventure. Just don’t be surprised if it gets mistaken as a Jeep Wrangler from a distance — the Bronco was essentially designed as Jeep's (very capable) rival.

There are no speed or distance restrictions for the Bronco. However, it's worth noting that the Ford Bronco Sport model is built on a different platform and cannot be flat towed. Stick with the standard Bronco model if you want an off-road SUV that can double as a toad.

Category: Pickup Truck

6. Ford F-150 (2009-2023)

When you need a vehicle that allows you to do it all, America's favorte truck has you covered. Whether at home or the campsite, this full-size truck is perfect for carrying bikes, towing a boat, or hauling your gear. Despite its power, the F-150 is on the smaller end of the truck spectrum, so it's relatively easy to pull behind a Class A motorhome.

Only 4WD F-150s can be flat towed. Trucks prior to the 2012 model year must also have a manual-shift transfer case, as no recreational towing is permitted with vehicles with electronic-shift transfer cases. There are no distance or speed limitations when towing the F-150.

Flat Tow Setup Guides

Choose a model for setup information, required products, and expert recommendations:

Category: SUV

7. Jeep Grand Cherokee (2011-2023)

After the Wrangler, the 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the next most popular SUV to flat tow. From the campground to the trail, the Grand Cherokee comfortably carries the whole family, so you definitely won't want to leave it behind.

From 2011-2021, only 4WD models with Quadra-Trac II/Quadra-Drive II can be flat towed. For 2022 and 2023, only Quadra-Trac II models with 4WD Low settings can be flat towed. There are no speed or distance limitations in either case.

Flat Tow Setup Guides

Choose a model for setup information, required products, and expert recommendations:

Category: SUV

8. Chevrolet Equinox (2010-2023)

Chevy's sporty, family-friendly SUV is perfect for everything from a weekend getaway or a summer-long cross-country trip.

Both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models can be flat towed. The owner's manuals note that the SUVs should be run for 5 minutes at the beginning of the day and each time you stop to fuel up the motorhome. Additionally, you'll want to keep travel speeds under 65 mph, or you risk damaging your vehicle.

Note that for the 2018 model year, the only engine/transmission combos that can be flat towed are the FWD 1.5 L Gas FWD/ 1.6 L Diesel and AWD 1.6 L Diesel vehicles. For the 2019 model year, only the FWD 1.5 L gas, 2.0L gas, and 1.6L diesel engine and AWD 2.0L gas and 1.6L diesel engine vehicles may be flat towed.

Flat Tow Setup Guides

Choose a model for setup information, required products, and expert recommendations:

Category: SUV

9. GMC Terrain (2010-2017)

GMC filled a much-needed niche in their lineup by designing a flat-towable, family SUV line with an automatic transmission. The 2010-2017 Terrains are built on the same platform, so the flat towing setup is similar for both vehicles.

Flat Tow Setup Guides

Choose a model for setup information, required products, and expert recommendations:

Category: SUV

10. Jeep Cherokee (2014-2023)

Jeep offers another top flat towing vehicle with the Cherokee. The Cherokee's spaciousness allows you to bring along the whole family and all your gear. If you're a big Jeep fan and are looking for an affordable flat tow vehicle, the Cherokee is a great option.

Only 4WD models with a 2-speed power transfer unit can be flat towed. There are no distance or speed restrictions when flat towing the Cherokee, but a flat-tow wiring kit will need to be purchased from your local Mopar dealer and installed before flat towing 2014-2018 models (the kit is not required for 2019+ models).

Flat Tow Setup Guides

Choose a model for setup information, required products, and expert recommendations:

Category: Pickup Truck

11. Chevrolet Colorado / GMC Canyon (2015-2022)

If you need the benefits of a truck but prefer to tow a mid-size vehicle, the 2015-2023 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon are very popular options. These mid-size trucks are family-friendly and tow well behind both Class A and Class C motorhomes.

You should only flat tow 4WD models that have a Neutral position and 4WD Low setting. 2015 models require the 2-speed transfer case. There are no speed or distance restrictions to flat towing the Colorado or Canyon, making either truck a great option even on your longest trips.

Flat Tow Setup Guides

Choose a model for setup information, required products, and expert recommendations:

2015-2018 Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon

Category: Pickup Truck

12. Chevrolet Silverado / GMC Sierra HD (2015-2023)

If you need a heavy-duty truck for hauling gear or towing a trailer, but you still want to tow the truck behind your motorhome, the Chevrolet Silverado HD and the GMC Sierra HD are popular options. These pickups boast a heavy curb weight (typically 6,000-7,000 lbs.), so they are better suited to being towed behind larger Class A motorhomes.

Much like other GM models, these trucks do not have distance or speed limitations, but they must have 4WD, a 2-speed transfer case, a Neutral position, and a 4WD Low setting.

Flat Tow Setup Guides

Choose a model for setup information, required products, and expert recommendations:

Category: SUV/Wagon

13. Chevrolet HHR (2006-2011)

Another option for a solid used vehicle is the 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR. The HHR has a curb weight of around 3,200 pounds, making it a great choice to tow behind either a Class A or Class C motorhome.

Both the manual and automatic models can be flat towed, and both have an easy setup process. There are no distance limitations, but the owner's manual states that a maximum speed of 65 mph should not be exceeded while towing the vehicle.

Flat Tow Setup Guides

Choose a model for setup information, required products, and expert recommendations:

Category: Pickup Truck

14. Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500 LD (2016-2023)

After the Ford F-150, the 2016-2023 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 are the second most popular 1/2-ton trucks to flat tow. Towing a full-size truck behind your Class A motorhome allows you to haul cargo in the truck bed or tow a trailer once you've reached your destination.

Only 4WD models with a two-speed transfer case, a Neutral position, and a 4WD Low setting can be flat towed. There are no speed or distance restrictions to flat towing these pickup trucks.

Flat Tow Setup Guides

Choose a model for setup information, required products, and expert recommendations:

2016-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Category: SUV

15. Jeep Liberty (2002-2011)

The 2002-2011 Jeep Liberty is a great older-model, compact SUV ideal for flat towing. This Jeep can be easily flat towed behind either a Class A or Class B motorhomes.

For years 2002-2008, only 4WD models can be flat towed. For years 2009-2011, 2WD models may also be flat towed if the driveshaft is removed. For all model years, the transfer case must be placed in Neutral.

Flat Tow Setup Guides

Choose a model for setup information, required products, and expert recommendations:

Category: Compact Car

16. Ford Focus (2016-2018)

If you're looking for a more compact vehicle, the 2016-2018 Ford Focus 2.0L is a great option. It's small enough to easily drive and park, but it still has plenty of storage for groceries and any gear you need. With a curb weight on the lighter side (around 3,000 lbs.), the Focus is ideal for towing behind any motorhome. (Sadly, Ford decided to stop selling Focus models in the US after 2018, but you can still grab a more recent model year in the UK.)

Some models, including the Focus Electric, Focus ST, Focus RS, 1.0L EcoBoost®, and I5 2.0L Automatic, should not be flat towed. The vehicle should not be towed at speeds exceeding 70 mph.

Flat Tow Setup Guides

Choose a model for setup information, required products, and expert recommendations:

2016-2018 Ford Focus

Category: Pickup Truck

17. Ram 1500 (2010-2023)

For Ram fans, the 2010-2023 Ram 1500 is a popular flat-towable pickup. The unique rear coil springs on these pickups offer a softer ride than other half-ton trucks, making it a great daily driver.

Only 4WD models can be flat towed. There are no speed or distance limitations, so the truck is ready to tag along on any adventure.

Flat Tow Setup Guides

Choose a model for setup information, required products, and expert recommendations:

Category: Subcompact Car

18. Smart Fortwo (2009-2015)

For the most compact option, check out the 2009-2015 Smart Fortwo. The Fortwo's size (less than 9-ft. in length) and light curb weight (around 1,800 lbs.) make it great for towing behind large and small motorhomes alike. The Fortwo is ideal if you typically travel by yourself or with a single companion and don't need to haul much gear or cargo.

The Electric Drive models of the Fortwo are not flat towable, but standard models can be towed without speed or distance restrictions.

Flat Tow Setup Guides

Choose a model for setup information, required products, and expert recommendations:

Category: Subcompact Car

19. Chevrolet Spark (2013-2022)

Chevy’s subcompact hatchback is a great choice if you need something to get around town, but you don't want the added bulk (or expense) of a massive SUV or off-road vehicle. It’s affordable. It gets excellent gas mileage (30/38 for the newer models). And with an average curb weight of less than 2,400 lbs, you should have no problem towing this baby behind your rig.

Note that only manual transmission models can be flat towed. 2013 models have a 55-mph speed limit, which increases to 70 mpg for the 2014+ model years. Unfortunately, Chevy decided to discontinue the Spark after 2022, so your only hope of snagging one of these affordable little hatchbacks is to find one used.

Do Not Try to Flat Tow Without This Equipment

The Definitive, Step-By-Step Flat Towing Setup Guide

The 2 Ways to Install a Tow Bar: RV-Mounted vs Vehicle-Mounted

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Written by: Victoria B. & Amber S.

Updated On: 12/19/22

Terri R.

8/25/2023

Can you provide a list of 7 passenger, auto transmission vehicles that can be flat towed withOUT the pull fuse or disconnect battery or start the car at every gas stop restrictions? We have been scared off the jeep grand Cherokee L w/ death wobble stories. Durango might be too heavy for our class A Thor Hurricane 32N. Sigh.

Diane D.

9/22/2023

@TerriR I believe the stories were about certain models of Jeep Wranglers not the Grand Cherokee. We have flat towed one Grand Cherokee or another since 2003 and have not had one issue of any kind. Easy peasy set up and zero restrictions.

Diane P.

8/20/2023

Am I correct that any vehicle with a manual transmission can be flat towed? I am looking for an around the camping area for day trips so I don't have to drive may class C everywhere.

Mike L.

8/22/2023

@DianeP For the vast majority of vehicles, that's true. We always recommend checking the owner's manual so see what the vehicle manufacturer recommends. You can actually go online to find a .pdf copy of the manual for any vehicle you're considering.

Blake H.

7/21/2023

We bought a used 2017 Lincoln MKX that we’ve been flat towing for several thousand miles and it’s been great! Thank you eTrailer for hooking us up with everything we needed! (FYI installation of base plates and wiring will cost more than expected… the shop was not happy about having to disassemble half the car)!

Mike L.

7/28/2023

@BlakeH You're very welcome, we're glad your setup is working well for you!

Art W.

6/23/2023

I have an older tow dolly w/o brakes and want to tow a Nissan Versa Note can I install a braking system and brake away for the car?

Chris R.

7/20/2023

@ArtW As long as the dolly has backing plates for the brake assemblies, adding brakes really shouldn't be an issue. We'd just need to know the axle capacity and bearing numbers to get you the right parts!

Craig M.

5/29/2023

Can I flat tow my 2010 Mazda CX-9 behind my coach? Any help would be appreciated.

Mike L.

5/30/2023

@CraigM The 2010 Mazda CX-9 can't be towed with all 4 wheels down. FWD vehicles can be towed with the front wheels up using a tow dolly like # DM9713093. AWD vehicles need to be towed on a trailer, with NO wheels on the ground. Hope that helps!

Helpful Links

tv-review-demco-kar-kaddy-x-dm9713093.aspx

Steve B.

5/14/2023

Good article, but you forgot the Subaru Crosstrek. I've been flat towing my 2020 manual transmission Crosstrek for two years now, and no problems whatsoever. Ya for sure, many website articles will say NO! You can't flat tow a Crosstrek! Bollocks. Just because Subaru does NOT recommend it, doesn't mean it can't be done...

John H.

5/15/2023

@SteveB Thanks for the input. I haven't seen a Crosstrek being flat towed yet.

Kip

7/9/2023

@SteveB. We flat tow a 2021 Subaru Crosstrek manual 6-speed transmission. It is fully warranteed by Subaru, one reason we choose this particular vehicle to flat tow. ( We Dyan want a Jeep.)We have a 2018 Dynamax Isata 3 24FW. It's diesel on a Mercedes Sprinter chassis. We spoke with Subaru ahead of time to be totally sure towing this Crosstrek won't affect the Subaru warranty.

Mike L.

7/28/2023

Glad to hear that, thank you!

Joanne B.

5/11/2023

Can you flat tow with a dinghy a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse Premier red line addition on the back of a motor home? Also where in Massachusetts can I have the dinghy hooked up to my motor home and traverse. Thank you in advance.

Daniel D.

5/8/2023

Can a jeep compass 4x4 be flat towed ????

Chris R.

5/11/2023

@DanielD The Compass unfortunately can't be towed with all 4 wheels on the ground, and for the 4x4 model specifically, your only real option is to pull it on a flat bed trailer.

Terry C.

4/28/2023

I’ve towed a few vehicles behind my RV. I made a utility trailer from 1966 Ford F100, no motor, transmission or body , just the frame ,wheels and tires . The front tires will not trac when pulled, they flip opposite and tear up my grass on a test run. I locked / bolted down the steering , now the wheels follow, not such what corners will do

Mike L.

5/2/2023

@TerryC You've got a kettle of fish there. What you have going on there is something that's completely custom, and if the front wheels are still in place, it's never going to handle very well for you, I'm sorry to say. Let us know how it works out...

Scoti T.

3/30/2023

Is the 2003 Toyota 4 runner 2 wheel drive, V8 flat towable?

Mike L.

3/30/2023

@ScotiT Toyota says in the owners manual that the 4Runner cannot be flat towed. No mention of dolly towing is made, so your best bet would be to tow it on a flat bed or find a different vehicle to flat tow... The article you checked out lists some of the more popular vehicles for flat towing. The good news is that many of them are older, more affordable vehicles.

Helpful Links

faq-best-vehicles-to-flat-tow-behind-rv.aspx

Vickie W.

3/12/2023

Can the 2022 VW Atlas front wheel drive vehicle be flat towed? What is involved with flat towing, i.e. is there something attached to my car permanently that I would attach the tow bar to when being towed? These are questions I can't seem to find anyone that can answer for me. Any answers you can give me would be greatly appreciated. Thanking you in advance for your assistance.

Mike L.

3/14/2023

Per our research, the Volkswagen Atlas cannot be flat towed. You'd need to use a tow dolly like the Demco # DM9713045 or tow the vehicle with a trailer. This is typically the case with front wheel-drive vehicles. You can see a link to the tow dolly we recommend by using the link we provided. Hope that helps!

Helpful Links

tv-review-demco-kar-kaddy-ss-tow-dolly-with-disc-brakes-dm9713045.aspx

Mel D.

2/19/2023

We’re looking at Kia Souls and Subaru Crosstreks, which years are flat towable?? Or can you point me to the full list (vs most popular models)? Thanks

Mike W.

1/30/2023

We flat tow a manual Nissan Versa. It has been perfect to hitch to the Blue Ox system. It is light in the back and has little drag at all. Great to save on gas!

Mike L.

1/31/2023

We're glad to hear that your flat tow system is working well for you!

Briggzee

1/21/2023

We've been flat towing a 2015 Chev Sonic (non-turbo model) and it has been great. It's slightly bigger and heavier (2700 lbs) than the Spark but you don't even know it's there. When wiring for the lights was done I added the tow run switch so the fuse didn't need pulled. The whole set-up is simple and easy.

Mike L.

1/25/2023

Awesome! We're glad to hear that your set-up is working well for you!!

Mike P.

1/20/2023

Can a 4wd 1995 suburban be flat towed ? auto trans, manual shift transfer case.

Mike L.

1/21/2023

From our research, we found that a 1995 Suburban 4x4 can be flat towed IF it has the two-speed transfer case with a neutral position.

Don J.

1/20/2023

The Ford Escape is a great tow car. It can be easily set to "tow neutral" for towing. We have a 2022. It's small enough to easily drive and park, but it still has plenty of storage for groceries and anything else you want to load into it. I was wondering why it wasn't included in your list.

Mike L.

1/21/2023

Simple. Had we included every vehicle that can be flat towed, the list would have been huge. So, we listed the most popular choices.

Lee E.

1/20/2023

A friend of mine tows his 2021 Ford Escape 4WD Hybrid, and says it has a touchscreen setting for flat tow mode, but I don't see it in your list. Is he correct?

Mike L.

1/21/2023

According to the owner's manual, a 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid can be flat towed by following the procedure listed in the manual. It wasn't possible to include every vehicle capable of being flat towed in that list, we ran through the most popular options.

Deb H.

1/20/2023

You forgot the Ford Fiesta. I have a Ford Fiesta SE. Great gas mileage and light weight. Easy to tow with my Blue Ox towing Kit.

Mike L.

1/21/2023

It wasn't possible to include every possible vehicle that can be flat towed, we just covered the most popular choices. We're glad to hear that your vehicle and setup is working well for you.

Carol

7/10/2023

@DebH what year is your Fiesta?

Kim R.

1/20/2023

Your thoughts on towing a 2003 manual mini Cooper ?

Mike L.

1/21/2023

The vast majority of manual transmission equipped vehicles are capable of being flat towed. I checked the owner's manual, which made no mention of flat towing. I'd recommend checking with Mini for confirmation.

Chuck B.

1/17/2023

Can this model be flat towed? 2011 Honda CR-V EX-L

Mike L.

1/18/2023

According to the owner's manual, Honda states that the 2011 CR-V can be flat towed. The procedure for flat towing is pretty specific, so you'll want to carefully read the 'Recreational Towing' section of the owner's manual and be sure to follow the listed procedure exactly as written.

James A.

1/5/2023

Concerning the Ford Bronco, are both the automatic, and the manual trans Bronco flat towable?

Mike L.

1/8/2023

Which model year Bronco are we talking about?

James A.

1/17/2023

@MikeL 2021 -2023 Broncos with manual trans towable, as well as automatic?

Mike L.

1/18/2023

The towability will depend on which Bronco model you have. According to the owner's manual, the 6th generation Ford Bronco can be flat towed, regardless of whether it's a manual or automatic transmission model. You'll want to read the 'Recreational Towing' section of the owner's manual and be sure to follow the procedure to the letter. Bronco Sport models CANNOT be flat towed, but CAN be dolly towed if it's a front wheel drive only model.

Helpful Links

faq-tow-dolly-flat-tow-trailer.aspx

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