Best Vehicles to Flat Tow Cover Featuring RV Towing Car

Best Vehicles to Flat Tow Behind an RV

Your RV is great for camping—but maybe not so much for daily driving. No one wants to pack up camp and haul their RV into town for sightseeing or errands. Luckily, many trucks, cars, and SUVS can be flat towed (also called dinghy towed) with all four wheels on the ground behind a motorhome, so you have access to your daily vehicle at the campsite.

However, some models are more popular for flat towing than others due to their easier setup and limited restrictions. So what are the most popular flat towing vehicles among campers?

Check out the top choices below, then visit our linked flat tow setup guides for more information on your favorite model. You can also check out our help article, Towing Your Vehicle: A Basic Overview, for some general flat towing info.

Note: Your owner's manual is the definitive source of truth for any vehicle you plan on flat towing, so always check to make sure your particular model can be flat towed. Also, obey any restrictions or limitations listed—they're there for a reason, plus your manufacturer will void your warranty if if you flat tow against their advice or ignore other restrictions. For help translating your owner's manual click here for our guide on owner's manual jibberish.

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What Makes a Vehicle Ideal for Flat Towing?

You likely already know that not every vehicle can be flat towed—some must be towed on a dolly or trailer—but you might not know why. Because your vehicle is turned off when you're flat towing, it's not actively cooling your transmission fluid. And without cool transmission fluid, your transmission can easily overheat and be ruined. (A popular question is whether or I can tow an electric vehicle. The answer is usually no, or at least not yet. Click the link above to check out why!)

So how do you get around this? By preventing the components that can overheat from spinning and overheating to begin with. In most cases, this means making sure your transmission and transfer case are both disconnected from your driveshaft. You'll see many vehicles below require manual transmissions or 2-speed transfer cases—these components allow you to easily put your vehicle into "true neutral," thereby disconnecting the driveshaft and preventing dangerous overheating. For more info about this, watch our video "Will Flat Towing Hurt My Transmission?"

We avoided including vehicles that require driveshaft disconnects, since this is an involved process that must be completed every time you flat tow. Since this is a list of the best flat towable vehicles, we stayed away from the most labor-intensive models. Some of the vehicles below may require you to pull fuses or disconnect the battery, but most offer options to take care of this with the flip of a switch.

We believe there is a great flat tow option for everyone, so we included a variety of models below. Of course, this is by no means an exhaustive list—if you're curious about a vehicle and it's not here, feel free to drop us a comment below, and we're happy to check into it for you. We want to help you find the best flat towable vehicle for your needs, whether you're a dedicated off-roader, a large family, or a couple who needs a grocery-run car.

Category: Off-Road SUV

1. Jeep Wrangler (1997-2023)

The Jeep Wrangler is the #1 most popular flat tow vehicle among RVers (and also here at etrailer). Its popularity has spanned over two decades and multiple vehicle generations, and for good reason. It's easy to set up for flat towing and is designed for off-road adventures. For those who like to get off the beaten path, there's essentially no terrain a Wrangler can't wrangle.

Most Wranglers sit between 2,800 and 3,300 lbs of curb weight, so they're great options to pull behind Class A and Class C motorhomes. The Wranglers have no speed or distance restrictions, and both manual and automatic transmission models can be flat towed.

Flat Tow Setup Guides

Choose a model for setup information, required products, and expert recommendations:

Category: Pickup Truck

2. Jeep Gladiator (2020-2023)

Is it a Jeep or a truck?

The answer is yes.

Built for off-roading, Jeep’s mid-size truck is the ideal outdoorsy vehicle. It provides excellent ground clearance and a smooth ride due to its 5-link suspension. And best of all, it combines what you love about Jeeps with what you love about trucks. It’s convertible, with a removable top and removable doors. It’s great for towing and hauling. Whether you’re driving around town, making a trip to the hardware store, or exploring the trail, the Gladiator can do it all. And because it can ride behind your RV, you never have to leave it behind.

Both automatic and manual models can be flat towed. There are no speed or distance restrictions.

Category: Pickup Truck

3. Ford Ranger (2019-2023)

Ford's midsize pickup, the Ranger, is a popular choice for flat towing here at our shop. The Ranger took a hiatus from 2011 to 2018, but it's back with new models for 2019-2023. Not only do these trucks provide a more compact alternative to full-size pickups, they also feature a super clean look with flat tow components installed, making them a favorite among RVers.

What's more, there are no speed or distance restrictions for these newer-model Rangers, so you can just hook up and hit the road.

Category: Compact Crossover SUV

4. Honda CR-V (2007-2014)

If you're looking to pick up a solid older-model vehicle, a great option is the compact Honda CR-V. This smaller, very reliable SUV is ideal for towing behind both Class A and Class C motorhomes.

The CR-V does have a speed limit of 65 mph when being flat towed. Additionally, if the CR-V is flat towed for longer than 8 hours, the vehicle should be taken out of tow mode, allowed to run for a few minutes, and placed back into tow mode. Sadly, Honda stopped making CR-Vs flat towable in 2014, so used vehicles are your only options for these compact crossovers.

Flat Tow Setup Guides

Choose a model for setup information, required products, and expert recommendations:

Category: SUV

Image Credit: Big Truck, Big RV

5. Ford Bronco (2021-2023)

The Ford Bronco makes a triumphant return in 2021 after a 25-year hiatus, and the good news for RVers: it was built to be flat towed. You’ll love taking this rugged off-road SUV on any adventure. Just don’t be surprised if it gets mistaken as a Jeep Wrangler from a distance — the Bronco was essentially designed as Jeep's (very capable) rival.

There are no speed or distance restrictions for the Bronco. However, it's worth noting that the Ford Bronco Sport model is built on a different platform and cannot be flat towed. Stick with the standard Bronco model if you want an off-road SUV that can double as a toad.

Category: Pickup Truck

6. Ford F-150 (2009-2023)

When you need a vehicle that allows you to do it all, America's favorte truck has you covered. Whether at home or the campsite, this full-size truck is perfect for carrying bikes, towing a boat, or hauling your gear. Despite its power, the F-150 is on the smaller end of the truck spectrum, so it's relatively easy to pull behind a Class A motorhome.

Only 4WD F-150s can be flat towed. Trucks prior to the 2012 model year must also have a manual-shift transfer case, as no recreational towing is permitted with vehicles with electronic-shift transfer cases. There are no distance or speed limitations when towing the F-150.

Flat Tow Setup Guides

Choose a model for setup information, required products, and expert recommendations:

Category: SUV

7. Jeep Grand Cherokee (2011-2023)

After the Wrangler, the 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the next most popular SUV to flat tow. From the campground to the trail, the Grand Cherokee comfortably carries the whole family, so you definitely won't want to leave it behind.

From 2011-2021, only 4WD models with Quadra-Trac II/Quadra-Drive II can be flat towed. For 2022 and 2023, only Quadra-Trac II models with 4WD Low settings can be flat towed. There are no speed or distance limitations in either case.

Flat Tow Setup Guides

Choose a model for setup information, required products, and expert recommendations:

Category: SUV

8. Chevrolet Equinox (2010-2023)

Chevy's sporty, family-friendly SUV is perfect for everything from a weekend getaway or a summer-long cross-country trip.

Both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models can be flat towed. The owner's manuals note that the SUVs should be run for 5 minutes at the beginning of the day and each time you stop to fuel up the motorhome. Additionally, you'll want to keep travel speeds under 65 mph, or you risk damaging your vehicle.

Note that for the 2018 model year, the only engine/transmission combos that can be flat towed are the FWD 1.5 L Gas FWD/ 1.6 L Diesel and AWD 1.6 L Diesel vehicles. For the 2019 model year, only the FWD 1.5 L gas, 2.0L gas, and 1.6L diesel engine and AWD 2.0L gas and 1.6L diesel engine vehicles may be flat towed.

Flat Tow Setup Guides

Choose a model for setup information, required products, and expert recommendations:

Category: SUV

9. GMC Terrain (2010-2017)

GMC filled a much-needed niche in their lineup by designing a flat-towable, family SUV line with an automatic transmission. The 2010-2017 Terrains are built on the same platform, so the flat towing setup is similar for both vehicles.

Flat Tow Setup Guides

Choose a model for setup information, required products, and expert recommendations:

Category: SUV

10. Jeep Cherokee (2014-2023)

Jeep offers another top flat towing vehicle with the Cherokee. The Cherokee's spaciousness allows you to bring along the whole family and all your gear. If you're a big Jeep fan and are looking for an affordable flat tow vehicle, the Cherokee is a great option.

Only 4WD models with a 2-speed power transfer unit can be flat towed. There are no distance or speed restrictions when flat towing the Cherokee, but a flat-tow wiring kit will need to be purchased from your local Mopar dealer and installed before flat towing 2014-2018 models (the kit is not required for 2019+ models).

Flat Tow Setup Guides

Choose a model for setup information, required products, and expert recommendations:

Category: Pickup Truck

11. Chevrolet Colorado / GMC Canyon (2015-2022)

If you need the benefits of a truck but prefer to tow a mid-size vehicle, the 2015-2023 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon are very popular options. These mid-size trucks are family-friendly and tow well behind both Class A and Class C motorhomes.

You should only flat tow 4WD models that have a Neutral position and 4WD Low setting. 2015 models require the 2-speed transfer case. There are no speed or distance restrictions to flat towing the Colorado or Canyon, making either truck a great option even on your longest trips.

Flat Tow Setup Guides

Choose a model for setup information, required products, and expert recommendations:

2015-2018 Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon

Category: Pickup Truck

12. Chevrolet Silverado / GMC Sierra HD (2015-2023)

If you need a heavy-duty truck for hauling gear or towing a trailer, but you still want to tow the truck behind your motorhome, the Chevrolet Silverado HD and the GMC Sierra HD are popular options. These pickups boast a heavy curb weight (typically 6,000-7,000 lbs.), so they are better suited to being towed behind larger Class A motorhomes.

Much like other GM models, these trucks do not have distance or speed limitations, but they must have 4WD, a 2-speed transfer case, a Neutral position, and a 4WD Low setting.

Flat Tow Setup Guides

Choose a model for setup information, required products, and expert recommendations:

Category: SUV/Wagon

13. Chevrolet HHR (2006-2011)

Another option for a solid used vehicle is the 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR. The HHR has a curb weight of around 3,200 pounds, making it a great choice to tow behind either a Class A or Class C motorhome.

Both the manual and automatic models can be flat towed, and both have an easy setup process. There are no distance limitations, but the owner's manual states that a maximum speed of 65 mph should not be exceeded while towing the vehicle.

Flat Tow Setup Guides

Choose a model for setup information, required products, and expert recommendations:

Category: Pickup Truck

14. Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500 LD (2016-2023)

After the Ford F-150, the 2016-2023 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 are the second most popular 1/2-ton trucks to flat tow. Towing a full-size truck behind your Class A motorhome allows you to haul cargo in the truck bed or tow a trailer once you've reached your destination.

Only 4WD models with a two-speed transfer case, a Neutral position, and a 4WD Low setting can be flat towed. There are no speed or distance restrictions to flat towing these pickup trucks.

Flat Tow Setup Guides

Choose a model for setup information, required products, and expert recommendations:

2016-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Category: SUV

15. Jeep Liberty (2002-2011)

The 2002-2011 Jeep Liberty is a great older-model, compact SUV ideal for flat towing. This Jeep can be easily flat towed behind either a Class A or Class B motorhomes.

For years 2002-2008, only 4WD models can be flat towed. For years 2009-2011, 2WD models may also be flat towed if the driveshaft is removed. For all model years, the transfer case must be placed in Neutral.

Flat Tow Setup Guides

Choose a model for setup information, required products, and expert recommendations:

Category: Compact Car

16. Ford Focus (2016-2018)

If you're looking for a more compact vehicle, the 2016-2018 Ford Focus 2.0L is a great option. It's small enough to easily drive and park, but it still has plenty of storage for groceries and any gear you need. With a curb weight on the lighter side (around 3,000 lbs.), the Focus is ideal for towing behind any motorhome. (Sadly, Ford decided to stop selling Focus models in the US after 2018, but you can still grab a more recent model year in the UK.)

Some models, including the Focus Electric, Focus ST, Focus RS, 1.0L EcoBoost®, and I5 2.0L Automatic, should not be flat towed. The vehicle should not be towed at speeds exceeding 70 mph.

Flat Tow Setup Guides

Choose a model for setup information, required products, and expert recommendations:

2016-2018 Ford Focus

Category: Pickup Truck

17. Ram 1500 (2010-2023)

For Ram fans, the 2010-2023 Ram 1500 is a popular flat-towable pickup. The unique rear coil springs on these pickups offer a softer ride than other half-ton trucks, making it a great daily driver.

Only 4WD models can be flat towed. There are no speed or distance limitations, so the truck is ready to tag along on any adventure.

Flat Tow Setup Guides

Choose a model for setup information, required products, and expert recommendations:

Category: Subcompact Car

18. Smart Fortwo (2009-2015)

For the most compact option, check out the 2009-2015 Smart Fortwo. The Fortwo's size (less than 9-ft. in length) and light curb weight (around 1,800 lbs.) make it great for towing behind large and small motorhomes alike. The Fortwo is ideal if you typically travel by yourself or with a single companion and don't need to haul much gear or cargo.

The Electric Drive models of the Fortwo are not flat towable, but standard models can be towed without speed or distance restrictions.

Flat Tow Setup Guides

Choose a model for setup information, required products, and expert recommendations:

Category: Subcompact Car

19. Chevrolet Spark (2013-2022)

Chevy’s subcompact hatchback is a great choice if you need something to get around town, but you don't want the added bulk (or expense) of a massive SUV or off-road vehicle. It’s affordable. It gets excellent gas mileage (30/38 for the newer models). And with an average curb weight of less than 2,400 lbs, you should have no problem towing this baby behind your rig.

Note that only manual transmission models can be flat towed. 2013 models have a 55-mph speed limit, which increases to 70 mpg for the 2014+ model years. Unfortunately, Chevy decided to discontinue the Spark after 2022, so your only hope of snagging one of these affordable little hatchbacks is to find one used.

Do Not Try to Flat Tow Without This Equipment

The Definitive, Step-By-Step Flat Towing Setup Guide

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Written by: Victoria B. & Amber S.

Updated On: 12/19/22

Lesley J.

4/15/2024

I'm going to but a buy a 2024 pickup to pull behind a class a motorhome. Can a Ford F-150 or a Chevrolet 1/2 ton be flat towed?

Norm

3/23/2024

I would like to know if a 2023 Subaru Outback Touring with an automatic transmission can be flat towed without voiding the vehicle warranty?

Mike L.

4/10/2024

@Norm Per the owner's manual, the Subaru Outback can't be recreationally towed all 4 wheels down or via a tow dolly. You'll want to tow it on a trailer. I wish we had better news....

Jerry

3/20/2024

We have purchased a 2019 PACE ARROW 38K and a 2010 Jeep Liberty sport, can you please give us a recommendation on tow equipment to buy in order to flattow?

Mike L.

4/6/2024

@Jerry Check out the article I've linked for you. The article shows our recommendations for your vehicle. If you have any questions, please let me know!

Helpful Links

faq-flat-tow-package-2010-2011-jeep-liberty.aspx

Jerry

2/21/2024

Is a 2012 Subaru Outback 2.5 Premium with 6 speed manual transmission a good option to flat tow behind motorhome? Owners manual does say it can be done.

Mike L.

2/21/2024

@Jerry Absolutely! Manual transmission-equipped vehicle can be flat towed if the owner's manual mentions it. We'd be happy to make some recommendations if you're not sure what you need to tow your Outback!

Jerry

2/21/2024

@MikeL Good to know, thanks! We have found one to purchase but haven't done so yet. Yes, please give us your recommendations. We will be pulling with a 2019 PACE ARROW 38K.

Mike L.

2/21/2024

@Jerry As soon as you get the vehicle, let us know the year/make/model, we'd be happy to help!

See All (6) Replies to Jerry ∨

Eric S.

2/21/2024

Don't overlook the later model Ford Escape Hybrid lightweight for class B!

Mike L.

2/21/2024

@EricS Also a good choice. It wasn't possible to include every possible vehicle that's capable of being flat towed, we hit the high points with the most popular choices.

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