Which Ford models can be flat-towed?
Very few Ford models are approved for flat towing (driving a vehicle with all four wheels on the ground behind a motorhome). The best-documented option in Ford’s current guidance is the manual-transmission Mustang, with most other models requiring a tow dolly or alternate towing methods. Always consult Ford’s latest towing guide and your vehicle’s owner’s manual for your exact year and trim.
Understanding Ford’s flat-tow policy
Flat towing, or four-wheels-down towing, places unique demands on a vehicle’s transmission, steering, and braking systems. Ford’s official towing documentation outlines which models are approved for this type of towing and under what conditions. Because approvals can change between model years and trims, verifying with the official guide for your specific vehicle is essential.
Ford models commonly approved for flat towing
To provide clarity for readers seeking a straightforward answer, here is the model that is widely cited as flat-towable by Ford’s published guidance:
- Ford Mustang (manual transmission) — Ford’s flat-tow guidance lists certain manual-transmission Mustangs as eligible for four-wheels-down towing behind an RV. This option is year- and spec-specific, and automatic-transmission Mustangs are not generally listed as flat-towable.
Note: Beyond the Mustang with a manual transmission, Ford’s current public guidance does not broadly certify other contemporary models for four-wheels-down flat towing. Many Ford vehicles are not approved for four-wheels-down towing and require a tow dolly or other towing arrangements. Always verify with the official Ford Flat Tow Guide for your exact year and trim, and consult the owner’s manual before planning any flat-tow operation.
How to verify your vehicle’s towing eligibility
Because approvals vary by year, trim, and drivetrain, follow these steps to confirm whether your Ford can be flat-towed four wheels down:
- Check the owner’s manual for towing and flat-tow specifications specific to your year and model.
- Consult Ford’s official towing guide for the precise year of your vehicle to see if four-wheels-down towing is approved.
- Contact a Ford dealer or corporate towing support to get written confirmation for your exact configuration.
- If approved, obtain and follow any required equipment, neutral-position procedures, and speed/distance limitations from Ford’s guidance.
Verifying through multiple official sources helps prevent transmission or driveline damage, and it avoids towing that could void warranties.
Practical considerations if you plan to flat-tow
Even when flat-tow is approved for a given model, drivers should be aware of gear, safety, and legality considerations that go beyond the vehicle itself. Here are key points many RVers weigh before deciding on four-wheels-down towing:
- Ensure the vehicle has the necessary tow equipment, tow bar, and wiring harness that meet your RV’s specifications.
- Follow the specified neutral-gear procedure and disable any parking aids or braking systems as required by Ford’s guidance.
- Be mindful of towing speed limits, stopping distances, and potential transmission cooling requirements.
- Consider an alternative method (tow dolly or driving the vehicle separately) if the official guidance does not authorize four-wheels-down towing.
Choosing the right approach protects the vehicle’s driveline and helps ensure a safe, compliant tow.
Summary
In short, Ford’s official four-wheels-down towing approvals are limited. The most consistently cited model is the Ford Mustang with a manual transmission, and even that option is model-year and specification dependent. For every other current Ford model, flat towing without wheels on the ground is generally not approved, and a tow dolly or alternate method is typically required. To move forward confidently, consult Ford’s latest Flat Tow Guide for your exact year and trim, and confirm with a dealer before towing.
