what cars can you flat tow

[DelSteven]

You can flat tow (also known as dinghy tow) a surprising number of vehicles, but they must be specifically designed for it. The most common are vehicles with a transfer case that can be shifted into neutral, like the Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator. Many trucks with two-speed transfer cases, such as the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado, are also suitable. Beyond these, a handful of cars with manual transmissions or specially designed transmissions, like some Porsches and older models, can be flat towed. The single most critical rule is to never flat tow an all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicle or a vehicle with an automatic transmission unless the owner's manual explicitly states it is safe to do so. Doing so will cause severe and expensive damage to the drivetrain.

The key to flat towing is ensuring the vehicle's wheels can turn without forcing the engine's transmission to turn. In a standard automatic transmission, the engine isn't running to pump fluid, so internal components grind against each other without lubrication. Vehicles designed for flat towing have a way to disengage the transmission or drivetrain completely.

Consulting your owner's manual is the first and most important step. It will have a specific section on recreational towing or dinghy towing. If the manual doesn't explicitly permit it, you cannot safely flat tow that vehicle.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of popular models known to be flat-towable, but always verify with the specific model year's manual:

Vehicle Model	Key Requirement for Flat Towing	Model Year Examples (Always Verify)
Jeep Wrangler (4WD)	Transfer case in (N)eutral	2007-Present
Jeep Gladiator (4WD)	Transfer case in (N)eutral	2020-Present
Ford F-150 (4WD)	2-Speed transfer case in (N)eutral	2021+ with specific package
Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra (4WD)	2-Speed transfer case in (N)eutral	2019+ with specific package
Ford Mustang (Manual)	Manual transmission in neutral	2005-2020 (varies)
Porsche 911 (Manual)	Manual transmission in neutral	Many older models
Honda CR-V (FWD, 2015-2022)	Specific procedure per manual	2015-2022

Beyond the vehicle itself, you need the right equipment: a baseplate mounted to the towed vehicle's frame, a tow bar that connects to your motorhome, auxiliary braking system, and wiring for lights. Proper setup is as important as choosing the right car.

[DelRiver]

I flat tow my Jeep Wrangler behind our RV, and it's perfect because it's built for it. The process is simple: I just put the transfer case into neutral. That's the trick. Most regular cars and SUVs, especially anything with all-wheel drive, can't be flat towed—you'll ruin the transmission. Stick to vehicles where the owner's manual has a clear section on "recreational towing." For peace of mind, I'd only seriously consider a Jeep, a truck with a real 4WD system, or an older manual transmission car.

[StMaximus]

From a technical standpoint, the vehicle must have a means of disengaging the propulsion system. This is typically achieved through a two-speed transfer case placed in neutral, which uncouples the transmission from the wheels. Alternatively, a conventional manual transmission allows the gears and clutch to be disengaged. The major risk is with modern automatic and AWD systems, where internal lubrication is engine-dependent. Without the engine running, components like planetary gearsets can be destroyed in miles. Always follow the manufacturer's prescribed procedure to the letter.

[JordanAnn]

It's all about the drivetrain. Think of it this way: the wheels are spinning, but you need to stop that motion from reaching the engine. Look for a 4WD vehicle with a "4LO" setting; that usually means it has the right kind of transfer case. You shift that into neutral, and you're golden. If you're looking at a car, a manual transmission is your only real bet. But honestly, the easiest path is to just Google "[Your car model year] flat tow" or check an RV forum. Those folks have already tested everything and know all the quirks.

[MilaLee]

Beyond the usual suspects like Jeeps, don't forget about some front-wheel-drive vehicles. For example, certain model years of the Honda CR-V can be flat towed, but there's a very specific procedure involving the ignition key and shifter positions that must be followed exactly. It's not as straightforward as a 4WD truck. This highlights why the owner's manual is your bible. Even if a friend says a car can be towed, a simple design change between model years can make it impossible. Your safest bet is to choose a vehicle that is widely known and advertised as being "flat-towable" from the factory.