Can you tow a Chevy Sonic behind a motorhome?

In most cases, a Chevy Sonic should not be flat-towed four wheels-down behind a motorhome. The safer and commonly recommended method is to tow the Sonic on a tow dolly or on a trailer, using the proper hitch, lighting, and braking systems. Always check the exact owner's manual for your year and transmission and follow your motorhome’s towing guidelines.

This article explains the practical options for towing a Sonic behind a motorhome, what official guidance typically says, and how to set up a tow safely. Because model year and transmission can change towing eligibility, it’s important to verify with Chevrolet/GM documentation and your RV’s tow guide before you tow.

Bottom line on four-down towing

Chevrolet/GM guidance for the Sonic generally does not approve flat-towing (four wheels down) behind a motorhome, especially for automatic transmissions. A manual transmission Sonic has even less clear official support from GM. For RV use, the most reliable approach is to tow the Sonic on a tow dolly or on a car-hauler trailer, with proper safety equipment and alignment to the vehicle’s manual requirements. Always confirm with your exact year and transmission in the owner’s manual.

Tow options for a Chevy Sonic behind an RV

There are two common ways RV owners carry a Sonic along. Each method comes with setup steps and safety considerations.

Tow dolly (front wheels on the dolly)

Using a tow dolly is the most widely used option when flat towing is not allowed. This keeps the Sonic’s front wheels off the ground while the rear wheels stay on the road, reducing risk to the transmission.

• Attach the dolly to the motorhome with a compatible tow bar and hitch, ensuring the dolly’s weight rating matches the Sonic’s weight.


• Secure the Sonic to the dolly using manufacturer-approved straps or tie-downs at specified axles or frame points; avoid lifting or strapping to non-recommended areas.


• Ensure the Sonic’s front wheels are stabilized on the dolly and that the rear wheels are free to roll; follow the vehicle’s manual for neutral or gear settings as required by the transmission.


• Connect the RV’s lighting and, if applicable, a braking system for the dolly; test lights and brakes before departure.


• Verify weight distribution, tire pressures, and overall stability; use wheel chocks and check security regularly during the trip.

Using a tow dolly requires attention to weight limits and proper setup to prevent damage to the Sonic or the RV. It is a practical compromise when four-down towing is not approved.

Car trailer (full trailer or car hauler)

Tow on a full trailer is another common option. The Sonic is secured to the trailer with appropriate straps and anchor points, and the trailer is then hitched to the motorhome. This method completely isolates the Sonic from the RV’s drivetrain and is favored by some travelers for longer trips or when several vehicles are involved.

• Equip the trailer with proper tie-downs, wheel straps, and anchor points rated for the Sonic’s weight; use a winch or other safe loading method if needed.


• Secure the Sonic with multiple tie-down points to minimize movement; ensure no part of the vehicle can shift during transit.


• Connect trailer lighting and brakes to the motorhome’s electrical system; verify brake controller operation and perform a lights/brake test before leaving.


• Check tire pressures, loading ramp approach, and weight distribution on the trailer; confirm that the combined weight does not exceed the motorhome’s GCWR (gross combined weight rating).

Trailering provides maximum control and can be preferable for longer trips or if you plan to tow other vehicles. It also typically requires a larger, more capable setup than a dolly.

What to verify before towing

Before you connect the Sonic to a motorhome, confirm several critical details to avoid damage or unsafe conditions.

• Transmission compatibility: Confirm whether your Sonic’s year and transmission support flat-towing at all; if not, plan for a dolly or trailer.


• Motorhome towing capacity: Check the RV’s GCWR and tongue weight to ensure it can safely tow the Sonic with the chosen method.


• Towing equipment: Ensure you have base plates, hitch/tow bar, wiring, lighting, and braking systems that are compatible with the Sonic and your RV.


• Brake integration: If using a dolly or trailer with brakes, verify the brake controller is correctly installed and calibrated on the motorhome.


• Insurance and roadside coverage: Confirm that towing arrangements are covered by your auto/RV insurance and that you have appropriate roadside assistance for a towed vehicle.


• Legal and safety considerations: Follow all state/provincial towing laws, weight limits, and manufacturer guidelines for both the Sonic and the RV.

Working with a qualified RV technician or dealer is advisable when setting up base plates, wiring, or any braking integration. Professional installation helps ensure safety and compliance with regulations.

Summary

For towing a Chevy Sonic behind a motorhome, flat-towing (four wheels down) is generally not approved by Chevrolet/GM for automatics and is not reliably supported across model years. The most common, safe approaches are to tow with a front-wheel-drive Sonic on a tow dolly or to haul it on a car trailer, with proper equipment and adherence to the Sonic’s manual guidance and the RV’s towing limits. Always verify your exact year, transmission, and RV specifications, and consider consulting a professional installer to ensure a safe, compliant setup.

Can you flat tow a 2012 Chevy Sonic?

The all-new 2012 Chevy Sonic is towable with the six-speed manual transmission, and can even be towed with the five-speed automatic when the base 1.8-L engine is specified.

Is the Chevy Sonic flat towable?

Yes, you can flat tow a Chevy Sonic, but it depends on the model year and transmission. Generally, models with a manual transmission are towable, as are automatic models from certain years, though specific exclusions like the "RS" trim may apply. Always consult the vehicle's owner's manual to confirm if your specific model can be flat towed and follow the proper procedures.
 
You can watch this video to learn how to flat tow a 2014 Chevy Sonic: 59setrailerYouTube · Dec 26, 2022
Key considerations for flat towing a Chevy Sonic

• Check the owner's manual: This is the most critical step. The manual will explicitly state whether your vehicle can be flat towed and outline the specific steps, including any necessary modifications like removing a fuse. 
• Manual vs. automatic transmission: Manual transmission Sonics are often compatible with flat towing. Some automatic models are also towable, but certain years or trims may be excluded. 
• RS models: Historically, RS models have sometimes been excluded from flat towing, but this may have changed in later model years. Always verify your specific model year's manual for the current rules. 
• Fuse removal: Some models require removing a specific fuse to prevent the battery from draining while the vehicle is being towed, especially with the ignition turned to the "on" or "accessory" position. 

This video explains how to prepare your Chevy Sonic for flat towing: 1mEmmert MotorsYouTube · Jul 25, 2017
Equipment needed for flat towing

• Base plate: A base plate is a solid mounting point on the front of the Sonic to connect the tow bar. 
• Tow bar: Connects the motorhome to the Sonic's base plate. 
• Safety cables: Essential for safety, as they connect the two vehicles in case of a disconnect. 
• Wiring kit: To connect the taillights from the motorhome to the Sonic's taillights for braking, turning, and running lights. 
• Supplemental braking system: Required by law in most states, this system applies the brakes on the Sonic when you brake in the motorhome, providing safer stopping. 
• Fuse bypass switch: For models that require fuse removal, a bypass switch makes this process easier. 

Is a CVT transmission flat towable?

Also, check if the vehicle has electronic parking brakes or a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which usually make it flat-tow incompatible.

What is the easiest vehicle to flat tow behind an RV?

Here are some of the most popular flat tow vehicles:

• Jeep Wrangler JL.
• Ford F-150.
• Jeep Wrangler JK.
• Chevrolet Equinox.
• Jeep Grand Cherokee.
• Jeep Cherokee.
• Chevrolet Colorado.
• Honda CR-V.