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what is the best vehicle to tow behind a motorhome

by Nicolas Nolan Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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What cars can be towed behind a motorhome?

These are five of the best cars to tow behind an RV:

  • Honda CR-V. Our Honda CR-V is a versatile and practical vehicle to tow behind our motorhome.
  • Jeep Wrangler. The Jeep Wrangler is a popular option for towing behind an RV…
  • Ford F-150. The Ford F150 is a versatile option…
  • Honda Civic.
  • Mini Cooper.

What jeeps can I flat tow behind a motorhome?

Jeep Reviews: Which is best to flat tow?

  • POPULAR FOR FLAT TOWING. Some of the things that make Jeep vehicles so popular for towing behind an RV is that so many of the automatic and manual transmission models ...
  • WRANGLER. The ever-popular 4×4 Jeep Wrangler is available in 12, yes, 12, different trims with a wide variety of packages available.
  • GLADIATOR. ...
  • CHEROKEE. ...
  • GRAND CHEROKEE. ...

What is the best auto to pull behind a motorhome?

The 10 Best Cars to Tow behind RV

  1. Jeep Wrangler. This Jeep has a long-established reputation of being one of the best cars to tow behind RV. ...
  2. Chevrolet Spark. Chevrolet produces some of the best cars to tow behind RV. ...
  3. Toyota Corolla. ...
  4. FIAT 500 Abarth. ...
  5. Lincoln Continental Reserve. ...
  6. Jeep Grand Cherokee. ...
  7. Ford Fusion Hybrid. ...
  8. Chevrolet Sonic. ...
  9. Buick Regal GS. ...
  10. Nissan 370Z. ...

What trucks can be flat towed behind a motorhome?

What Trucks Can Be Flat Towed Behind A Motorhome (RV)? Rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive trucks with a manual transmission are the easiest to flat-tow behind a camper. The most popular trucks that people flat tow are Ford, Jeep, and Ram trucks.

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What is the best SUV to tow behind a class A motorhome?

If you’re looking to pick up a solid older-model vehicle, a great option is the compact Honda CR-V. This smaller, very reliable SUV is ideal for towing behind both Class A and Class C motorhomes.

Which Jeep is the next to be flat towed?

After the Wrangler, the 2011-2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the next most popular SUV to flat tow. Only 4WD models with Quadra-Trac II/Quadra-Drive II can be flat towed, but there are no distance or speed limitations. Jeep Grand Cherokee is the ultimate luxury SUV.

What is the curb weight of a 2006 HHR?

Another option for a solid used vehicle is the 2006-2011 Crossover SUV Chevrolet HHR. The HHR has a curb weight of around 3,200 pounds, making it a great choice to tow behind either a Class A or Class C motorhome.

What is the best car for a small camper?

The Smart Fortwo could be the best option when you have a small camper. The lightweight car weighs around 1,800 lbs and is less than 9 feet in length. The electric drive versions are not flat towable but flat-towing is possible for standard models with no distance or speed restrictions. The car is suitable for solo travelers or couples who like to travel light.

What is flat towing?

It involves attaching a tow bar to a car and letting it roll along behind the RV with their four wheels on the asphalt, thus the name “four-down”.

What is the Grand Cherokee?

Jeep Grand Cherokee is the ultimate luxury SUV. It is loved for its striking and functional designs, regarding both exterior and interior. In addition, it is equipped with over 70 standard and available safety and security features, plus new standard and available ProTech Packages.

Can a two wheeled dolly be used to tow a trailer?

Almost any vehicle can be towed on a two-wheeled dolly or four-wheeled trailer, provided that the weight of the car or truck and whatever is being used to facilitate the tow doesn’t exceed the motorhome’s recommended towing capacity.

How To Know If Your Vehicle Can Be Towed Behind An RV?

If you happen to be a movie geek, especially those well-versed in today’s famous Hollywood flicks, then you might have seen RVs before. From the kids favorite The Incredibles to R.V.’s outrageous family trips, RVs are even featured in love stories.

Best SUVs to Tow Behind An RV

The perennial favorite in the contest of most popular car to flat tow behind RVs, must be the Jeep Wrangler. The SUV family introduces many incredible off-road vehicles that will simply blow your mind on how easily they can be flat towed.

Best Trucks to Tow Behind An RV

A car segment that features some of the best cars that can be flat towed is trucks. Let’s admit it, trucks are largely underestimated when it comes to flat towing, especially as I have mentioned above that most RV towable vehicles are lightweight.

Best Compact & Subcompact Cars to Tow Behind an RV

Maybe you’ve been told before that compact and subcompact cars are the best when it comes to being flat towable.

Best Sedans To Tow Behind an RV

Sedan type cars are mostly lightweight. However, most cars of this segment are not recommended for flat towing. Still, if they happen to have options for flat towing, then these must be among the lightest cars to flat tow.

The Towing Guide for Your Next Holiday Trip

As explained above, it is recommended that you tow your regular car with you to the destination for ease of transport at said destination in case your RV isn’t compact enough. The hazards of improper towing can be seen immediately. Improper towing can lead to massive damages to accumulate over the course of the tow..

FAQs About Towing Vehicles

Instructions to flat tow the Jeep Wrangler apparently includes this option, however, as a matter of fact, this is rather damaging to your car. In this case, you should consider using the manual transmissions.

Flat Towing vs. Dolly Towing behind an RV

If you’re looking into a toad for your RV, you’ll need to understand the basics of towing a car or truck.

What to Know before Choosing a Vehicle for RV Towing

Before you rush off to buy a toad or equipment to tow a vehicle you already own, you must do some research to avoid wasting money or damaging your car or RV.

10 Best Vehicles for Towing Behind an RV

Now that we have the basics of RV toad towing out of the way let’s explore the top ten best cars or trucks for recreational vehicle towing.

How to Flat-Tow: Ford F-150 (Video)

If you want to tow a smaller car, the 2016-2018 2.0L Ford Focus provides a bit more interior room for your travel party, yet is light enough for towing behind most motorhomes or camping trailers and can handle speeds up to 70 MPH.

Final Thoughts

Towing a car is a great solution for having more freedom to sightsee or run errands while on RV trips.

How to Flat Tow Behind an RV (Video)

"Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore."

What is a Geo Tracker?

The Geo Tracker was a truly multinational vehicle. It was produced by CAMI, a Canadian joint venture between General Motors and Suzuki. Introduced in late 1988 as a 1989 model, the Tracker was built in Ingersoll, Ontario, using Suzuki’s near bulletproof 1.6-liter single overhead cam four-cylinder engine. The first generation was marketed as a Geo Tracker when GM was offering that brand. The second generation came along in 1999 and was sold through Chevrolet dealers. For RVers with any interest in venturing off-road, the first-generation Tracker is probably the most suitable, since they have a truck-based recirculating ball steering system. The second-generation Tracker has a more car-like rack-and-pinion steering system, and is less suitable for off-road use.

What is an RV?

RVs, short for recreational vehicles, offer travelers more picturesque views than the parking lot of a hotel, but once you arrive at your scenic destination, you don't want to have to drive a 30-foot ark around the RV park or some other crowded tourist location. That’s why many enthusiasts end up “flat-towing” or “dinghy towing” a vehicle behind their RV, in which they connect a smaller vehicle to the RV via a tow bar and tow it behind with all four wheels on the ground.

Can you flat tow a 2021 Dodge Durango?

Unfortunately, neither of those trims were suitable for flat towing. According to the 2021 Dodge Durango owner’s manual, only one driveline configuration of the three available for the Durango is suitable for flat towing. If you have a 4WD Durango with a two-speed transfer case with a Neutral position, you can safely tow it behind an RV. If you flat-tow any other Durango driveline configuration—including the RWD version—you’re going to burn the transmission up.

Can you tow a 2WD Sierra?

So, what about a RWD Silverado or Sierra? According to the trucks' owner’s manual, you cannot tow a 2WD or 4WD Sierra or Silverado with a single-speed transfer case, even with the transmission in Neutral. That’s because the transmission in a 2WD doesn’t have any way to lubricate the transmission while the vehicle isn’t running, and the single-speed, full-time 4WD transfer case doesn’t have a Neutral position.

What is the best vehicle to haul behind an RV?

For generations, the top vehicle towed behind an RV was an air-cooled Volkswagen Beetle, and even in 2021, there’s good reason to choose one. For a vintage car, they’re still pretty cheap. In 1971, Volkswagen introduced the Super Beetle with a MacPherson strut front suspension, and those are typically much less expensive than the older twin-torsion-beam Beetles.

Can you tow a Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD?

The Jeep Grand Cherokee owner’s manual only allows recreational towing on 4WD models with a "4-LO" range, meaning that the full-time 4WD models are excluded. The owner’s manual also requires that the negative battery cable be disconnected.

Can a 2WD Ranger be flat towed?

While it doesn’t come right out and say it, the only Ranger models suitable for towing are those with 4WD, because the Ranger 2WD isn’t available with a manual transmission, and the automatic has to be running in order to provide lubrication to the transmission. Technically, a 2WD Ranger can be flat towed, but only at speeds up to 35 mph, and only for distances under 50 miles. If you’re mapping a trip across the country, that’s going to put a serious dent in your travel plans.

How much does a 2015 Smart Fortwo weigh?

The Fortwo's size (less than 9-ft. in length) and light curb weight (around 1,800 lbs.) make it great for towing behind large and small motorhomes alike. The Fortwo is ideal if you typically travel by yourself or with a single companion and don't need to haul much gear or cargo. The Electric Drive models of the Fortwo are not flat towable, but standard models can be towed without speed or distance restrictions.

What is the best flat towing vehicle for 2014-2021?

Jeep Cherokee (2014-2021) Jeep offers another top flat towing vehicle with the 2014-2021 Cherokee. The Cherokee's spaciousness allows you to bring along the whole family and all your gear. If you're a big Jeep fan and are looking for an affordable flat tow vehicle, the Cherokee is a great option.

What is the most popular flat tow vehicle?

The Jeep Wrangler is the most popular flat tow vehicle among RVers. Its popularity has spanned over two decades and multiple vehicle generations, and for good reason. The Wrangler lends a sense of adventure to your travels and has an easy flat tow setup process.

When will the Ford Bronco be flat towed?

Image Credit: Big Truck, Big RV 5. Ford Bronco (2021) The Ford Bronco makes a triumphant return in 2021 after a 25-year hiatus, and the good news for RVers: it was built to be flat towed. You’ll love taking this rugged off-road SUV on any adventure.

What is the curb weight of a 2011 HHR?

Chevrolet HHR (2006-2011) Another option for a solid used vehicle is the 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR. The HHR has a curb weight of around 3,200 pounds, making it a great choice to tow behind either a Class A or Class C motorhome. Both the manual and automatic models can be flat towed, and both have an easy setup process.

Which Jeep Grand Cherokee is flat tow?

From the campground to the trail, the Grand Cherokee comfortably carries the whole family, so you definitely won't want to leave it behind. Only 4WD models with Quadra-Trac II/Quadra-Drive II can be flat towed, but there are no distance or speed limitations.

Can a Jeep Liberty be flat towed?

Jeep Liberty (2002-2011) The 2002-2011 Jeep Liberty is a great older-model, compact SUV ideal for flat towing. This Jeep can be easily flat towed behind either a Class A or Class B motorhomes. For years 2002-2008, only 4WD models can be flat towed. For years 2009-2011, 2WD models may also be flat towed if the driveshaft is removed. For all model years, the transfer case must be placed in Neutral.

How much does a Smart Fortwo weigh?

Moreover, its lightweight and minimum length make it perfect for towing behind the motorhome. This compact-sized car weighs around 1800 lbs and is ideal for two people.

What to look for when selecting a used car to tow behind a motorhome?

While selecting a used car to tow behind a motorhome, the first thing you need to look for is the weight of the car. A lightweight car is easy to tow by a motorhome.

Can you tow a used Buick Enclave?

While towing a used behind any motorhome, something that can add the cherry on the top is the WiFi hotspot option. This is what you can get from Buick Enclave. Other than this, there a long list of other excellent features that you can enjoy in the car.

Can you flat tow a hybrid?

Other than this, you can easily flat tow the hybrid version behind your RV. however, old models are fit for normal towing. Its comfortable sedan look adds style and comfort to your drive. So you can easily go for errands while camping anywhere.

Can you tow a 2016 Toyota Corolla behind an RV?

Be it the 2016 model or the latest one, Toyota Corolla can easily meet your expectations and needs. So go get your favorite model of used Toyota Corolla now to tow it behind the RV.

Can a wrangler tow a car?

With its sturdy look and flat towing capacity, Wrangler is an ideal pick for your motorhome. Also, due to its Torx Tool Kit and easy towing setup, you can easily flat tow the car behind your motorhome.

Can you tow a motorhome with aluminum?

Furthermore, its aluminum-alloy body and steel frame provide the strength it needs. So, you can easily rely on this option for towing it back to your motorhome.

What can an RV dealer do for you?

Your RV dealer has two parts that can help you with the flat-towing experience. They can install a driveshaft decoupler and a lubrication pump. Auto shops and dealers don’t do this kind of work. Dealers have access to the parts and know how to install them on virtually every eligible flat-towable vehicle on the market.

What is the best vehicle to tow behind a motorhome?

The best cars to tow behind motorhomes are rear-wheel drive manual or automatic transmission vehicles. The other ideal vehicle is a four-wheel drive with a neutral setting. Installing a driveshaft decoupler and lubrication pump avoids complications.

What is a toad in an RV?

When a fellow camper asks you, what are you toading, they’re not referring to your children’s pet frog. In the RV community, when a motorhome tows a passenger vehicle, it’s referred to as a “toad” or a “dinghy.”. Technically, this can refer to any style of towing, but usually, it’s related to flat towing instead of using a trailer.

What is flat towing?

Flat Towing Properly. When you’re flat towing your vehicle, there are two major components you have to be aware of: the driveshaft and the transmission. On rear-wheel-drive vehicles, the driveshaft is a rod-like device that transfers power to the rear wheels.

How much weight can a toad bar tow?

The tow bars have a towing capacity ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 pounds. When you’re choosing your bar, make sure you include not only the weight of your toad, but the potential cargo weight you have within the vehicle. To help you out, the curb weights above also include a full tank and all of the other fluids your vehicle needs to operate.

How to tell if a toad is towing?

Checking them every now and again or using a wireless tire pressure monitoring system .

Why does transmission fluid circulate between the transmission and radiator?

The transmission fluid circulates between the transmission and radiator to keep it from overheating and prevent the gears from seizing up. When the toad vehicle is being flat-towed, the driveshaft and the transmission’s drive gear are constantly spinning.

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Reasons to Tow A Vehicle

Top Three Cars to Tow

  • Jeep Wrangler Modeled after the utility trucks made for the U.S. Army, the Jeep has many draws for those looking for outdoor adventures. Some of the most recent models have ranked high on the list of consumer favorites: 1. 2020: This model is great for ice and snow use and even has a tow-cable and winch if you get stuck. The 2020 model is a great o...
See more on fourwheeltrends.com

Considering Other Options

  • If these options aren’t the right fit for you, there are several other options. Many decide to take just two-seater energy saver cars. If you are traveling in a motorhome by yourself or have a friend who likes to travel with you, these might be excellent options for you. Just remember to research the different things that come with towing. Some cars need to have additional regulating parts in the…
See more on fourwheeltrends.com

Safety

  • Driving a motorhome is very different from driving other vehicles, and towing another car behind can prove to be hazardous. To make sure that you are safe, practice driving your motorhome on local roads before going on a long trip, especially if you’ve never towed a car before. Also, researching different mechanics who can look at your motorhome and the car you are towing is …
See more on fourwheeltrends.com

1.Best Cars To Flat Tow Behind A Motorhome (2022 List)

Url:https://camperguide.org/best-cars-to-flat-tow/

32 hours ago  · If any company is the champion of flat towing, its Jeep. You could easily make a top list just out of their offerings. The Cherokee, Commander, Gladiator, Liberty, Patriot, …

2.What Are The Best Cars to Tow Behind RV and …

Url:https://www.rvtalk.net/best-cars-to-tow-behind-rv/

11 hours ago  · A mid-sized family sedan seems to be just the right choice for a family vacation. It is often rated among the best used cars to tow behind motorhome not only because of the …

3.The 15+ Best Cars to Tow Behind an RV - RVing Trends

Url:https://www.rvingtrends.com/best-cars-to-tow-behind-an-rv/

12 hours ago  · One of the best cars you can buy to tow behind a motorhome, it is super lightweight and can even be modified into what is called an “overlander” to buckle up some …

4.10 Best Cars to Tow Behind an RV - RV Troop

Url:https://rvtroop.com/best-cars-to-tow-behind-an-rv

2 hours ago  · What is the lightest vehicle to tow behind a motorhome? It’s a Lightweight! The fact that the Chevy Spark is so lightweight is one of the most significant reasons for its …

5.The Best Cars to Tow Behind an RV - CarGurus

Url:https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/articles/best_cars_tow_behind_rv

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9.Videos of What Is The Best Vehicle To Tow Behind A Motorhome

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