📋 Quick Facts
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Flat towing (also called "four-down" or "dinghy towing") connects all four wheels of the towed car to the road through a tow bar. Dolly towing loads the front wheels onto a small two-wheel dolly so they rotate, and the rear wheels roll on the ground. Which to use depends almost entirely on your towed vehicle.
⚠ AWD cannot be flat towed or dolliedTrue AWD vehicles (Subaru, Audi quattro, most CUVs) cannot be flat-towed AND cannot be dolly-towed without lifting both axles - that means a full trailer, not a dolly. Confirm in the owner's manual before assuming.
📝 Step-by-Step
- Flat tow basicsTow bar (Blue Ox, Roadmaster, Demco) bolts to a base plate on the towed vehicle. Whole car rolls on its own wheels. Lighter setup, no separate trailer to store, drives almost invisibly behind the RV.
- Dolly tow basicsA two-wheel dolly carries the front wheels of the towed vehicle. Most FWD cars can dolly-tow. Easier to find a compatible vehicle, but dolly itself is bulky and requires parking and registration in most states.
- Vehicle compatibility - flat towMany manual-transmission cars can flat tow. Among automatics: most Jeep Wrangler/Gladiator (4WD with proper transfer case in neutral), Ford F-150 (4x4 with neutral tow procedure), select Chevy 1500s, and a handful of others. Check the owner's manual - "Recreational Towing."
- Vehicle compatibility - dollyFWD car: yes. AWD car: NO (drivetrain damage). 4WD with disconnect-able rear: yes. Rear wheels stay on the ground and must be free-spinning.
- CostFlat tow: base plate $300-$700 + tow bar $1,200-$2,500 + braking system $1,000-$1,500. Dolly: $1,500-$2,800 for a decent dolly with brakes. Flat tow has higher up-front cost but no storage/registration hassle.
- Braking systemsBoth setups need a supplemental braking system on the towed vehicle (legally required in most states). Air Force One, RVi3, and Brake Buddy are the popular options.
- ManeuverabilityFlat tow: cannot back up at all - the towed car's steering will turn and you cannot recover. Plan routes to avoid backing. Dolly: also cannot back up.
- WearFlat tow: drivetrain spins, transmission fluid circulates (if required by procedure). Some vehicles need to be started and run periodically. Dolly: zero wear on the towed vehicle.
🔗 Related Towing Guides
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest car to flat tow?
Jeep Wrangler 4-door, hands down. Drop the transfer case into neutral, ignition to ACC, and tow. It is why the Wrangler is the #1 RV "toad" by a huge margin.
Can I flat tow a Honda CR-V?
No (since 2015). Most modern automatic-transmission unibody crossovers cannot be flat towed without drivetrain damage. Use a dolly (FWD only) or a full trailer.
Do I need a supplemental brake system?
Most states legally require one above 3,000 lb towed weight. Even where not required, the motorhome alone often cannot stop a 3,500-4,500 lb toad in an emergency.
How fast can I drive flat-towed?
Most tow bars and base plates are rated to 65 mph. Some are 70-75. Read the manual. Above the rating you risk separation in an evasive maneuver.
Can I dolly-tow a RWD car?
Yes if the driveshaft can be disconnected, or with a vehicle-specific dolly that supports the rear. Most people use a full trailer for RWD cars instead.
What about a full trailer vs flat tow or dolly?
A full trailer eliminates all wear on the towed vehicle, allows AWD vehicles, and lets you back up. Trade-off: 2,000-3,500 lb of trailer weight, much higher cost, and storage. Best for valuable or sensitive vehicles.