What is the easiest car to flat tow behind a RV?
The simplest answer is that manual transmission cars are generally the easiest to flat tow behind a recreational vehicle. If you’re eyeing an automatic, be prepared to verify manufacturer-approved four-down towing and potentially use special equipment or a tow dolly. Always consult the exact owners manual and your RV tow guide before making a decision.
Flat towing, or four-down towing, means the towed vehicle’s wheels roll on the ground while it’s pulled by the motorhome. The ease and feasibility of flat towing depend on the vehicle’s drivetrain and the explicit towing guidelines published by the car maker. To avoid costly mistakes, verify four-down towing status for the exact model and year in both the vehicle documentation and the RV manufacturer’s recommendations, and seek professional installation if needed.
How to identify the easiest car to flat tow
This checklist helps identify which vehicles are most likely to be easy to tow four wheels down behind your RV.
- Transmission type: manual transmissions are traditionally the simplest to tow four wheels down.
- Towability status: look for explicit wording such as flat-towable, dinghy towable, or 4-down towing in the owner’s manual or manufacturer’s tow guide.
- Drivetrain configuration: avoid all-wheel-drive or transfer-case designs that prohibit four-down towing unless explicitly approved for your exact model.
- Documentation and procedure: note any required steps (neutral position, engine position, electrical key handling) and whether a lubrication or special procedure is required.
- Required equipment: confirm what towing hardware is recommended (tow bar, base plates, lighting, brakes, and any driveshaft disconnects if applicable).
- Model-year specifics: towing approvals can change between model years, so verify for your exact year and trim.
In short, starting with a manual-transmission model that the manufacturer approves for four-down towing gives you the clearest path to a simple flat-tow setup. Always confirm with official sources before purchasing or towing.
Manual transmissions: classic path for flat towing
Manual-transmission cars remain the most straightforward option for flat towing because many automatics either aren’t approved for four-down towing or require specialized equipment. With a manual, you typically place the transmission in neutral and follow the vehicle maker’s guidelines for engine position and braking during towing. Always confirm the exact steps for your specific model.
Automatics with manufacturer approval
Some automatic transmission vehicles are explicitly approved for four-down towing by their manufacturers. These are model- and year-specific and can require special procedures, lubrication routines, or equipment. If you’re considering one of these, obtain the official towing instructions from the manufacturer and ensure your RV’s tow setup is compatible.
Bottom line and next steps
The safest approach is to choose a manual-transmission model that the manufacturer explicitly approves for four-down towing. If you must tow an automatic, rely only on the vehicle’s official guidelines and use the recommended equipment. Always double-check with both the carmaker and your RV’s towing system provider before proceeding.
Summary: Manual transmission cars are generally the easiest to flat tow behind a RV, with automatics only feasible when explicitly approved by the manufacturer and properly equipped. Verify four-down towing status, follow exact procedures, and use approved towing gear to ensure safe, reliable tows.
