These Vehicles Can Be Towed Flat
While having an RV can be a convenient way to see the country and go places, you may run into a situation where you need or want a regular vehicle to go places. This is why many people choose to tow a vehicle behind their RV. This gives them the convenience of having an RV and the versatility to use a vehicle when needed.
If you’re thinking of going this route, there are a couple of different ways that you can bring your vehicle along. There is a variety of trailer options as well as deciding to flat tow your vehicle. Flat towing is one of the most popular methods because of its ease and convenience. Before you try to bring your vehicle along, you’ll need to know what vehicles can be flat towed so that you are best prepared.
The professionals at High Desert Trailers are here to tell you everything you need to know when it comes to flat towing your vehicle. From the types of vehicles to the benefits of flat towing, you’ll be fully informed before you hit the road.
What is Flat Towing?
The term flat towing refers to towing your car with all four wheels on the ground behind your RV. It’s also referred to as “dinghy towing” or “four-down towing”. All you need is to hitch your vehicle to your towing vehicle and you’re set. This works by using a tow bar to connect the tow vehicle to the RV. The vehicle stays right behind you as you drive your RV.
Materials Needed for Flat Towing
If you decide to flat tow your vehicle, you will need the following:
- A tow bar installed on your RV
- Safety cables
- A baseplate installed on the vehicle to be towed
- Supplemental braking systems
- A lube pump or drive shaft disconnect for vehicles with an automatic transmission
Some people also like to use tow bar locks. These increase the security of your towing and also make it more difficult for someone to try to steal your vehicle.
What Allows Vehicles to be Flat Towed?
Although flat towing your vehicle is one of the easiest ways to bring your vehicle along, not all vehicles have that option. It is also not recommended to flat tow some vehicles due to their various features.
Before flat towing your vehicle, it’s best to consult the owner’s manual. Here you should find clear instructions on whether it is safe and possible to flat tow your vehicle.
Generally, vehicles that can be flat towed share the following characteristics:
Older Vehicles
Many cars with modern technology can’t be towed flat. This is due to things like all-wheel drive, anti-theft devices, and automatic transmissions. So, the older your vehicle is, the more likely it will be able to be towed flat.
Most Manual Transmission Vehicles
Most cars with manual transmission can be flat-towed since their design allows for self-lubrication of the transmission.
Some Automatic Transmission Vehicles
Many automatic transmission cars tend to require an electrical pump to provide lubricant. So, if the engine is not running, this can’t happen. Some automatic transmission vehicles can be flat towed for a short distance. When they tend to go long distances, the lubricant can dry up, damaging the transmission.
What Vehicles Can be Flat Towed?
Typically, vehicles that have rear-wheel drive and manual transmission, or four-wheel drive along with a manual transfer case that can be shifted into neutral can be flat towed. Some of the most popular vehicles that meet these specifications include:
- Jeep Wrangler
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Ford F-150
- GMC Canyon
- Ram 1500
- Chevrolet Colorado
- Dodge Durango
- Mini Cooper
- Ford Focus
The model year can determine whether your vehicle is a good candidate for flat towing. This is why it’s always best to consult the owner’s manual so there is no confusion.
Can I Modify My Vehicle for Flat Towing?
You can modify your vehicle for flat towing by installing aftermarket equipment such as driveshaft decouplers and transmission lubrication pumps. You can have an RV dealer install these or an auto shop. Beware that this can be an expensive process and may damage the engine and drivetrain components if they are not used correctly.
Things to Consider Before Flat Towing Your Vehicle
Besides looking at what vehicles can be flat towed, you also need to consider several other factors before flat towing your vehicle:
- Some cars and SUVS require the removal of certain fuses before they can be flat towed. Some four-wheel-drive trucks that have automatic transmissions must be pulled four-down with their transmissions in park and transfer cases in neutral.
- If there are steering locks, you need to turn them off because a vehicle can’t safely be towed if the front wheels won’t turn. To unlock the steering, be sure the key is in the ignition and the ignition is set to the accessory position.
- Many states require flat-towed vehicles to have auxiliary braking systems that work with the RV’s brakes. Check to see that your vehicle has auxiliary brake systems.
Keeping these things in consideration can make your flat towing process easier and safer.
Benefits of Flat Towing vs. Trailer Towing
There are several benefits to flat towing your vehicle with your RV.
Cost-Effective
Flat towing is usually a more cost-effective option which is why many people choose it.
No Storage Needed
There is no need to worry about where to store a trailer when you are flat-towing your vehicle. There are only a few pieces of small equipment required which are easy to store when they’re not in use.
Extra Stability
Flat towing also provides extra stability because the vehicle is attached directly to the RV.
Easy-to-Use
Many people opt for flat towing because it’s easy to disconnect your car from the RV whenever you want. This makes it quick and easy to use when you’re on vacation and want to have access to your vehicle.
No GVWR Number Needed
When you’re towing a trailer behind your vehicle, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). In the case of flat towing, there’s no need to do this because your aren’t towing with a trailer. However, familiarizing yourself with your vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is crucial. You’ll need to know the curb weight of your vehicle plus the weight of all cargo and passengers.
FAQ About Flat Towing Vehicles
Are there disadvantages to flat towing a vehicle?
As we mentioned, not all cars can be flat-towed, but all cars can be towed with a trailer. Plus, some vehicles are not factory-ready for flat-towing. Trying to make your car ready for towing can become expensive.
What type of wear and tear can I expect on my vehicle from flat towing?
As a result of flat towing your vehicle, expect wear and tear on the suspension and sometimes the transmission. There can also be wear and tear on your tires as if you were actually driving the vehicle. In some models, the odometer will count the miles even though the engine is off.
Is it a bad idea to tow an automatic car in neutral?
It is not a bad idea to tow an automatic car in neutral if the car is made to do that. Some automatic cars that can be flat towed are designed to be towed in neutral with the steering wheel unlocked. But, before you flat tow any vehicle, especially an automatic vehicle, you'll want to consult the owner’s manual.
Do You Have Questions About Flat Towing a Vehicle? Let the Team at High Desert Trailers Help
When it comes to exploring your towing options, High Desert Trailers is here to help. Our friendly staff has the experience you want to answer questions about the various towing and trailer options you have available. Let us know what you intend to haul and the distance so that we can explain the options you have. Our team will be glad to share their knowledge with you so that you can make an informed decision.
Let us help you decide which scenario would best suit your needs. Contact us today to learn more and discover why more people trust High Desert Trailers.