Key takeaways
- The vehicle manufacturer decides, not the tow bar maker.
- Approval can depend on year, trim, drivetrain, and transmission.
- Check the owner's manual before buying any equipment.
Why some vehicles can't be flat towed
When a vehicle rolls with the engine off, parts of the drivetrain can turn without proper lubrication or can be forced to spin against components that are not designed for it. Depending on the design, that can damage the transmission, transfer case, or other parts. Vehicles that are approved include a method, such as a neutral setting for the transfer case, that lets the wheels roll without turning damaged parts.
How to confirm a vehicle is approved
- Read the owner's manual. Look for a section called recreational towing, dinghy towing, or flat towing, and follow it for your exact model year, engine, and transmission.
- Confirm the exact configuration. Approval can depend on trim, drivetrain, and transmission. Two versions of the same model can differ.
- Ask the manufacturer or dealer. If the manual is unclear, get the answer in writing when possible.
- Check the base plate catalog. A base plate being available for a vehicle does not by itself mean it is approved for flat towing.
Drivetrain basics
- Four-wheel-drive vehicles with a neutral transfer case are often approved, using a specific neutral procedure from the manual.
- Manual transmissions are often easier to approve than automatics, but the manual decides.
- Front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive automatics are frequently not approved for four-down towing.
- Vehicles with continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) and many hybrids and electric vehicles are commonly not approved. Check the manual.
These are general patterns, not guarantees. Always follow the manual for your vehicle.
Limits that may apply
Some manuals specify a maximum speed or daily distance for flat towing, require running the engine periodically, or call for a fuse change or battery disconnect. Follow those directions exactly. For a model-specific example, see our Jeep Wrangler flat towing guide.
If your vehicle is not approved
Look at a tow dolly or car trailer, or choose a different dinghy.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a list of flat towable vehicles?
Several publishers release annual guides, but they can be wrong or out of date. Use them as a starting point and confirm with the owner's manual.
Can I flat tow an automatic?
Some automatics are approved and many are not. The owner's manual for your exact model decides.
Can I flat tow an electric vehicle?
Most are not approved for four-down towing. Check the manual and consider a trailer.
This page is general information. Always follow your vehicle owner's manual, equipment instructions, and the laws of the states and provinces you travel through.