Table of Contents
Let’s Start!
Do you love going on trips with your RV? Do you want to take your little car with you? With flat towing, you can bring your car along easily! Let me show you how, step by step.
What is Flat Towing?
Flat towing is also called 4-down towing or dinghy towing. This means we pull a car with all four wheels on the ground. RVers love it. You don’t need a big trailer or a tow dolly. The car follows behind your motorhome. It’s easy and fast!
Other ways to tow a car are with a tow dolly (front wheels up) or a car carrier trailer (all wheels up). Flat towing is simple and more fun!
Can My Car Be Flat Towed?
Not all cars can be flat towed. First, look in your owner’s manual. You need to see if your car is flat towable. Some cars with manual transmission can be towed, others with automatic transmission cannot. The drivetrain matters too (FWD, RWD, AWD, or 4×4).
Check these steps:
- Look for “flat towing” or “recreational towing” in your manual.
- Ask your dealer or car manufacturer for help.
- Some good cars to flat tow are: Jeep Wrangler, Honda CR-V, Chevrolet Equinox, Ford F-150.
Remember: If you try to tow a car that cannot be flat towed, you might hurt the transmission or transfer case!
What Equipment Do I Need?
You need the right equipment to keep your trip safe and fun. Here are the must-haves:
Tow Bar
The tow bar links your RV and your car. There are many types, like A-frame or ready brake. Pick one that matches your car’s weight!
Base Plate
The base plate hooks the tow bar onto your car’s frame. It is made for your car.
Supplemental Braking System
Laws say you need a braking system for towing. It helps stop your towed vehicle safely. Many places also make you use a breakaway switch.
Safety Chains
These are the backup. If something breaks, the car stays attached to your RV. Always use them!
Towing Lights
You need extra brake lights and turn signals for your towed car. You can use magnetic tow lights or a wiring harness.
Step-by-Step: Set Up For Flat Towing
Here’s how to do it:
Double-check every connection! One missed step can cause trouble.
Drive Safe with Flat Towing
Before you leave, always do a pre-trip inspection:
- Check all towing equipment.
- Look at tire pressure.
- Be sure the car’s in neutral.
Tips for the Road:
- Notice your RV is longer and heavier now. Give yourself more braking distance.
- Make wide turns.
- Never try to back up with a car on flat tow.
- Watch speed limits and roads signs.
- Use mirrors or a camera system to watch your car.
- Stop and check all links often.
How to Disconnect
When you reach your stop:
Watch for Problems
If not done right, flat towing may cause:
- Transmission damage if car is not in right gear
- Tire or steering wear
- Braking issues
- Squealing noises or wandering
Prevention Tip: Follow each step and always check the owner’s manual. Use only strong, well-made equipment from trusted companies. Get help if you hear new sounds or feel problems.
Which Is Best: Flat Towing, Tow Dolly, or Trailer?
Let’s see a chart:
| Way to Tow | Flat Towing | Tow Dolly | Car Carrier Trailer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setup Time | Quickest | Quick | Longest |
| Storage Needed | None | Store dolly | Store big trailer |
| Car Wear | Tires, maybe drive parts | Tires only | None |
| Backing Up | Don’t do it! | Hard | Easiest |
| Cost | $1,900-$4,200+ | $1,200-$2,000+ | $2,500-$6,000+ |
| Fits My Car? | Needs manual check | Fits most FWD/RWD | Fits almost any car |
| Brakes Needed? | Yes | Maybe | Yes |
Look at your needs. Flat towing is fastest and most fun if your car is approved. Let’s see more about our auto transport vehicles!
Laws and Safety Rules
Always check your state laws. Most places need a supplemental braking system and safety chains. Make sure your whole setup is within the weight limit of your RV and the towing equipment. Stay safe!
Easy Maintenance Tips
Check:
- Tow bar and base plate often.
- All connections before and after you tow.
- Follow your car’s manual for care.
- Keep all papers and weight ratings.
At CLW GROUP we build strong, safe, and fully customized vehicles. We offer vehicle delivery, after-sales help, and technical consulting services to keep your trips easy!
See our big line of trucks and towing tools on the special trucks factory page. Find water tank trucks, cement mixing trucks, and more!
Why Choose CLW GROUP?
- We are professional automobile manufacturers
- We make what you need: tipper trucks for gravel, material handling cranes, and even the newest aluminum truck flatbeds for heavy hauling
- Our staff will consult and help you pick the perfect flat towing solution
- We promise fast vehicle delivery and lifelong after-sales support
Conclusion: Enjoy the Freedom!
Flat towing lets you explore more. With your RV and dinghy car, the world opens up. Make every trip safe and fun.
Trust CLW GROUP for all your auto transport and flat towing needs. We help you every mile!
References:
