Bringing all the comforts of home with you while you travel is an enticing idea. Staying in picturesque locations surrounded by nature, with a kitchen and bed readily available, is almost ideal.
While the concept of taking your home with you sounds wonderful, challenges arise when you need to run errands, such as grocery shopping, or wish to enjoy a scenic drive that isn’t suited for a large RV.
This is where understanding the best cars to tow behind an RV becomes beneficial.
Having a smaller vehicle like a car, SUV, or truck on hand means you won’t have to navigate crowded city streets, waste gas driving a larger vehicle, or struggle to find a suitable parking spot for your RV.
Before selecting the right vehicle to tow behind your RV, there are some key factors to consider.
Things to Know about Towing a Vehicle
Having a towed vehicle, often referred to as a “toad,” allows you to explore without needing to pack up and ensure everything is securely stored in your RV each time you wish to go somewhere.
There are two main methods for towing a vehicle, as explained by Edmunds. The first option is using a two- or four-wheeled tow dolly, which allows you to tow almost any vehicle, though it’s not very common.
The second option is flat-towing, where all four wheels of the vehicle are on the ground, and no dolly is required.
Flat-towing is the preferred method; however, it’s important to note that not all cars are suitable for this kind of towing. Cars with manual transmissions can typically be flat-towed.
But if you’re considering a vehicle with an automatic transmission an increasingly common choice you’ll need to confirm whether flat-towing is feasible.
Roaming Times advises that you can usually find this information in a vehicle’s owner’s manual.
It also suggests that determining the type of vehicle you wish to tow first will help you narrow down your options and avoid sifting through countless manuals.
Vehicles that feature either rear-wheel drive with a manual transmission or four-wheel drive with a manual transfer case (which can be put in neutral) are generally able to be flat-towed.
While there are methods to make flat-towing possible for automatic transmission vehicles, doing so can be costly and challenging to maintain.
Many RV dealers can install the necessary equipment to prepare your vehicle for flat-towing. This can include:
- Driveshaft decouplers
- Lubrication pumps
However, opting for a vehicle that is factory-ready for towing is always the best choice. Be aware, as RVshare warns, that just because a vehicle model from one year is capable of being flat-towed, this may not apply to newer versions of the same model.
For example, the Ford Escape was redesigned in 2013 and could no longer be flat-towed, despite being a popular choice for towing before that.
Naturally, certain cars, trucks, and SUVs are more desirable for towing than others. Some of these include:
1. Jeep Wrangler
If you’ve seen many RVs on the road, you’ve likely noticed a Jeep Wrangler being towed behind them.
The Wrangler is one of the most popular choices for a tow vehicle, largely due to its straightforward flat-tow setup and compact size.
When flat-towed, the Wrangler has no speed limit or distance restrictions, meaning you can drive a bit faster and farther with this vehicle attached.
Additionally, the Wrangler can be towed with either a manual or automatic transmission, giving you more flexibility when choosing the model.
2. Ford F-150
From 2009 to 2018, Ford made the F-150 an ideal vehicle for towing behind a Class A motorhome. It offers the perfect size for a tow vehicle while also providing extra space for transporting bikes, camping gear, and more.
To ensure your F-150 is suitable for flat-towing, it must have four-wheel drive.
Additionally, any F-150 made before 2012 must be equipped with a manual-shift transfer case, as recreational towing is not allowed with vehicles that have an electronic-shift transfer case.
Like the Jeep Wrangler, the F-150 has no speed limit or distance restrictions.
3. Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon
The Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon are mid-size trucks that work well as tow vehicles behind both Class A and Class C motorhomes.
These trucks offer ample space, allowing you to bring the whole family on your journey.
GMC outfits every Canyon with a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup delivers a total output of 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. Rear-wheel drive comes standard, while four-wheel drive is offered as an option.
If you decide to flat-tow one of these trucks, make sure it has four-wheel drive and is equipped with a two-speed transfer case that includes a low four-wheel-drive setting and can be shifted into neutral.
These trucks are great options for long-distance towing, as they have no speed or distance restrictions.
4. Ram 1500
The 2010 to 2018 Ram 1500 is a solid option to consider for your flat-tow vehicle. It offers a smoother, more comfortable ride compared to other half-ton pickups, thanks to its unique rear coil springs.
As with many tow vehicles, only four-wheel-drive models are suitable for towing, which means off-roading can become part of your adventure.
Additionally, the Ram 1500 is a great daily driver, offering plenty of conveniences that make it an excellent choice for both towing and everyday use.
5. Chevrolet Spark
For those seeking a lightweight car to tow behind their RV, the Chevrolet Spark is one of the lightest options available.
As a hatchback, it provides ample room for storing the essentials, whether you’re heading to the beach or going on a special picnic.
When you don’t want to be entirely disconnected from the world, Blue Ox points out that this car comes with a built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot.
It also boasts excellent fuel efficiency, making it ideal for longer trips away from your RV.
Bring your “home” with you on your next vacation and hook up your tow vehicle, allowing you to explore and enjoy your adventure as much as you like.
Whether you’re sightseeing, running errands, or simply having fun, your tow vehicle will help make the experience both enjoyable and unforgettable.
