How do you know if a vehicle can be flat towed?
Flat towing, also known as dinghy towing, is a popular method for transporting vehicles behind RVs or other vehicles without the need for a trailer. However, not all vehicles are suitable for flat towing. Understanding whether your vehicle can be flat towed is crucial for ensuring safety and preventing damage. In this article, we will explore the key factors to consider when determining if your vehicle is flat towable.
Check the Owner's Manual
The first step in determining if your vehicle can be flat towed is to consult the owner's manual. Manufacturers often provide specific guidelines regarding flat towing capabilities. Look for sections that discuss towing or recreational towing. If the manual states that flat towing is permissible, it will also outline any necessary procedures to follow.
Assess the Drivetrain Type
The drivetrain configuration of your vehicle plays a significant role in its flat towing capability. Here are the common types:
- Two-Wheel Drive (2WD): Many 2WD vehicles can be flat towed, especially if they have a manual transmission.
- Four-Wheel Drive (4WD): Some 4WD vehicles can be flat towed, but it often requires specific settings or modifications. Always refer to the owner's manual.
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD): Most AWD vehicles are not suitable for flat towing due to potential drivetrain damage.
Look for Towing Equipment
Some vehicles come equipped with features that facilitate flat towing. These may include:
- Tow Hooks: Ensure your vehicle has tow hooks or a tow bar attachment point.
- Transmission Neutral Position: Vehicles that can be flat towed typically have a neutral position for the transmission.
- Steering Lock Release: Some vehicles require a steering lock release feature to allow for easier towing.
Consult with a Professional
If you're still unsure about your vehicle's flat towing capabilities, it's wise to consult with a professional mechanic or an auto service expert. They can provide insights based on your vehicle's make and model, as well as perform any necessary modifications to ensure safe towing.
Conclusion
Flat towing can be a convenient way to transport your vehicle, but it's essential to ensure that your vehicle is compatible with this method. By checking the owner's manual, assessing the drivetrain type, looking for towing equipment, and consulting with a professional, you can confidently determine if your vehicle can be flat towed without risking damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What small cars can be flat towed behind an RV?
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.
What Chevy trucks are flat towable?
What Chevy trucks can be flat towed? Any of the four-wheel-drive Chevy trucks with a two-speed transfer case system can be safely set up for flat towing. The answer to “can you flat tow a Chevy Silverado” is, yes, the 2019 and 2020 Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks can all be flat towed when properly equipped.
Are there any automatic cars that can be flat towed?
Not all automatic transmission cars can be flat towed, as there are specific models that are designed for this purpose. Flat towing, also known as dinghy towing, refers to towing a vehicle with all four wheels on the ground, without the use of a trailer or dolly.
What is the easiest car to flat tow behind a RV?
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.
Which electric cars can be flat towed?
EVs can't be flat-towed either
It might seem like because most don't have traditional transmissions and can be put into neutral they can be flat-towed, but this isn't true. The electric motors will always be connected to the wheels, and as you tow your electric vehicle behind your RV, the wheels will spin the motors.
What general motors vehicles can be flat towed?
Remember, Acadia, Canyon, Sierra, Terrain, and Yukon models are all flat-towable given the right equipment and approach.
What vehicles can be flat towed in 2024?
For 2023-2024, they list the following vehicles as being flat towable:
- Blazer (Chevy)
- Bronco (Ford)
- Canyon (GMC)
- Colorado (Chevy)
- Corsair Grand Touring Hybrid (Lincoln)
- Edge (Ford)
- Encore (Buick)
- Equinox (Chevy)
What is the easiest vehicle to flat tow behind an RV?
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.
Can you tow any vehicle behind a motorhome?
Before you tow a car behind your RV, checking your RV owner's manual is crucial. Not all RVs are rated for towing, and you need to ensure that your RV has a tow rating that can accommodate the car's weight. You will look for the RV's "towing capacity," which refers to the maximum weight you can pull with it.
Why can't you flat tow an automatic?
And an automatic transmission only gets lubricated and cooled when the engine is running. So if you tow it like that for any real distance at all, you'd likely ruin the transmission. Fortunately, the majority of tow trucks now are flat beds, which lift the car completely off the ground for towing.
