If you're planning to flat tow a vehicle behind your motorhome, it's important to start with a vehicle that's built for the job. Not all cars are created equal when it comes to being a dinghy and getting flat towed; and even within a model line, not every trim or submodel may be flat towable. That's why it's critical to consult your vehicle's owner's manual before attempting to tow. The manual will clearly state whether the vehicle is approved for flat towing, and under what conditions.
Top Towable Vehicles for Flat Towing
The practice of towing a vehicle four wheels-down behind a motorhome is still the most convenient way for owners to get around once they've reached their destination. Rather than breaking camp every time you need to leave the RV park or campsite, simply jump in your car and drive off, just like you would at your home. At Roadmaster, we've outfitted thousands of vehicles with our American-made baseplates and towing systems. Based on industry data and sales history here are some of the most popular vehicles being towed today:
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Other Common Flat Towable Vehicles
(select model years and trim levels only, always check Fitmaster)
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Considerations for Choosing a Vehicle
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1. Can the vehicle be flat towed?
2. Size and weight matter.
3. Ease of setup for flat towing.
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Best Vehicle for Flat Towing
Picking the right vehicle for your flat towing needs is dependent on what you want to do with it. The best vehicle to tow is one that is approved for flat towing by the manufacturer, is not too heavy for your RV, and ultimately fits your lifestyle.
The best SUV for flat towing
The best 4 x 4 for flat towing
The best compact or subcompact for flat towing
The best pickup truck for flat towing
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Frequently Asked Questions
What else do I need for towing?
- Besides a baseplate specific to your vehicle, you will need a towbar, wiring for lights, safety cables, and, depending on your state, you may need a supplemental braking system. Check out our convenient map for weights and local laws.
Will towing void my warranty?
- NO! It will not void your vehicle warranty. The Magnuson-Moss act of 1975 governs end-user warranties for consumer products; it is illegal for a manufacturer to void a warranty simply because a vehicle is being towed or modifed with after-market equipment.
What if my car has an after-market bumper?
- Roadmaster makes adapters that allow its towbars to connect directly to most after-market bumpers, like those common to Jeeps. These adapters can save you money, as you would not need to purchase a baseplate.
Will flat towing my vehicle cause damage to it?
- The act of towing itself should not cause damage, however, depending on the distance from the RV, height, and other factors; your RV may kick up rocks, dirt, and other road debris resulting in chips, dings, or cracked headlights and windshields. To prevent such damage: Roadmaster's Guardian and Guardian XL are great choices to protect your vehicle, as is Roadmaster's Tow Defender.
Dinghy Towing Guide Historical Reference
The guides below provide a valuable tool for finding older model cars that can be flat towed. Motorhome Magazine (now Wildsam Magazine) made every effort to check, and double check with each car manufacturer to verify that the listings were correct. However, much of the information they received was preliminary when the guide was compiled and could have changed by the time the issue went to press. Therefore, we cannot stress enough that you check the owner's manual to be certain that the vehicle you are considering is dinghy towable. The manual should have a notation for "recreational," "four-down," or "flat" towing.
Unfortunately, in 2023 Wildsam stopped publishing the Dinghy Towing guide.
2023 Dinghy Towing Guide
2022 Dinghy Towing Guide
2020 Dinghy Towing Guide
2019 Dinghy Towing Guide
2018 Dinghy Towing Guide
2017 Dinghy Towing Guide
2016 Dinghy Towing Guide
2015 Dinghy Towing Guide
2014 Dinghy Towing Guide
2013 Dinghy Towing Guide
2012 Dinghy Towing Guide
Guides provided courtesy of Wildsam, previously Motorhome Magazine.