How to Decide for Your Own Vehicle

A few different factors determine what vehicles can be flat towed. It all depends if they have specific features from the manufacturer, such as a transmission disconnect and steering lockout override. Generally, AWD and 4x4 vehicles are more prevalent and preferred vehicles for flat towing.

The following is a list of popular flat towable vehicles. When deciding if a vehicle should be flat towed, always consult your owner’s manual as the top authority.

Buick Enclave

Buick Envision

Cadillac Escalade

Cadillac SRX

Chevrolet Blazer

Chevrolet Colorado

Chevrolet Equinox

Chevrolet Silverado

Chevrolet Sonic

Chevrolet Suburban

Chevrolet Tahoe

Chevrolet Traverse

Dodge Durango

Ford Bronco

Ford Edge

Ford Expedition

Ford Explorer

Ford F-150

Ford Fiesta

Ford Flex

Ford Focus

Ford Ranger

GMC Acadia

GMC Canyon

GMC Sierra

GMC Terrain

GMC Yukon

Honda CR-V

Jeep Cherokee

Jeep Gladiator

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Jeep Liberty

Jeep Wrangler

Lincoln MKX

Lincoln Navigator

Ram 1500

Some vehicles are more popular for flat towing and dinghy towing than others.

Here are some of the most popular flat tow vehicles:

1. Jeep Wrangler JL
2. Ford F-150
3. Jeep Wrangler JK
4. Chevrolet Equinox
5. Jeep Grand Cherokee
6. Jeep Cherokee
7. Chevrolet Colorado
8. Honda CR-V
9. GMC Terrain
10. Jeep Wrangler TJ

For a vehicle to be suitable for RV towing, it must have a transmission disconnect option -- not just putting the vehicle in neutral. The transmission needs to be “disconnected”.

A steering wheel lockout override is also essential. This allows the wheels to move freely with the towing vehicle, instead of veering off in a different direction.

Vehicle manufacturers will indicate in the owner’s manual if a specific vehicle is suitable for towing behind an RV. Typically, all-wheel-drive and 4x4 vehicles are best suited for RV towing.

Compact and subcompact cars are the best cars for flat towing. Some examples include select years of the Chevy Sonic, Ford Focus and Ford Fiesta. A car must have a transmission disconnect, steering lockout override and other features to be able to flat tow.

Check the owner’s manual before deciding if your car is safe to tow behind a motorhome.

The best 4x4 for flat towing is the Jeep Wrangler. It is one of the most popular vehicles for dinghy towing overall. A 4x4 is preferred for its offroad readiness, making it very useful for RVers traveling through rugged parts of the country.

Flat towing options are available for the Jeep Wrangler TJ, JK and JL.

Out of all pickup trucks that can be flat towed, the Ford F-150 is one of the most popular. Overall, it is one of the most popular pickup trucks, making it an obvious choice for flat towing.

The Ford F-150 provides spacious cargo room with its truck bed, and it can be taken offroad or simply used for short trips around a destination.

One of the best SUVs for flat towing is the Jeep Grand Cherokee. It offers a spacious and comfortable interior, while still being able to go offroad if desired. The Grand Cherokee tows easily and is a popular choice for taking short trips, running errands or seeing the sights.

Is it bad to tow an automatic car in neutral?

It is not bad to tow an automatic car in neutral if that car is designed to do so. Most automatic cars that can be flat towed are designed to be towed in neutral and with the steering wheel unlocked.

However, before dinghy towing any vehicle, the owner’s manual or vehicle manufacturer should be consulted for proper settings and procedures.

Which automatic cars can be flat towed?

If the automatic car has a disconnect for the transmission, it may be able to be flat towed. Vehicle manufacturers equip cars with this feature to enable safe flat towing without damaging the transmission.

Check your owner’s manual before attempting to flat to your car.

Does towing a car behind an RV damage it?

Towing a car behind an RV can damage its transmission, steering system and other components if it is not designed for RV towing. The transmission must be disconnected or fluid will continue to pump without the engine running.

If the owner’s manual indicates that the car can be flat towed, the car will not be damaged as long as it is set up correctly.

Does towing a car behind an RV put miles on it?

Yes AND no. It all depends on the make and model of the towed vehicles. Some vehicles measure mileage using the transmission. If the transmission is disconnected, the odometer may not register the miles.