Flat tow conundrum: what to get?

[Laurie71]

I'm talking specifically flat towing here; I know dolly or trailer towing widens the options considerably, but I really want a flat tow setup if I can.

I have a Class A motorhome with a 5000lb towing capacity and have been trying to figure out what to get to tow behind it four wheels down. Information online is very inconsistent and I'm at a bit of a loss -- especially since the one thing I *don't* want is anything Jeep (sorry, I just can't stand the way they drive!)

My understanding is that many (but not all) 4-wheel vehicles and some (but only a few) two wheel drive manual vehicles can be flat towed, but getting definitive information on what vehicles can do this or even if a specific vehicle I'm interested in can do this is proving to be a challenge.

I know a lot of people say that, as long as it's manual transmission, it'll be fine; and a lot of people say they've been pulling their towed without issue even though the manufacturer recommends against it. I don't really want to take the risk towing something that isn't manufacturer approved for that use though.

I've called service garages, transmission repair techs and flat tow system manufacturers / retailers, searched forums and other online resources, and I'm getting nowhere. The only way I've found to verify if a particular vehicle can be flat towed is to find an official owner's manual for the specific make/model/year and check what it says under Recreational Towing.

With only 5000lb towing capacity the added weight of a trailer restricts what vehicles I can consider quite a bit. Using a tow dolly opens up more options, but you still have to be careful (front wheels up or rear? etc). I really want the convenience of hooking / unhooking a flat tow setup offers too.

This shouldn't be so hard to figure out. Does anyone have any reliable references for information on what vehicles will work for this?

Laurie

 

[LarsMac]

Here's a good start
Roadmaster Flat tow guide

 

[LarsMac]

I've been towing a 2007 Saturn Vue for years, now. Found it on Craig's List already set up for being towed. It came with all the necessary equipment.
Just take your time, do your homework and wait for the right deal to come along.

 

[Kirk]

Are you looking for a new vehicle or will a used one do? We towed two different Honda CR-v's but they have not been flat towable since the 2014 model year. You are correct to be skeptical about towing any vehicle with a manual transmission, as they can all be towed for a short distance with the transmission in neutral, but for long distance towing that isn't true. It depends on how the transmission is lubricated when being towed. And that same thing is true when you look at 4WD vehicles as they must have a neutral position in the transfer case to allow you to tow with neither driveline connected. Not all of them have that and with some it is an option. You are also wise to be watching the weight issue. The guides above are an excellent source of information about what manufacturers approve what models for flat towing, but keep in mind that there are no guides there for 2024 or 2025. If some salesperson should tell you that his vehicle can be towed, have him show you where it states that in the owner's manual.

 

[Laurie71]

Are you looking for a new vehicle or will a used one do?

Shopping for used.

 

[Kirk]

The guides are available for all but the past two years. I suggest that you visit all of the various RV forums and check out the for sale forums if they have one. There is one that might be a good option for you that is listed on the Escapee Forum at present if it is still available.

 

[Laurie71]

Thanks, that looks like a potentially useful resource -- although it'd be more useful if posts has a location called out! I'll take a closer look.

 

[RockyHill1]

When we had a motorhome we flat towed a 2007 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4. We installed the base plate. Simple to set up. Used a Brake Buddy. A 2007 GMC Canyon would work the same.

Shelia

 

[weighit]

We towed our 2015 Cadillac SRX for 10 years, loved it, till we drove a 2025 Lincoln Nautilus hybrid and now tow that. Every so often I see a flat tow car/pick up truck being sold buy someone no longer owning their motorhome. if you can find someone selling you would be able to talk with them about the good and bad. I just typed in on facebook, flat tow cars for sale and spotted a few you might want to check out.

 

[8Muddypaws]

We've towed a Ford Ranger 4X4, a Honda CRV, and a Ford Edge. Newer cars that are towable are still made but be sure to check the list mentioned previously and the owners manual of the specific vehicle.

The 5,000 pound limit will eliminate many of your choices.

 

[uchu]

We used to tow a 2017 Toyota Corolla SE - manual transmission. One of the last Corolla models to be flat-tow friendly. We now pull a 2016 Ford C-Max Energi (plug-in hybrid). No issues with either of these.

 

[Utclmjmpr]

I towed a 02 Jeep Liberty,, and thought so much of it that when Jeep announced the dis-continuence of that model for 2012.. I ran out and bought a 12.. Been towing it since... It comes in at 4500 LBS. >>>Dan I also installed an air brake system on each for my diesel pusher...

 

[WILDEBILL308]

Laurie71, welcome to the forum.
FMCA / FRVA publishes a list of towable cars yearly.
I have been kind of looking because my 2014 CR-V is getting lots of miles on it. Ok that and wife is looking.

 

[Laura & Charles]

We’ve flat rowed a 2009 Saturn Vue, a 2014 Honda CR V, and (currently) a 2022 Ford Edge ST. All of those are well under 5K lbs,
Always go by the manufacturer’s owners manual as the source of truth! (eg the 2022 Ford Edge came in four trim lines, but only the ST can be flat towed. The same owners manual covers all four trim lines, but makes it very clear that the ST is the only line that can be flat towed)

 

[TheBar]

We bought a Chevy Cavalier brand new then setup to tow. I was a Canadian certified welder for years and I copied the Blue Ox towbar baseplate. I noticed the new Geo in the lot next to it was the exact same car but cheaper. The salesman told me they were a joint venture between Chevy and Toyota. The body was Chevy and the engine and transmission was Toyota.

At 2676 lbs it is one of the lightest vehicles out there. It only requires pulling one fuse to disconnect the electrical to leave the ignition switch on to unlock the steering wheel. The automatic transmission can be pulled forever in neutral.

It has 78K miles on the speedometer now and has only needed the A/C compressor, belts, hoses, and brakes replaced. Probably 50K not showing while it was towed. I have talked to owners that have over 300k on these cars.

 

[ButchW1]

Laurie... You mentioned 4WD.. Do you want/need 4WD?... That can make a difference in our answers..
Butch

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Manual transmission vehicles with rear wheel drive are near-always towable, but front drive manual models (manual transaxles) may not be. 4WD vehicles equipped with a manual transfer case are 4-down towable. AWD (All Wheel Drive) may or may not be towable. Consult the vehicle owner manual for specifics.

Google the term "dinghy tow guide" to find several sources of lists of four-down towable vehicles. The lists used to be published annually but there hasn't been much new in the last couple years so some of the sources have not been updated lately. That suggests that newer model-years of previously listed vehicles are still towable, but [again!] always check the owner manual for "recreational towing" or "dinghy towing" instructions before deciding to purchase. Owner manuals will be available online for nearly everything.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Our sister RVLife site (IRV2) has a classified ad section specifically for "toads". There are a number of vehicle listed their that would meet your needs and many have base plates and tow brakes already installed.

 

[pipepro1]

I always have used a tow dolly because I was worried about resale value after tow bar installation.

 

[Laurie71]

Thanks to everyone for the vehicle suggestions and other resources! I ended up picking up a Corolla which will suit the purpose nicely.

@pipepro1 I wouldn't be too concerned about the resale value; leave the baseplate installed and sell to someone like me who's looking for a toad, or remove it and the front end modification (if done neatly in the first place) will probably be barely noticeable. Often, any modification will be to a sub-component of the front fascia assembly (e.g. the lower grill insert in my case with the Corolla) which can then be replaced fairly inexpensively.