How Does Vehicle Being Flat Towed Steer

Updated 04/15/2025 | Published 12/01/2017

Question:

What steers the vechile being towed and keeps front wheels straight

asked by: Dave C

Expert Reply:

When flat towing a vehicle with a tow bar like the Roadmaster Sterling All Terrain # RM-576 that you referenced, you will want to make sure the steering wheel on your vehicle is unlocked. Unlocking the steering wheel/front wheels will allow the towed vehicle to turn and essentially follow the RV or tow vehicle that is pulling it. The wheels will turn according to the tow vehicle and straighten back out when needed.

If you can let me know the year, make and model of the vehicle you are looking to tow, I will be happy to recommend the additional components you will need. I have also attached a great article on flat towing that you might find helpful.

expert reply by: Chris R

Robert J.

5/4/2020

how does the steering wheel unlock in my 2020 Jeep rubicon wrangle diesel for flat towing?

Chris R.

5/7/2020

After following the procedure outlined in the Wrangler's owner's manual to get it ready for flat towing, the steering shouldn't be locked. There aren't any additional steps you need to take to unlock it.

Robert J.

5/7/2020

@ChrisR found that out yesterday. Thank for helping everyone the way you do.

Chris R.

5/8/2020

No problem! Just let us know if anything else comes up.

Richard

6/11/2024

I'm flat towing a 2019 Ford f350 Crew cab with a class c jayco E450 v10 Is there anything I will need extra to make sure it tracks straight and the wheels don't just turn going down the road if they hit a pothole or something? Thanks for any help you can provide. I bought the blue ox system from you with the portable braking system also.

Chris R.

6/12/2024

@Richard Nope, your F-350 should track just fine behind the Jayco. Just make sure to follow the steps outlined in the truck's owner's manual before hooking up.

2000 T.

9/10/2024

I have a Reese universal towbar to flat tow with behind my 2019 chevrolet silverado duramax 3500hd. I'm not worried about a brake controller but intend to tow in CO. I think I need wiring for brake lights but not sure about steering or making sure the manual transmission stays in neutral.

Dave

4/14/2025

Got a2005 trailblazer 4x4. How do I unlock steering?

Chris R.

4/15/2025

@Dave Hey Dave! Have you followed the steps listed in the owner's manual of your Trailblazer? After doing the following, the steering wheel should be unlocked: 1. Shift transmission to PARK (P) 2. Turn the engine off but leave the ignition on 3. Firmly set the parking brake 4. Securely attach the Trailblazer to the tow vehicle 5. Shift the transfer case to NEUTRAL (N) 6. Release the parking brake only after the Trailblazer is attached to the tow vehicle 7. Turn the ignition off I STRONGLY recommend verifying these steps and any others in your own copy of the manual.