what cars can be towed behind an rv

[RhettLynn]

The best cars to tow behind an RV are those specifically designed for "flat towing" or "dinghy towing," where all four wheels are on the ground. This primarily includes vehicles with a manual transmission or a specific type of automatic transmission that can be disengaged, along with either front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or selectable four-wheel drive systems. The single most critical factor is the manufacturer's explicit approval in the owner's manual; towing an unapproved vehicle can cause severe transmission damage in minutes.

Drivetrain and Transmission are Key Most modern all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicles cannot be flat-towed because their power transfer units remain engaged even when the transmission is in neutral, leading to lubrication failure and rapid wear. You need a vehicle where the drivetrain can be physically disconnected. This is why traditional four-wheel-drive (4WD) trucks and SUVs with a transfer case that has a true "Neutral" position are often good candidates, as this disconnects both the front and rear axles. For front-wheel-drive vehicles, the transmission must be designed to allow the gears to spin freely without lubrication issues.

Consult the Official Guide The most reliable source of information is the annual "Dinghy Towing Guide" published by MotorHome magazine, which compiles data directly from manufacturers. Below is a sample of popular models consistently approved for flat towing.

Vehicle Model	Drivetrain	Transmission	Key Requirement for Towing
Jeep Wrangler (2-door & 4-door)	Part-Time 4WD	Automatic / Manual	Transfer case in Neutral
Ford Mustang	RWD	Manual	Transmission in Neutral
Honda CR-V (pre-2015 models)	FWD	Automatic	Shift to 'N', start engine every 6 hrs*
Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon (4WD)	Part-Time 4WD	Automatic / Manual	Transfer case in Neutral
Ford F-150 (4WD models)	Part-Time 4WD	Automatic / Manual	Transfer case in Neutral
Porsche 911 (many models)	RWD	Manual / PDK Automatic	Follow specific Porsche procedure
Subaru Crosstrek (Manual only)	AWD	Manual	Transmission in Neutral
Toyota Tacoma (4WD models)	Part-Time 4WD	Automatic / Manual	Transfer case in Neutral

*Note: Some vehicles like older CR-Vs have specific "lube pump" requirements to circulate fluid.

Weight and Setup Beyond mechanical compatibility, you must consider the total weight of your car and all the necessary towing equipment (baseplate, tow bar, braking system). This combined weight must be within your RV's "dinghy towing" capacity. A supplemental braking system for the towed vehicle is not just a good idea—it's legally required in most states to ensure you can stop safely.

[DelTucker]

We've been RVing for a decade, and we stick with a Jeep. It's the gold standard for this. You just put the transfer case in neutral, hook up the tow bar, and you're done—no extra steps, no worrying about the transmission. It’s built for it. Every RV park you go to, you’ll see a dozen Jeeps for a reason. They’re simple, reliable, and you can use them to explore off-road once you’re parked. For us, it was a no-brainer.

[RachelDella]

Always, always check the owner's manual. Don't trust what someone online says about their specific model year; a design change can make a towable car untowable the next year. Your best bet is to look for a section called "Recreational Towing" or "Dinghy Towing." It will give you the exact step-by-step procedure, if one exists. If the manual says not to do it, believe it. The cost of a transmission replacement is far higher than the convenience of towing a particular car.

[LeAdeline]

I love my sports car, so I specifically looked for a Porsche 911 that was approved for flat towing. It’s fantastic. I get to my destination in the motorhome and then have a proper performance car to drive around. The key is finding an automatic PDK model that's on the approved list or a manual. The process is a bit more involved than with a Jeep—you have to go through a specific sequence on the dashboard—but it’s worth it for the driving experience. It proves you don’t have to sacrifice fun for practicality.

[VonNolan]

Beyond the car itself, the real-world cost and hassle of the setup matter. You need a professional to install a sturdy baseplate on your car, which can cost over a thousand dollars. Then you need a quality tow bar and a braking system, adding another couple thousand. This investment makes a "simple" used car like an old manual Ford Focus a much smarter choice for many people than modifying a newer, more expensive SUV that's only marginally suitable. Factor in these accessory costs before you commit to a toad vehicle.