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What Vehicles Can Be Flat Towed: A Complete Guide

If you’re an RV owner using an RV towing service or looking to bring a secondary vehicle on your adventures, flat towing (also known as four-down towing or dinghy towing) offers a convenient solution. However, not all vehicles are suitable for this towing method. 

At Wayne’s Towing, we often get asked: “What vehicles can be flat towed?” This guide will help you understand which vehicles can safely be towed with all four wheels on the ground, what makes them towable, and important considerations before you hit the road.

What is Flat Towing?

Flat towing involves towing a vehicle with all four wheels on the ground, connected to an RV or tow vehicle via a tow bar. This method is popular among RV enthusiasts who want to bring along a smaller vehicle for local transportation once they’ve set up camp.

Unlike dolly towing or trailer towing, flat towing doesn’t require additional equipment like a trailer or tow dolly. However, it does require a vehicle specifically designed or modified to be towed in this manner without damaging its transmission or drivetrain components.

Benefits of Flat Towing

Before diving into which vehicles can be flat towed, let’s understand why many RV owners prefer this method:

  • Convenience: No need to load and unload a vehicle onto a trailer
  • Cost-effectiveness: Lower initial investment compared to enclosed trailers
  • Storage: No need to store a trailer or dolly at your destination
  • Maneuverability: Easier to navigate than a trailer, especially in reverse
  • Weight considerations: Generally lighter than towing with a trailer, which improves fuel economy

If you’re concerned about potential issues while flat towing, Wayne’s Towing offers comprehensive roadside assistance services to keep you protected on your journey.

What Makes a Vehicle Flat Towable?

While commercial vehicles typically require heavy truck towing services with specialized equipment, many passenger vehicles can be flat towed with the right configuration.

Not all vehicles can be safely towed with all four wheels on the ground. The primary concern is the potential for transmission damage. Here’s what makes a vehicle suitable for flat towing:

Manual Transmissions

Vehicles with manual transmissions are generally better candidates for flat towing because when the transmission is placed in neutral, the internal components aren’t forced to rotate when the wheels turn.

Specific Automatic Transmissions

Most automatic transmissions require the engine to be running to maintain proper lubrication. Without engine power, flat towing can cause the transmission fluid to overheat or fail to circulate properly, leading to serious damage. However, some automatic transmissions are designed specifically to allow for flat towing.

Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) and Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)

Many 4WD vehicles with manual-shift transfer cases can be flat towed because they allow you to disconnect the driveshaft from the transmission. Similarly, some RWD vehicles can be flat towed if their design allows for proper transmission lubrication while being towed.

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)

FWD vehicles can sometimes be flat towed, but it depends on the specific make and model. Most modern FWD vehicles with automatic transmissions are not flat towable without aftermarket modifications.

Flat Towable Vehicles by Brand

Let’s explore which specific vehicles can be safely flat towed, organized by manufacturer. Keep in mind that towability can change from year to year, even within the same model, so always verify with the most recent owner’s manual.

Ford Flat Towable Vehicles

Ford offers several vehicles that can be flat towed:

Cars:

  • Ford Focus (manual transmission)
  • Ford Fusion (manual transmission only)

SUVs:

  • Ford Bronco (with manual transfer case, in neutral)
  • Ford Escape (certain model years with manual transmission)
  • Ford Explorer (4WD models with neutral tow capability)
  • Ford Expedition (4WD models with neutral tow capability)

Trucks:

  • Ford F-150 (4WD models with electronic shift-on-the-fly, placed in neutral)
  • Ford Ranger (4WD models, transfer case in neutral)
  • Ford Super Duty trucks (4WD models)

Jeep Flat Towable Vehicles

Jeep offers some of the most popular flat towable vehicles:

  • Jeep Wrangler (all 4WD models)
  • Jeep Gladiator
  • Jeep Cherokee (select 4WD models with active drive II)
  • Jeep Grand Cherokee (select 4WD models)

Chevrolet Flat Towable Vehicles

Cars:

  • Chevrolet Spark (manual transmission)
  • Chevrolet Sonic (manual transmission)
  • Chevrolet Cruze (manual transmission)

SUVs:

  • Chevrolet Equinox (select years and configurations)
  • Chevrolet Blazer (select 4WD models)
  • Chevrolet Tahoe (4WD models with two-speed transfer case)
  • Chevrolet Suburban (4WD models with two-speed transfer case)

Trucks:

  • Chevrolet Colorado (4WD models with neutral and 2-speed transfer case)
  • Chevrolet Silverado (4WD models with neutral and 2-speed transfer case)

Other Flat Towable Vehicles

Dodge/RAM:

  • RAM 1500 (4WD models with manual shift transfer case)
  • Dodge Challenger (manual transmission)

GMC:

  • GMC Canyon (4WD models with 2-speed transfer case)
  • GMC Sierra (4WD models with 2-speed transfer case)
  • GMC Yukon (4WD models with 2-speed transfer case)

Honda:

  • Honda CR-V (manual transmission models, becoming rare in newer years)
  • Honda Fit (manual transmission)

Toyota:

  • Toyota 4Runner (4WD models with manual transfer case)
  • Toyota Corolla (manual transmission)

Vehicles That Cannot Be Flat Towed

While we’ve covered many flat towable options, it’s equally important to understand which vehicles should never be flat towed:

  • Most hybrid and electric vehicles
  • Most modern vehicles with CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)
  • Most FWD vehicles with automatic transmissions
  • Most AWD (All-Wheel Drive) vehicles without a neutral mode
  • Most luxury vehicles
  • Vehicles with electronic parking brakes that can’t be kept disengaged

Preparing Your Vehicle for Flat Towing

If you own a flat towable vehicle, proper setup is essential for safe towing:

Required Equipment

  1. Base plate kit: Vehicle-specific hardware that attaches to your vehicle’s frame
  2. Tow bar: Connects your vehicle to the RV
  3. Safety cables: Provides backup connection in case the tow bar fails
  4. Supplemental braking system: Required by law in many states
  5. Wiring kit: For brake lights and turn signals
  6. Tow bar wiring: Connects the towed vehicle’s lights to the RV

Pre-Towing Checklist

Before hitting the road, follow these essential steps:

  1. Confirm your vehicle is approved for flat towing in the owner’s manual
  2. Properly connect the tow bar and safety cables
  3. Follow manufacturer-specific procedures for preparing the transmission
  4. Ensure the steering wheel is unlocked but secured
  5. Check that all lights are functioning properly
  6. Verify the supplemental braking system is operating correctly
  7. Check tire pressure on both vehicles

Common Flat Towing Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a flat towable vehicle, mistakes can lead to costly damage:

  1. Ignoring the owner’s manual: Vehicle-specific procedures must be followed
  2. Forgetting to place the vehicle in neutral: Failure to do so can destroy the transmission
  3. Not disconnecting the battery: Some vehicles require disconnecting the negative battery terminal to prevent battery drain
  4. Exceeding speed limits: Most manufacturers recommend a maximum speed of 65 mph when flat towing
  5. Towing in reverse: Never back up while flat towing; it can damage the tow bar and vehicle
  6. Not using a supplemental braking system: This is not only unsafe but also illegal in many states
  7. Ignoring weight limits: Ensure your RV can safely tow the additional weight

Conclusion

Flat towing offers convenience and flexibility for RV travelers, but it’s crucial to choose a vehicle that’s specifically designed or approved for this towing method. The list of flat towable vehicles changes regularly as manufacturers update transmissions and drivetrains, so always verify with the most recent owner’s manual or consult with towing professionals like our team at Wayne’s Towing.

Before making a purchase decision based on towability, consider consulting with our experts to ensure you’re selecting a vehicle that meets both your towing needs and your everyday driving requirements. With the right vehicle and proper setup, flat towing can make your RV adventures more enjoyable and convenient.

Remember, proper preparation and equipment are essential for safe flat towing. Our team at Wayne’s Towing is here to help with all your towing needs, whether you’re just starting to explore flat towing options or you need assistance with your current setup — including reliable roadside assistance in Augusta GA.

For personalized advice on flat towing or any other towing services, contact Wayne’s Towing today. Our experienced team is ready to help you hit the road safely with your flat-towed vehicle.