Flat towing is a method of towing a vehicle with all four wheels on the ground. This technique is also known as dinghy towing. It is popular among RV owners because it allows for easy connection and disconnection of the towed vehicle.
Many choose flat towing to avoid the bulk and weight of a trailer or dolly.
Not all vehicles can be flat towed. Some of the best options include the Ford F-150 and compact cars like the Ford Focus or Fiesta. You can modify other vehicles for flat towing, but this process can get complicated and expensive.
You’ll need a tow bar and a base plate to flat tow. Safety is always a priority, so make sure your setup includes a breakaway system and safety cables. For more details, you can read a comprehensive guide on flat towing to get started.
Understanding Flat Towing
Flat towing involves pulling a vehicle with all four wheels on the ground. It’s a practical method used to transport a second vehicle without using a trailer. It’s suitable for RVers and vehicle owners wanting to tow compact cars or trucks behind their motorhomes.
Definition and Basics
Flat towing, also known as dinghy towing or four-wheel towing, means towing a vehicle with all its wheels in contact with the ground. This is different from other towing methods which lift part of the vehicle off the ground.
To set up for flat towing, your towed vehicle needs a special tow bar that attaches to the towing vehicle. Popular vehicles for flat towing include certain models of the Ford F-150 and compact cars like the Ford Focus and Fiesta.
This setup is simple but requires checking the towing capacity of your lead vehicle because exceeding the limit can be unsafe.
Pros and Cons
Advantages of Flat Towing:
- Convenience: You don’t need a trailer or dolly, simplifying storage and handling.
- Space-saving: Essential parts are smaller and lighter than trailers.
- Ease of use: Hooking up and unhooking is typically easier than other towing methods.
Disadvantages of Flat Towing:
- Vehicle modifications: Some vehicles require extensive modifications to be safely flat towed.
- Limited vehicle options: Not all vehicles are suitable for flat towing, and using incorrect vehicles can cause damage.
- Potential wear and tear: Continuous flat towing could lead to additional wear on your towed vehicle’s tires and transmission.
Flat Towing vs. Dolly Towing vs. Trailer Towing
Flat Towing: Involves towing a vehicle with all four wheels on the ground. It is straightforward but requires certain vehicle modifications.
Dolly Towing: Utilizes a dolly to lift the front wheels off the ground, keeping only the rear wheels touching. This method is a good alternative for vehicles that cannot be flat towed, though it requires extra equipment like a tow dolly.
Trailer Towing: Employs a full trailer that carries all four wheels of the vehicle off the ground. While very secure and versatile, it demands much more space and is typically more complex to set up compared to flat towing.
Essential Flat Towing Components
Understanding and installing the right components is crucial to ensure safe and efficient flat towing. These parts include tow bars, base plates, safety cables, braking systems, and lighting and electrical systems.
Tow Bar
The tow bar is the central part of any towing system. It connects your vehicle, known as the dinghy, to the tow vehicle. Tow bars come in different types, such as motorhome-mounted or vehicle-mounted. They vary in design, towing capacity, and mount type.
For instance, motorhome-mounted tow bars are known for their ease of use and durability. Tow bars like those from Blue Ox and Roadmaster are popular products among RVers.
Base Plate
A base plate is a custom-made frame that attaches to the dinghy vehicle, allowing the tow bar to connect securely. Each base plate kit is model-specific, ensuring an exact fit and reliable connection.
For example, products like the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit are designed to fit specific vehicles without unnecessary modifications. Always ensure your base plate is compatible with your vehicle’s make and model for a secure attachment.
Safety Cables
Safety cables act as a backup if the tow bar fails, ensuring the dinghy remains connected to the tow vehicle. These cables should be rated for the weight of the dinghy vehicle and crisscrossed when attached to prevent them from dragging the ground.
Always use high-quality, robust safety chain products to enhance towing safety. For instance, the Roadmaster Safety Cables are known for their strength and reliability.
Braking Systems
A braking system is vital for safe flat towing. There are various options, including auxiliary and supplemental braking systems.
Auxiliary braking systems, such as the Air Force One, use the motorhome’s air brakes. Meanwhile, supplemental systems like the Brake Buddy work independently to apply the dinghy’s brakes during towing.
These systems are crucial to reduce wear on the tow vehicle’s brakes and provide additional safety.
Lighting and Electrical Systems
Lighting and electrical systems ensure that the dinghy’s tail lights, brake lights, and turn signals function in sync with the tow vehicle. These systems can be a simple wiring harness or more complex setups with diodes.
Products like the CURT Towing Wiring Kit simplify the process, providing a pre-configured solution to connect your dinghy’s electrical system with your tow vehicle. Proper lighting and electrical connection are essential for road safety and legal compliance.
Vehicle Requirements and Considerations
When flat towing a vehicle, ensuring proper equipment and compliance with guidelines is crucial. Paying attention to transmission requirements, steering stability, and following manufacturer recommendations can prevent damage and assure safety.
Transmission Requirements
The vehicle’s transmission plays a vital role in flat towing. Vehicles with manual transmissions are generally easier to tow since you can set them to neutral. For automatic transmissions, you must ensure the vehicle is capable of being towed flat without risking damage.
Certain all-wheel-drive (AWD) and four-wheel-drive (4×4) models are designed to be flat towed, like the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator. These vehicles often need a transmission disconnect or special settings in the transfer case to flat tow safely.
Flat towing can damage the transmission if not done properly. Refer to your vehicle’s manual to see if flat towing is permissible and if additional equipment, such as lubrication pumps, is required to protect the transmission.
Steering and Stability
Steering stability is another critical factor in flat towing. Many vehicles require modifications to prevent the steering wheel from locking during transit.
Models like the Dodge Durango and Ford F-150 may require a steering lockout override or other modifications to maintain stable steering.
Ensuring the vehicle follows the towing path correctly helps avoid swaying or instability. It is crucial to have a solid connection with a quality tow bar and make sure the towed vehicle’s wheels are aligned properly. Incorrect alignment can cause severe tire wear and stress other vehicle components.
Manufacturer Recommendations
Always prioritize manufacturer guidelines when flat towing your vehicle. Many manufacturers provide specific instructions and limitations for models that can be flat towed.
Checking the owner’s manual or consulting the manufacturer directly can prevent costly mistakes.
Suitable candidates for flat towing typically include certain SUVs and trucks. Popular flat-towable SUVs are the Honda CR-V, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain. Trucks like the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, and Ford F-150 are also known to be suitable for this purpose.
Preparation and Connection Process
To safely flat tow a vehicle behind an RV, you need to prepare the towed vehicle and carefully connect it to the tow vehicle. Each step is crucial to ensure a secure and smooth towing experience.
Vehicle Setup
Before connecting, check your owner’s manual for specific vehicle setup instructions. Common steps include shifting the transmission to neutral and possibly disengaging the parking brake.
You may need a steering lockout override to keep the front wheels from locking up while towing. Ensure the tire pressure is correct to avoid unnecessary wear and tear on the tires while being towed.
Attachment and Safety Checks
First, align the tow vehicle and towed vehicle properly. Then, attach the tow bar to the attachment point on the towed vehicle. Secure both ends with pins and clips.
Ensure the safety cables are crossed under the tow bar before attaching them. This setup offers a backup connection in case the tow bar fails. Lastly, check each attachment point for stability before proceeding.
Post-Connection Checks
After connecting the vehicles, perform a walk-around. Make sure all connections, including safety cables, are secure and that there are no loose parts.
Verify the tow vehicle lights are functioning properly. Then, ensure that the towed vehicle is in neutral and that the steering lockout override is engaged if your setup requires it.
Completing these checks helps ensure a safe towing experience.
Driving Techniques and Tips
When flat towing a vehicle, you need to pay attention to specifics such as maneuvering, braking, and unhooking. Proper techniques ensure safety for both the tow vehicle and the towed vehicle.
Maneuvering and Turning
When maneuvering with a flat-towed vehicle, pay attention to the increased length of your setup. Practice wide turns, and be mindful of how the towed vehicle follows.
Use your mirrors frequently to keep an eye on the towed vehicle. Ensure that the tow bar remains straight, and that the towed vehicle doesn’t make unexpected movements. Avoid sharp turns as much as possible because they can cause stress on the tow bar and lead to potential alignment problems.
When navigating curves or corners, slow down before making the turn. This helps to reduce the chances of the towed vehicle straying from the desired path. Always signal your intentions well in advance to give other drivers time to react.
Braking and Deceleration
Braking while flat towing requires longer stopping distances. Therefore, maintain a safe following distance to account for the extra weight and length.
Ensure your tow vehicle’s brakes are in good condition. Check the brake lights and turn signals of both vehicles to ensure they are operating correctly. Use engine braking by downshifting when descending steep hills to avoid overheating your brakes.
If your setup includes auxiliary brake systems, make sure they are properly connected and adjusted. These systems can assist in reducing the load on your tow vehicle’s brakes, providing smoother and safer stops. Test the brakes in a controlled environment before hitting the road.
Parking and Unhooking
When you need to park, find a level and spacious area to accommodate both the tow vehicle and the towed vehicle. Engage the parking brake on the tow vehicle first.
Ensure both vehicles are stable before you start disconnecting them. Detach the tow bar and any auxiliary braking systems carefully, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Check that the towed vehicle’s parking brake is engaged before you unhook it. Store all towing equipment securely to avoid loss or damage. Practice these steps in a safe location until you are comfortable performing them on the road.
Flat Towing Legal Considerations
Flat towing involves rules and regulations that vary widely depending on whether you are towing within the United States or internationally. Understanding these rules ensures you comply with legal standards and helps prevent potential issues on the road.
State and Local Regulations
In the United States, flat towing is generally legal, but specific rules can vary from state to state. You need to be aware of these differences to avoid legal problems.
- Brake Requirements: Some states require supplemental braking systems, especially if the towed vehicle exceeds a certain weight.
- Lighting: Ensure your vehicle has proper lighting. Many states require taillights, brake lights, and turn signals on the towed vehicle.
- Tow Bars and Safety Chains: These are often mandated for safety. Always check local regulations to ensure you have the correct equipment.
Make sure to verify these regulations before planning your trip, as breaking these rules could result in fines or other penalties. Check out a comprehensive guide to towing laws for more detailed information by state.