What Vehicles Can Be Flat Towed?
If you own an RV and love road trips, there is one question that comes up again and again: what vehicles can be flat towed? Bringing a smaller car along for the ride is one of the best upgrades you can make to the RV lifestyle. You park the motorhome at the campsite and use your toad the nickname RV owners give to a towed vehicle to explore local towns, run errands, and visit places your big rig simply cannot go.
But here is the thing that catches a lot of people off guard. Not every vehicle can be flat towed safely. Choosing the wrong one or towing it incorrectly can destroy the transmission in a single trip and cost you thousands of dollars in repairs. That is why understanding what makes a vehicle flat towable before you commit to anything is so important.
This guide covers everything you need to know, from how flat towing works and what makes a vehicle capable of it, to which brands and models are approved for 2026, and what equipment you need to do it safely and legally.
Understanding What Flat Towing Actually Means
Before getting into which vehicles work, it helps to understand what flat towing is and how it differs from other towing methods.
Flat towing, also called four-down towing or dinghy towing, means towing a vehicle with all four of its wheels rolling on the ground. The towed vehicle is connected to the back of an RV or motorhome using a tow bar, and it simply rolls along behind on the road. There is no trailer involved, no dolly lifting the front wheels, and no ramps to load onto.
This is different from dolly towing, where the front wheels of the car sit on a small two-wheeled trailer while the rear wheels roll. It is also different from trailer towing, where all four wheels are lifted completely off the ground on a flatbed or enclosed trailer.
Flat towing is the most popular choice among serious RV travelers because it is simple, light, and practical. You do not need to store a bulky trailer at home or find somewhere to park a dolly at your destination. The equipment is compact, and once you learn the hookup process, it takes just a few minutes to connect or disconnect.
The downside is that flat towing only works for vehicles that are specifically designed or approved for it by the manufacturer. Try to flat tow the wrong vehicle, and you are looking at serious transmission damage.
What Makes a Vehicle Safe to Flat Tow?
The main concern with flat towing is the transmission. When a vehicle is being towed, its wheels turn and in most vehicles, turning wheels means the drivetrain is spinning too. The danger is that most automatic transmissions need the engine running to keep transmission fluid circulating properly. Without that lubrication, parts overheat and wear out fast.
Here is a breakdown of the three main drivetrain setups and how they relate to flat towability.
Manual Transmissions
Vehicles with a manual transmission are generally the easiest candidates for flat towing. When the gearbox is placed in neutral, the internal components do not spin with the wheels, which means there is no transmission stress during towing. If you find a manual transmission vehicle that is otherwise compatible, it is almost always flat towable.
Automatic Transmissions
Most standard automatic transmissions are not safe for flat towing unless the manufacturer has specifically engineered them to handle it. Some newer automatics are designed with flat towing in mind and include built-in lubrication that keeps the transmission protected even when the engine is off. These vehicles will say so clearly in the owner’s manual with specific instructions. If the manual does not address flat towing, assume it is not approved.
Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
This is where a lot of flat towable vehicles come from. Many 4WD trucks and SUVs have a two-speed transfer case with a true neutral setting. When the transfer case is placed in neutral, it disconnects the drivetrain from the wheels completely, allowing all four wheels to roll freely without any transmission movement. This is the most common setup for approved flat tow vehicles. AWD vehicles are trickier, but some manufacturers have designed specific models with a dedicated tow mode or neutral position in the transfer case that makes flat towing safe.
One important note from the manufacturers themselves: a vehicle must also have a steering wheel lockout override so the front wheels can track freely with the RV rather than locking up and pulling sideways. If your vehicle does not have this capability, it cannot be safely flat towed.
Flat Towable Vehicles by Brand in 2026
Towability can and does change from model year to model year sometimes even mid-generation for the same model. Always verify in your specific year’s owner’s manual before purchasing or towing any vehicle. That said, here are the most popular approved flat towable vehicles organized by manufacturer.
Jeep
Jeep produces the most beloved flat tow vehicles on the market, and for good reason. The Jeep Wrangler is the gold standard — all 4WD models across every recent year are approved for flat towing with the transfer case in neutral. The Jeep Gladiator pickup truck follows the same setup and is equally capable. The Jeep Cherokee (select 4WD models with the Active Drive II system) and Jeep Grand Cherokee (select 4WD configurations) are also approved in certain model years. Among RV owners, Jeep has earned its reputation as the easiest and most reliable flat tow choice.
Ford
Ford offers a solid range of flat towable vehicles across several categories. The Ford Bronco with a manual transfer case set to neutral is a strong option and has become increasingly popular among RV enthusiasts. The Ford F-150 in 4WD configuration with the electronic shift-on-the-fly system is approved when the transfer case is placed in neutral, making it one of the few full-size trucks that can be flat towed. The Ford Ranger in 4WD, the Ford Explorer in 4WD, and the Ford Expedition in 4WD models all carry manufacturer approval. For cars, the Ford Focus and Ford Fusion with manual transmissions are also on the approved list, though manual transmission versions are increasingly rare in newer model years.
Chevrolet
Chevrolet gives flat towers a good selection across trucks and SUVs. The Chevrolet Silverado in 4WD with a two-speed transfer case is a popular choice for those who want a capable tow vehicle that doubles as a workhorse at camp. The Chevrolet Colorado 4WD models follow the same principle. Among SUVs, the Chevrolet Tahoe and Chevrolet Suburban in 4WD with two-speed transfer cases are both approved, making them excellent family-friendly options. The Chevrolet Blazer in select 4WD configurations and the Chevrolet Equinox in certain years and trims round out the lineup. On the smaller car side, the Chevrolet Spark, Sonic, and Cruze with manual transmissions have historically been approved, though availability of manual versions continues to shrink.
GMC
GMC’s lineup mirrors its Chevrolet counterparts closely given the shared platforms. The GMC Sierra 4WD models with a two-speed transfer case, GMC Canyon 4WD, and GMC Yukon 4WD models are all approved in the appropriate configurations. These are reliable, practical choices for RV travelers who want a truck or SUV that handles well both on and off the highway.
RAM and Dodge
The RAM 1500 in 4WD with a manual-shift transfer case is a commonly recommended flat tow vehicle, especially for owners who want maximum towing capacity and payload at the campsite. The Dodge Challenger with a manual transmission is one of the more surprising entries on the list a muscle car that you can actually bring along on your RV adventure.
Honda and Toyota
Honda’s most commonly cited flat towable vehicles include the Honda CR-V (manual transmission versions in certain model years) and the Honda Fit with manual transmission. However, as Honda phases out manual options, these are becoming harder to find. Toyota covers the segment with the Toyota 4Runner in 4WD with a manual transfer case, which has long been a trusted toad vehicle among experienced RV travelers. The Toyota Tacoma in 4WD and select Toyota Corolla models with manual transmissions are also on the approved list.
Equipment You Need Before You Tow
Knowing your vehicle is approved is just the first step. You also need the right setup before you legally and safely hit the road. A complete flat tow system has five essential components.
The Tow Bar is the rigid connection arm that links your RV to your towed vehicle. Quality tow bars are rated by weight class — from Class III bars handling up to 5,000 to 7,500 pounds, all the way up to Class IV models rated for 10,000 pounds. The tow bar mounts to a receiver on the back of the RV and connects to the baseplate on the front of the towed vehicle.
The Baseplate is a custom-fit steel bracket bolted directly to the chassis of your towed vehicle. This is where the tow bar physically attaches. Baseplates are vehicle-specific you cannot use a universal baseplate. When properly installed, most designs sit tucked behind the bumper and are nearly invisible when the tow bar is detached, keeping your car looking clean on its own.
Safety Cables are a legal requirement no matter where you drive. They serve as a backup connection between the towed vehicle and the RV in case the tow bar disconnects. Cables are always crossed in an X pattern during hookup so that if separation occurs, the front of the towed vehicle is cradled rather than dropping to the road.
The Wiring Harness syncs your towed vehicle’s brake lights, turn signals, and tail lights with your RV’s lighting system. This is required by law in virtually all states and is essential for the safety of every driver behind you.
The Supplemental Braking System is the most important piece of safety equipment in the whole setup. Flat tow brake systems are required in 49 U.S. states and in Canada. These devices mount inside the towed vehicle, typically in front of the brake pedal, and apply the car’s brakes in proportion to how hard the RV is braking. When the RV slows down, the towed vehicle slows down with it reducing stopping distance and preventing the toad from pushing the motorhome from behind. Systems like the Blue Ox Patriot and Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo are among the most trusted names in supplemental braking.
Setup costs for a complete flat tow system typically run between $1,500 and $2,500 depending on the vehicle, brand of equipment, and whether you have professional installation done. This is a one-time investment that stays with your vehicle.
Important Flat Towing Rules to Follow
Even with a fully approved vehicle and the right equipment, there are a few rules every flat tower needs to follow every single time.
Always follow the exact preparation steps in your owner’s manual. Many vehicles require a specific sequence — start the engine, shift through the gears, place the transfer case or transmission in the correct position, then sometimes pull a specific fuse. Skipping or reordering these steps can cause damage just as easily as towing without approval.
Most manufacturers cap recommended flat towing speed at 65 mph. Exceeding this wears drivetrain components faster and can create dangerous handling behavior.
You cannot back up while a tow bar is connected. If you need to reverse at a gas station or campground, unhook first. Backing up with a tow bar attached can cause serious damage to the bar and the vehicle’s baseplate.
After every trip, check the baseplate bolts for tightness, inspect the tow bar for cracks or wear, and test the supplemental braking system before the next departure.
Flat Towing vs. Dolly Towing vs. Trailer Towing
If your preferred vehicle is not flat towable, you still have options. A tow dolly lifts the front wheels onto a small two-wheeled trailer while the rear wheels roll. This works well for front-wheel-drive vehicles with automatic transmissions that cannot be flat towed. The downside is that the dolly itself weighs 500 to 1,500 pounds and requires storage at home and at the campsite.
A flatbed or enclosed trailer carries the entire vehicle with all four wheels off the ground and works for any vehicle at all — including AWD and RWD cars that cannot be flat towed or dolly towed. It is the most flexible method but requires the most storage space and the most capable tow vehicle to pull the extra weight.
For pure convenience on the road, flat towing remains the top choice when your vehicle supports it.
Final Word
Flat towing opens up a completely different way to travel in an RV. Instead of being stuck near the campsite or driving your massive motorhome into town for groceries, you have a nimble second vehicle ready to go whenever you need it.
The key is doing it right. Check your owner’s manual first, confirm manufacturer approval for your specific year and trim level, invest in a complete five-piece setup, and follow the hookup procedure every single time. Do those things, and flat towing will become one of the easiest and most enjoyable parts of your RV adventures.
When in doubt about whether your vehicle qualifies, your owner’s manual is the final word not a salesperson, not a forum post, and not guesswork.