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.

1. Jeep Wrangler (1997-2018)

The Jeep Wrangler is the most popular flat tow vehicle among RVers. Its popularity has spanned over two decades and multiple vehicle generations, and for good reason. The Wrangler lends a sense of adventure to your travels and has an easy flat tow setup process. Thanks to its modest size, the Wrangler is a great option to pull behind both Class A and Class C motorhomes.

The Wrangler has no speed or distance restrictions when being flat towed. Plus, both manual and automatic transmission models can be safely towed. So whatever Wrangler model floats your boat, you can't go wrong.

Flat Tow Setup Guides

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

2. Ford F-150 (2009-2018)

When you need a vehicle that allows you to do it all, the 2009-2018 Ford F-150 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:

3. Jeep Grand Cherokee (2011-2018)

After the Wrangler, the 2011-2018 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.

Only 4WD models with Quadra-Trac II/Quadra-Drive II can be flat towed, but there are no distance or speed limitations.

Flat Tow Setup Guides

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

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.

Flat Tow Setup Guides

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

5. Chevrolet Equinox/GMC Terrain (2010-2017)

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

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.

Flat Tow Setup Guides

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

6. Jeep Cherokee (2014-2019)

Jeep offers another top flat towing vehicle with the 2014-2019 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:

7. Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon (2015-2018)

If you need the benefits of a truck but prefer to tow a mid-size vehicle, the 2015-2018 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 with a 2-speed transfer case that have a Neutral position and 4WD Low setting. 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

8. Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 2500/3500 (2015-2018)

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 2015-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500 and the GMC Sierra 2500/3500 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 will need to be 4WD, have a Neutral position on a 2-speed transfer case, and have a 4-Wheel Drive Low setting.

Flat Tow Setup Guides

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

9. 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:

10. Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500 (2016-2018)

After the Ford F-150, the 2016-2018 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 Neutral position on the transfer case and a 4-Wheel Drive 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

11. 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:

12. 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.

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

13. Ram 1500 (2010-2018)

For Ram fans, the 2010-2018 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:

14. 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:

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Questions and Comments about this Article

Chris H. 7/26/2020

I am researching vehicles that can be towed behind a Class C (30 ft. Jayco on E-450 1 Ton Chassis). I am wondering if anyone knows if the new Ford Full Size Bronco will be flat towable. Thanks 95335

Reply from Chris R. 7/30/2020

From what I could find it actually looks like Ford just recently announced that the new Bronco is engineered to be flat towed. There aren't too may details yet, but this essentially means that it shouldn't be a problem and no major modifications would need to be done. This of course could change and there aren't yet specific components available for it like a base plate kit, etc. 70448

Jamfamily A. 7/16/2020

We are currently seeking out our next adventure vehicle and are leaning towards the 29J Outlaw motorhome toyhauler. We own a Nissan Armada (automatic) 4WD. We are also in the market for a second car and hubby is hoping for a Tesla 3. Are either of these vehicles something we could flat tow? 94137

Reply from Chris R. 7/17/2020

From what I could find neither your Nissan Armada or the Tesla 3 can be flat towed with all 4 wheels on the ground. 69619

Julie R. 7/13/2020

Can we tow my 2016 RAV 4 behind 2019 Thor 29m windsport? Thanks!!! 91862

Reply from Chris R. 7/13/2020

The 2016 RAV4 owner's manual states that it should not be towed with all 4 wheels on the ground. You would need to transport it on a flat bed trailer. 68300

Reply from Julie R. 7/13/2020

@ChrisR thank you 68302

Reply from Chris R. 7/17/2020

@JulieR No problem at all. 69618

Steve 7/11/2020

Can I flat tow my all wheel drive 2019 Nissan marono 86679

Reply from Chris R. 7/13/2020

The owner's manual for the 2019 Nissan Murano states that the AWD model cannot be flat towed. All wheels need to be off the ground when towing the vehicle. 68299

Pete J. 7/8/2020

We have a class c motorhome. Could that pull an f-150 without much problem? 86371

Reply from Chris R. 7/13/2020

The Ford F-150 will weight around 4,000 to 6,000 pounds, so as long as your Class C has a towing capacity that exceeds this (it should - but you should still check the owner's manual to be sure) it won't have a problem pulling it. 68298

Cj J. 7/8/2020

I have a 2003 Toyota Rav4 with standard transmission that I have been towing behind my 30 foot class c since new. Longest tow was 26 six states, coast to coast in 5 weeks. Used a blue ox tow bar and a brake buddy. Towed in neutral with the ACC on to run the brake buddy. 20K tow miles without and issue. The Rav4 is my everyday car with 220K miles. I wouldn't have done it any differently. 86324

Reply from Chris R. 7/8/2020

Awesome! That RAV4 has seen a lot. 68000

Matthew M. 7/5/2020

I tow a 2017 Fiat 500 4 down. Weighs under 3000 pounds. I had the rear seat removed and a seat delete kit installed; perfect toad IMO. 86060

Reply from Chris R. 7/8/2020

Good to know! 67999

Honda V. 7/4/2020

Honda CR-V 2014 beside getting the right towing hitch do I need anything else do to the car , and what kind of hitch set up to quick release the car do u recommend . New towing a car 85944

Reply from Chris R. 7/8/2020

To fully setup your CR-V for flat towing you'll need a base plate kit, a tow bar, safety cables, a lighting solution, and a braking system. I've linked a great article below that explains all these components. The owner's manual for your CR-V will outline the specific procedure you'll need to go through before flat towing the vehicle. 67998

Helpful Links

faq-towing-a-vehicle-overview.aspx

Russell S. 6/26/2020

i was told by a sales person that i can tow my 2012 toyota tacoma 4x4 auto tranie behind a motorhome puy it 4x4 then put it neutral 82132

Reply from Chris R. 6/30/2020

Based on my research if your Tacoma has the automatic transmission it will need a drive shaft coupling (disconnect) to be flat towed with all 4 wheels on the ground. 67466

Reply from Carole D. 7/19/2020

@RussellS From our experiences (plural), do NOT listen to the car dealer! They want to make a sale. Most have little to no experience with the RV lifestyle and definitely do not understand towing. Go to your manual and/or the actual company's technical team to get your answers. The tech teams know their product best. 69726

Kim 6/13/2020

We have a 2019 Silverado 3500 Diesel. Can we tow behind our class A RV? 80708

Reply from Chris R. 6/17/2020

If your Silverado has 4WD then it can be flat towed but you'll need to look through your owner's manual for specific steps that need to be taken before heading out. 66471

Helpful Links

towbar-2019_chevrolet_silverado+3500.htm?style=4+wheel+drive

Reply from Kim 6/17/2020

@ChrisR Thank you! 66524

Reply from Chris R. 6/21/2020

@Kim No problem at all. 66811

Barry S. 6/2/2020

We owned a 2004 4-cylinder Toyota Tacoma truck (with manual transmission, 2-wheel drive) for several years, flat-towing it with no problem. The truck was sold a few years ago (big mistake), and I want to look for another one. Problem is that there are few with manual transmissions on the market. I need to know if the 2000-2004 Tacomas can be towed with 4-wheels down if they have an automatic transmission. Many with this type of tranny are available, but if towing flat would be impossible, I'll stop wasting my time and choose another type of toad. Any help would be appreciated. 78450

Reply from Chris R. 6/5/2020

Based on my research you may be able to flat tow the automatic transmission models of that generation Tacoma, but it will require some modifications to the truck. It looks like it would need a drive shaft coupling (disconnect) to be safely towed with all 4 wheels on the ground. This isn't something that we offer but can be obtained from specialty shops. If it were me I would probably look for a different truck that could be flat towed as-is. 63680

Mary 6/1/2020

Great article. Thanks. Questions: Can you tow a 2015 Rav4 or a 2007 PT Cruiser? Is it necessarily better to have a plate welded or is a two arm stiff hitch fine? Thank you. 78376

Reply from Chris R. 6/2/2020

Based on my research you can flat tow the 2007 PT Cruiser only if it's the automatic transmission. Your 2015 Toyota RAV4 CANNOT be flat towed with all 4 wheels on the ground. I do still recommend verifying this info in your copy of the owner's manual for each vehicle. With regards to base plates, I definitely recommend a custom kit that's designed to bolt to the frame behind the front bumper. I've linked our selection below for the 2007 PT Cruiser. 63476

Helpful Links

towbar-2007_chrysler_pt+cruiser.htm

Reply from Mary 6/5/2020

@ChrisR Thank you so much for your answer. 63696

Reply from Chris R. 6/9/2020

@Mary No problem at all! Just let us know if anything else comes up. 63890

Jimmyc 5/30/2020

I have a 1994 Toyota DX pick up 4X4 with manual transmission can i flat tow it behind my RV? If so is there anything special I need to do to the transfer case such as a pump. 78039

Reply from Chris R. 6/2/2020

Based on what I could find it does look like the manual transmission model of your Toyota Corolla DX can be flat towed with all 4 wheels on the ground. With that being said, I HIGHLY recommend that you still verify this info either by checking your copy of the owner's manual or by contacting a local Toyota dealer. 63475

Reply from Jimmyc 6/2/2020

@ChrisR thanks. I did check my owner’s manual and it only discusses towing due to break down and our local dealership is not sure. 63480

Sarge 5/29/2020

I read the article and was hoping to see Ford SUVs on the list but all I found was pickup truck. What about Ford Explorer or Expedition, something like that, are they flat towable? Thank you. 77979

Reply from Chris R. 6/2/2020

I checked the online owner's manual for the 2020 Ford Explorer and found that it's NOT flat towable with all 4 wheels on the ground. If you're looking for a new vehicle that you can pull along on your adventures - my best recommendation is to simply talk with the dealer and look through the owner's manual of the vehicle you're looking at to verify if it can be flat towed before making a purchase. 63473

Judy M. 5/21/2020

What about flat towing a Hyundai Tucson 2012 on a class A? Is this a good idea? 77183

Reply from Chris R. 5/24/2020

Based on my research the manual transmission model of your Hyundai Tucson can be flat towed with all 4 wheels on the ground. If you have the automatic transmission a dolly must be used. You will want to verify this information in your owner's manual as well. 62879

Ron 5/19/2020

We are looking at Mini Cooper for a tow vehicle. I have read some people have been pulling them for years. Apparently they are not recommended by the dealer for flat tow. Could you shed some light on this please. 77053

Reply from Chris R. 5/20/2020

From what I could find, it does appear that MINI does not support flat towing the vehicle, so doing so will void its warranty. The manual transmission models have been towed successfully (as you mentioned), but I would still hesitate going against the manufacturer's recommendations. 62626

Reply from Troy 5/26/2020

@Ron I have a 2012 Mini Cooper S Clubman with a manual transmission, and it’s the perfect towed vehicle! All you have to do is hook it up to your motorhome and put the transmission in neutral. I have to leave my rear view camera on just to remember that the car is back there. LOL Only the manuals are flat towable not the automatics, and I don’t know about the current generation that first came out in 2014. 62995

Reply from Jj 7/12/2020

@Troy 2016 Mini Countryman standard is working fine as a 4 down toad 68240

Toni B. 5/17/2020

We have a 1996 Ford F-250 7.3 4x4 auto transmission and manual transfer case, manual hubs. Can we flat tow this? 76838

Reply from Chris R. 5/20/2020

According to my research your automatic transmission F-250 can be flat towed since it features the manual transfer case. You'll want to refer to your owner's manual for specific instructions on how to set it up for towing. 62623

Gord 5/11/2020

Can the newer Jeep Compass 2015+ be flat towed behind an RV? 76309

Reply from Chris R. 5/14/2020

The manual transmission models of the 2015+ Jeep Compass can be flat towed with all 4 wheels on the ground. Of course I still highly recommend verifying this with the owner's manual and the dealer before you drive away with your new Jeep! 62292

Fred 4/29/2020

Hello , Thank you for your time , Just wondering if I can flat tow my 2014 Toyota Tacoma 2WD , & if so Does the vehicle needs to be running & in Neutral? Thank you 75446

Reply from Chris R. 4/30/2020

I checked the owner's manual of your Tacoma and it states that this truck should not be flat towed with all 4 wheels on the ground. It's recommended to use a flat bed trailer for transport. 61578

Mike N. 4/29/2020

We had a VW Bug before with a manual transmission. Why arent these listed. 75421

Reply from Chris R. 4/30/2020

This is simply a list of the best flat tow vehicles on the market, which takes things like popularity, ease of setup, etc into account. It's not an extensive list of vehicles that can be towed in this manner - there are many more such as your VW Bug! 61577

Marc P. 2/17/2020

We are looking forward to buying a class A Moterhome and want tod. I own a 2004 dodge diesel 4x4 , it’s heavy I know but it’s paid for. Can this be towed? 69877

Reply from Jason S. 2/18/2020

Yes you can tor your 2004 Dodge Ram Diesel 4x4. I recommend the Demco Classic Base Plate Kit - Fixed Arms # DM9518134 along with tow bar # DM9511009 which comes with the safety cables needed as well. For your wiring, I recommend the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267 which will use your factory wiring and protect it from overload. For your braking system I recommend the Demco SBS Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System - Proportional # SM99251 and you can use the Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit for Towed Vehicles # RM-88400 . 56838

Helpful Links

towbar-2004_Dodge_Ram+Pickup.htm

tv-install-roadmaster-diode-7-wire-to-6-wire-kit-2005-dodge-ram-pickup-rm-15267.aspx

tv-review-smi-stay-in-play-braking-system-sm99251.aspx