Flat towing is one of the easiest ways for motorhome owners to bring a second vehicle along on trips. When it is done with the right vehicle and the right gear, setup takes only a few minutes, storage is simple, and the towed vehicle tracks smoothly behind the RV.
The video guide at the end of this post from Duane at the RV Inspection And Care YouTube channel walks through what flat towing is, why so many RVers like it, and the five best flat-tow vehicles to consider for 2025–2026.
What is flat towing?
Flat towing means the towed vehicle rolls with all four wheels on the ground behind the motorhome.
Compared with a tow dolly, the differences are simple:
- Flat towing: All four wheels stay on the road.
- Tow dolly: Two wheels ride up on a small trailer or dolly, two are on the road.
- Flat-towed vehicles connect with a tow bar at the front of the vehicle.
- Dolly towing requires loading the vehicle onto the dolly, then strapping it down.
Advantages of flat towing
Most RVers who try flat towing prefer it over a dolly for day-to-day travel. The main advantages are:
- Easy connect and disconnect: With the right baseplate, tow bar, and wiring installed, many RVers can hook up or unhook their towed vehicle in just a few minutes.
- Little physical effort: Flat towing does not require pushing a dolly around or cinching heavy straps. That makes it easier on older RVers or anyone with back or joint issues.
- Minimal storage needs: Once unhooked, the tow bar usually folds up and rests on the back of the motorhome. Any extra gear fits in a small storage bay or the vehicle itself.
- Smooth towing experience on the road: A properly set up flat-towed vehicle tracks smoothly behind the RV and often follows a very similar turning radius. That helps avoid cutting corners and climbing over curbs in tight turns.
Not all vehicles work for flat towing
Here is where many RV owners get into trouble. Not every new vehicle can be flat towed safely. Choosing the wrong one can cause unbelievable damage to the drivetrain, engine, or transmission, and repairs can be very expensive.
Automakers change drivetrains, transmissions, and even tow rules from year to year. A model that was flat towable last year might not be set up for it in the next model year. Before buying any vehicle for flat towing, RV owners should always read the towing section of the owner’s manual. If the vehicle is approved for flat towing, that section usually explains it and lists the step-by-step setup procedure.
Best flat tow vehicles for 2025–2026
The vehicles below are some of the most common choices seen behind motorhomes today. They work well for flat towing in 2025, and many RVers expect them to continue as strong options for 2026 and beyond, but every buyer still needs to verify that for the exact year and trim.
These five vehicles fit RVers who want easy hookup, smooth towing, and the freedom to explore once they reach a campground. They also suit travelers who prefer reliable, well-known models with strong support in the RV community.
Jeep Wrangler 4-wheel drive
The Jeep Wrangler 4-wheel drive is likely the most popular flat-tow vehicle in RV parks. It suits RVers who want to explore back roads, find remote campsites, and enjoy off-pavement adventures once the coach is parked.
Jeep Gladiator 4-wheel drive
The Jeep Gladiator 4-wheel drive shares the Wrangler’s off-road attitude but adds a pickup bed. That extra space makes it useful for hauling bikes, firewood, or camping gear while still staying flat tow-friendly on many trims.
Ford Bronco 4×4
Since its return to the market, the Ford Bronco 4×4 has become a favorite with RVers. It is relatively light, offers serious off-road capability, and has a modern, stylish look that many owners enjoy.
Ford F-150 4×4
For RVers who want a bigger vehicle, the Ford F-150 4×4 brings strong hauling ability along with a comfortable ride. It works as a daily driver, a cargo hauler, and a flat-tow partner for those who need more truck.
Chevy Colorado 4×4
The Chevy Colorado 4×4 suits owners who like the idea of a pickup but want something smaller and lighter than a full-size truck. It still delivers solid hauling capacity while being easier to tow and park.
Key caveat: Not all model versions are towable
Even within these five models, not every trim or drivetrain can be flat towed. Some transmissions or 2-wheel drive versions are not approved. RV owners should match the exact year, engine, and drive system in the owner’s manual before signing any paperwork.
Essential flat-towing equipment
A flat-tow setup needs more than just the vehicle itself. At a minimum, RVers will need:
- A quality tow bar
- A baseplate or mounting system on the towed vehicle
- A supplemental braking system
- A lighting solution so the towed vehicle has proper turn and brake lights
Smart buyers treat flat-tow research like an inspection. They read the owner’s manual, confirm the towing procedure, and double-check that their chosen motorhome can safely tow the vehicle’s weight, including added cargo.
Flat towing can make RV trips easier, more flexible, and more fun when it is done with the right vehicle and gear. With solid research and careful setup, RV owners can enjoy many miles of safe and happy travels with a towed vehicle that fits the way they like to camp.
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RVT1239
Thank you for a great article. I would also add that the 2025 Ford Escape and Ford Maverick in the hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions are also flat towable. They have an added advantage that are quite a bit lighter in weight than the Jeeps and others that are mentioned (around 3,100lbs). This means there is less strain on the towing vehicle, and allows for more cargo capacity. They are also more reliable than Jeep Wranglers, which consistently are ranked lowest by Consumer Reports. I have found setup very easy as well.
I just bought a Ford Escape Hybrid because it is EASY to set up n
How in the World did “they” overlook the Hybrid Ford Maverick? My 2024 tows like a dream.
Can’t agree more, my 2022 has been awesome. Small, fuel efficient and versatile
The toad we dragged here and to wherever with the Class C was the Jeep Liberty standard transmission.
I have a 2023 F150 Hybrid 4×4 with 7.2 kw pro power on board generator. It is a game changer and tows great. Highly recommend!
We tow a 2019 GMC Canyon diesel 4×4. Easy set up and tows beautifully.
I guess I’ll be the anomaly here. We have a 2022 Winnabago View. Weight and versatility we’re our main concerns so we chose a1986 tin top Suzuki Samurai. Super simple setup to flat tow, weighing in at around 2,100lbs with the back seat gone. It can handle most terrain and it’s super fun to drive. Cost was $5,000 with a new bigger 1.6L engine and smog compliant. We just completed a 3 month cross country trip (return) of over 8,000 miles. Zero problems.
Regarding your article about the best flat-towing vehicles … we tow a 2022 Ford Escape hybrid. The mileage is sensational (46-47 mpg), has a fully automatic transmsmission, and thus far, has been totally trouble-free for us. I know it’s not a top rated vehicle for reliability, but then neither are Jeeps. The hybrid Escape can hold a lot of things, as well, so it frees up our CCC, too.