Which small cars can be flat towed?
When it comes to towing a car behind an RV or motorhome, not all vehicles are created equal. Some small cars are well-suited for flat towing, also known as "dinghy towing," while others may not be compatible. Here's a detailed look at which small cars can be safely flat towed.
What is Flat Towing?
Flat towing, or dinghy towing, refers to the practice of towing a vehicle behind a motorhome or RV with all four wheels on the ground. This is different from towing a vehicle with just the front or rear wheels on the ground, which requires the use of a trailer or dolly. Flat towing is a popular option for RV owners who want to bring a smaller vehicle along for transportation at their destination.
Factors to Consider for Flat Towing
Not all vehicles are suitable for flat towing. Automakers design their vehicles with specific towing requirements in mind, and it's important to check the owner's manual to ensure a car can be safely flat towed. Key factors to consider include:
- Transmission type: Vehicles with manual transmissions or four-wheel-drive systems are generally better suited for flat towing than those with automatic transmissions.
- Towing speed and distance: There are often restrictions on the maximum towing speed and distance for flat towing, typically around 55 mph and no more than 400 miles.
- Towing preparation: Certain steps may be required to prepare a vehicle for flat towing, such as placing the transmission in neutral, engaging the parking brake, or disconnecting the driveline.
With these factors in mind, let's take a look at some small cars that can be safely flat towed behind an RV or motorhome.
Small Cars Suitable for Flat Towing
According to the research, the following small cars are commonly recommended for flat towing:
- Jeep Wrangler: The Jeep Wrangler is one of the most popular flat-towable vehicles, thanks to its four-wheel-drive system and manual transmission options.
- Fiat 500: The Fiat 500 is a compact car that can be flat towed, provided it has a manual transmission.li>
- Honda CR-V: The Honda CR-V, a popular small SUV, can be flat towed if equipped with a manual transmission.
- Subaru Outback: The Subaru Outback, a midsize crossover, can be flat towed as long as it has a manual transmission.li>
- Ford Bronco Sport: The Ford Bronco Sport, a compact SUV, is designed for flat towing and can be towed with all four wheels on the ground.
It's important to note that the specific model year, transmission, and other factors can affect a vehicle's flat-towing capabilities, so it's always best to consult the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer for the most up-to-date information.
Is a Honda CRV towable behind a motorhome?
Your CR-V can be towed behind a motorhome at legal highway speeds up to 65 mph (100 km/h). Do not exceed 65 mph (100 km/h). Otherwise, severe transmission damage will occur. To avoid damage to the 4WD system, it must be towed with all four wheels on the ground (flat towing).
What vehicles cannot be flat towed?
Cars with all-wheel drive (AWD) are not able to be flat-towed. If your car has four-wheel drive and the AWD setting can be turned off, you can usually flat-tow it with the AWD disabled, the transfer case in neutral, and the transmission in first gear.
Is a Kia flat towable?
Line or sorry gt. Car can be towed. So again front wheel drive dual clutch transmission it can be towed a couple recommendations to keep in mind tow it in the accessory. Mode.
Are any Toyota's flat towable?
Toyota is a manufacturer that doesn't make any current year-model flat-towable vehicles (not without third-party modification at least), but some of their older vehicles - especially their sedans - can be towed and make for great, reliable options.
Are any Hondas flat towable?
That actually make vehicles that can be flat toed. So if you're not familiar motor home magazine actually puts out a list of flat towable. Vehicles every year it's called their dinghy Towing guide.
What Toyotas can be flat towed?
Toyota is a manufacturer that doesn't make any current year-model flat-towable vehicles (not without third-party modification at least), but some of their older vehicles - especially their sedans - can be towed and make for great, reliable options.
Is a Mini Cooper flat towable?
Technically you shouldn't do it, but that doesn't mean you can't. Manual transmission MINI Coopers can typically be flat towed by putting the gearshift lever in the “idle” or “neutral” position. (Since 2005, MINI has offered manual transmission models with the exception of a brief time in 2020 due to supply issues.)
What years of Honda CR-V are flat towable?
The 2012-2014 Honda CR-V is a great SUV to tow behind your Class A or Class C motorohome due to its compact size. To complete your flat towing setup, you'll just need a few components, including base plates, a tow bar, safety cables, towbar wiring, and a supplemental braking system.
What small cars are flat towable?
Best car to tow behind a motorhome
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.
What is the lightest car that can be flat towed?
Chevrolet Spark
If you want a lightweight car to tow behind your RV, the Chevrolet Spark is one of the lightest options available. It's a hatchback, so you'll have room to bring what you need for a day at the beach or going on a picnic somewhere special.
