Can My Vehicle Be Flat Towed Behind an RV?
Not every vehicle can be flat towed. Here is how to check before you buy a tow bar package.
The question sounds simple: can my vehicle be flat towed behind my motorhome? The answer depends on the vehicle. Not every car, SUV, truck, or crossover can be safely towed with all four wheels on the ground. Some vehicles will sustain transmission damage if towed flat. Others require specific procedures, settings, or conversion kits. And some cannot be flat towed at all.
Before you spend money on a tow bar package, this article covers how to check whether your vehicle is flat towable and what to do if it is not straightforward.
Where to Check If Your Vehicle Can Be Flat Towed
The vehicle owner's manual is the authoritative source. Look for sections titled "recreational towing," "flat towing," "dinghy towing," or "towing behind a motorhome." The manual will tell you whether the vehicle can be towed with all four wheels on the ground and what procedures must be followed.
What the Owner's Manual Typically Covers
| What to Check | Where to Verify It | Why It Matters |
| Is flat towing approved? | Vehicle owner's manual, recreational towing section. | If the manufacturer does not approve flat towing, the vehicle should not be flat towed. Most vehicles that cannot be flat towed do not have baseplate kits available. |
| Transmission/transfer case settings | Owner's manual procedures. | Wrong settings can cause mechanical damage during towing. |
| Speed and distance limits | Owner's manual. | Some vehicles have maximum towing speed or distance restrictions. |
| Fuse pulls or ignition position | Owner's manual procedures. | Some vehicles require specific electrical settings during towing. |
| Flat tow conversion kit needed? | Owner's manual or manufacturer guidance. | Some vehicles require aftermarket conversion kits to enable flat towing. However, if your vehicle is approved by the manufacturer to flat tow, this is not a requirement. |
| Vehicle weight | Owner's manual or door jamb sticker. | The towed vehicle's weight must be within the tow bar and motorhome hitch ratings. |
Can SUVs, Trucks, Jeeps, and Cars All Be Flat Towed?
Some can and some cannot. The vehicle type does not automatically determine flat tow compatibility. A Jeep Wrangler with a manual transfer case is one of the most commonly flat-towed vehicles. Many trucks with four-wheel drive and a neutral transfer case setting can be flat towed. Many front-wheel-drive cars or automatic transmissions cannot. The owner's manual is always the first reference.
What Happens If You Tow a Vehicle That Is Not Set Up Correctly?
Towing a vehicle flat that is not approved or properly configured for flat towing can cause transmission damage, drivetrain damage, and potentially a dangerous loss of braking or steering control in the towed vehicle. The repair costs for transmission damage from improper flat towing can be substantial. This is why checking the owner's manual is not optional.
Torklift Central Can Help You Determine What You Need
If you are unsure whether your vehicle can be flat towed, or what setup is required, call Torklift Central at 253-854-1832. As a local towing equipment provider in Kent, WA, our technicians can review your vehicle, check flat tow compatibility, and help you understand what components are needed for a complete and correct setup.
Key Takeaways
- Not every vehicle can be flat towed. Check the vehicle owner's manual first.
- The manual covers flat tow approval, transmission settings, speed/distance limits, and conversion kit needs.
- Some vehicles need a flat tow conversion kit. Availability varies.
- Towing a vehicle that is not properly set up can cause transmission damage.
- Call Torklift Central at 253-854-1832 for vehicle-specific guidance.
Call 253-854-1832 to check your vehicle's flat tow compatibility.
Schedule an appointment at Torklift Central in Kent, WA. [Insert appointment URL]
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my vehicle be flat towed?
Check the vehicle owner's manual under recreational towing or flat towing. Not every vehicle is approved for flat towing.
Where do I check if my vehicle is flat towable?
The vehicle owner's manual is the authoritative source. Look for sections on recreational towing, dinghy towing, or towing behind a motorhome.
What if my vehicle needs a conversion kit?
Some vehicles can be converted with an aftermarket flat tow conversion kit. Availability varies. Call Torklift Central to check.
Can Torklift Central help determine what I need?
Yes. Our technicians can review your vehicle and help determine flat tow compatibility and required components. Call 253-854-1832.
What happens if I tow a vehicle that is not set up correctly?
Transmission damage, drivetrain damage, and potentially dangerous loss of control. The repair costs can be substantial.