Motorhome owners know the hassle of breaking camp to grab groceries or visit a local restaurant. That’s why towing a second vehicle—often called a toad or dinghy—makes sense. But some cars are better for towing behind a motorhome than others. Let’s find out what makes the best vehicle to tow behind an RV.
Key Takeaways
- Towing Methods & Compatibility: RVers can tow vehicles using three primary methods—flat towing, dolly towing, and trailer towing—each requiring compatibility with the vehicle’s drivetrain and transmission; not all cars are suitable for all methods.
- Towing Capacity & Vehicle Selection: Choosing a toad depends on your motorhome’s towing capacity; keeping the towed vehicle’s curb weight below 80% of that capacity to reduce wear and improve fuel economy is advised.
- Best Vehicle Types: Small sedans, compact SUVs, and select trucks are popular toads, especially those with manual transmissions or 4WD systems with neutral transfer cases for flat towing, with specific curb weight data provided for various 2025 models.
Can You Tow Any Vehicle Behind a Motorhome?
The vehicles you can tow behind a motorhome depend on your preferred method of towing. There are three commonly used methods:
- Trailer towing (the entire vehicle on a vehicle trailer)
- Dolly towing (two wheels on a tow dolly)
- Flat towing (aka four-down towing)
Trailer Towing
Theoretically, you can tow any vehicle behind a motorhome on a trailer. However, your motorhome must be rated to tow the combined weight of your vehicle and trailer, and the trailer must be capable of safely carrying your vehicle’s weight.
Dolly Towing
Dolly towing works well for front-wheel-drive vehicles. You simply connect the dolly to your motorhome’s hitch receiver, drive the front wheels onto it, and secure them. Since the rear wheels spin freely on a front-wheel-drive vehicle, this method works for any car with that type of drivetrain.
Flat Towing
Flat towing requires the most research to know if it’s safe for your vehicle and compatible with your setup. Since all four wheels are on the ground, flat towing typically requires a car with an unlockable or manual transmission. At its simplest, the flat-towed vehicle must be placed in “Neutral” for safe flat towing, and not all cars with an automatic transmission offer this capability.
Still, your options for flat towing include sedans, SUVs, and trucks. Of course, smaller, lighter cars put less strain on your motorhome. Towing a lighter vehicle also improves your fuel economy and gives you a more fuel-efficient option when exploring from your motorhome basecamp.
How To Know What Your Motorhome Can Tow
Beyond choosing your towing method (flat, dolly, or trailer), selecting a toad depends on your motorhome’s towing capacity. Even some of the smallest Class C motorhomes are rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds. Larger diesel pushers and more robust Class C campers can tow 8,000 pounds or more.
Start by checking your motorhome’s towing capacity. From there, identify a vehicle that weighs less than that capacity and suits your towing method. If you have a car you hope to tow, check its curb weight next.
Curb weight is a vehicle’s weight when it’s ready to be driven, including all necessary fluids and accounting for a full gas tank. It does not include cargo or passenger weight, but most manufacturers recommend flat towing without any additional cargo loaded into the towed vehicle.
While the DOT recommends using GVWR for hitch and tow vehicle choices, in the case of a toad, the vehicle isn’t hauling any cargo; it is the cargo. You must know the exact weight of your towed vehicle (toad) to ensure it remains under your RV’s towing capacity.
Technician Tip: Many experienced owners will try to keep their towed vehicle’s weight below roughly 80% of their motorhome’s towing capacity. This reduces wear and tear on the engine, drivetrain, suspension, and other components.
What Is the Best Vehicle to Tow Behind an RV?
Explore sedans, SUVs, and trucks for the three common motorhome towing methods below. The rated curb weights are estimates for the 2025 model year.
Technician Tip: Consult the vehicle’s manufacturer to double-check the curb weight for your specific year, make, model, and trim. Also, confer with the vehicle manufacturer about your intended towing method to ensure it won’t void any existing vehicle warranties.
Small Cars
Small sedans are great secondary vehicles for trailer or dolly towing (FWD models only). Unless specifically stated by the manufacturer, most sedans cannot be flat towed unless they have a manual transmission. However, the combined weight of a sedan and a vehicle trailer may still work for your motorhome.
Once you reach your destination, small cars are especially great for RVers who love exploring urban environments, as they offer the most flexibility to fit in tight parking spots and navigate narrow streets. Here are some of the best small vehicles to tow behind a motorhome:
| Sedans for Dolly or Trailer Towing | Curb Weight (lbs.) |
| Toyota Yaris iA | Up to 2,385 |
| Honda Fit | Up to 2,577 |
| Nissan Versa | Up to 2,717 |
| Hyundai Elantra | Up to 3,020 |
| Chevrolet Malibu | Up to 3,223 |
| Kia K4 | Up to 3,283 |
| Ford Mustang | Up to 3,933 |
This list isn’t exhaustive. Furthermore, if your primary goal is to use the car as a toad and you’re on a budget, consider shopping for a used model. However, if you also plan to use it as a daily driver, a newer vehicle with a higher trim level may be worth the investment. Small cars can be excellent everyday vehicles with many features and amenities, while also fitting your motorhome towing needs if you’re set on trailer or dolly towing.
Smaller Crossovers and SUVs
You may tow smaller SUVs and crossovers with a trailer or dolly, but this segment also offers models for flat towing. For that method, look for models or trim packages with a manual transmission or transfer case that shifts into neutral. Front-wheel-drive models will work well for dolly towing.
Whether you tow flat or on a dolly or trailer, SUVs are great for campers who need extra seating capacity or love exploring off-road from their RV basecamp. Still, SUVs allow you to retain the easy maneuverability and parking flexibility you get with a sedan. Here are some good options:
| SUVs for Flat Towing | Curb Weight (lbs.) |
| GMC Terrain | Up to 3,598 |
| Chevrolet Equinox | Up to 3,629 |
| Buick Envision | Up to 4,085 |
| Chevrolet Blazer | Up to 4,313 |
| GMC Acadia | Up to 4,502 |
| Buick Enclave | Up to 4,537 |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | Up to 4,784 |
| Chevrolet Traverse | Up to 4,793 |
| Ford Bronco | Up to 4,945 |
| Jeep Wrangler | Up to 5,268 |
| Dodge Durango | Up to 5,575 |
If you own an SUV with a manual transmission or transfer case, check your motorhome’s towing capacity and find the right parts for flat towing safely.
| SUVs for Dolly or Trailer Towing | Curb Weight (lbs.) |
| Nissan Kicks | Up to 3,252 |
| Hyundai Kona | Up to 3,505 |
| Mazda CX-3 | Up to 3,527 |
| Ford Bronco Sport | Up to 3,707 |
| Toyota RAV4 | Up to 3,775 |
| Kia Sportage | Up to 3,809 |
| Ford Escape | Up to 3,904 |
| Honda CR-V | Up to 3,926 |
Owners of front-wheel drive vehicles who wish to tow them behind an RV will need the right towing dolly. Others must consider whether the combined weight of their ideal SUV and a vehicle trailer will remain below their camper’s towing capacity.
Larger SUVs
Due to their higher curb weights, larger sport utility vehicles are less suited to dolly or trailer towing. So, we’ll focus on models designed for flat towing. Not all trim packages may be flat towed. You’ll need a manual transmission or a 4WD model with a transfer case that allows you to place the vehicle in neutral for flat towing.
Here are the curb weights for some of the best larger SUVs for flat towing:
| Vehicle | Curb Weight (lbs.) |
| Ford Expedition | Up to 5,794 |
| Chevrolet Tahoe | Up to 5,845 |
| GMC Yukon | Up to 5,868 |
| Lincoln Navigator | Up to 6,023 |
| Chevrolet Suburban | Up to 6,051 |
Compact and Half-Ton Trucks
Like bigger SUVs, compact and half-ton trucks aren’t ideal for dolly or trailer towing, except with larger diesel or Super C motorhomes. Please note that not all trim packages may be flat towed.. Only models with a manual transmission or 4WD models with a transfer case that allows the truck to be shifted into neutral should be flat towed.
Here are the best trucks with trim packages designed for flat towing:
| Vehicle | Curb Weight (lbs.) |
| GMC Canyon | Up to 4,840 |
| Chevrolet Colorado | Up to 4,910 |
| Jeep Gladiator | Up to 5,031 |
| Ford Ranger | Up to 5,325 |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | Up to 5,710 |
| Ford F-150 | Up to 5,863 |
| GMC Sierra 1500 | Up to 5,890 |
| Ram 1500 | Up to 6,283 |
Want to learn more about dinghy towing? Check out these resources:
Do you currently tow a vehicle behind your RV? Leave a comment letting us know what model you have and what tips you’d share with other RV owners.
I USED A 2008 CHEROLET MALIBU THRU 2020. COMFORTABLE RIDE. FOUND A GIZMO( GOT IT FROM SOMEONE IN CANADA THAT TURNED THE ODOMETER OFF. GREAT RIDE–COMFORTABLE.
I AM SURE SOMEONE MAY REMEMBER IT ETC.
GOT RID OF THE CAR –NOW I AM SORRY I DID.
We flat tow a 2019 Chevy Equinox with the 2.0L turbo. You must check your owner’s manual because not all can be flat towed.
We got 2 electric assist bikes, (Lectric). We got a rack for the back but they also fold in half if you have the storage room. If you use assist lvl1 you can get about a 45 mile range. Nice to know you have the power when needed and human power for added distance and if you run out – never happened so far. Couple of saddle bags and we’re set for supply runs and sight seeing.
We have a 26 foot class C and a 2005 PTCruiser(manual trans) that works perfect with all 4 on the ground. Small toad and seats 4 large adults. Works great with lots of room and you don’t know its even being toad. Super good and easy!!!!!
What about a Smart Car,or a motor trike?
Planning on purchasing a buick encore gx awd which Buick says can be flat towed. Would like your opinion
I owned a Ford Excape all wheel drive. The owner’s manual stated it could be towed all wheels down. I call Ford corporate office and confirmed with them to tow all four wheels down. I found out the hard way it cannot be towed all four wheels down for more than a few hours without stopping and driving the Excape to lubricate to transmission. I drove for 8 hours and burned up the transmission. The Ford corporation did not explain to me that a transmission cooler was needed to be added at an extra cost before towing an all wheel drive vehicle. So double check to see if an aftermarket cooler will need to be added. My cost to replace transmission was $3,500.00.
Very good article! My husband and I are considering a C Class and have talked about what we would tow. We own a KIA Optima and a VW Jetta. Which of these 2 would you recommend? Our thought is the Jetta . We look forward to hearing from you. Enjoy your weekend!
Perhaps take a look at the Fiat Pop..Standard transmission. Only think to remember is to put it in neutral. Ignition does not need to be turned on, keys do not need to be in the car. Steering wheel does not lock so no need to worry.
I’ve been towing one for years with ZERO problems..Love it, Love it, Love it.
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokeee, 4×4 Limited.
We found out that the new 2021 Chevy Trailblazer AWD can be dingy towed. We are buying one. Nobody makes a base plate for it yet but a company I called will soon. The Buick Encore GX AWD (2020) can also be towed. Finally a new car that is reasonably priced !
I have towed a Honda CRV and Honda Pilot for a lot of years. I believe any Honda (except their pickup ) can be towed four down. Only need to go from park down to drive, then up to neutral, turn key to accessory, and ready to go. You also should have a battery disconnect so it doesn’t die (ask me how I know!). I also use a Brake Buddy. My only problem with towing is the inability to turnaround easily after missing an exit. Hard as I try, it still happens occasionally (And the Co-pilot pretends to be asleep.)
Besides Jeep there is another 4WD/ AWD manual trans vehicle that can be towed 4 down without removing fuses or doing anything more than putting it in neutral and going. And the speedo doesn’t record miles, either. You missed the 2006 – 2014 Suzuki SX4 in this article. Been my pulling a 2011 for over 50,000 miles since it was new (speedo now shows it as a low mileage car with just 30K in the ticker). Never been in a shop, either.
We’d like to use our current vehicle as our tow, but it’s all wheel drive. Is there a way to use it?
You better tell your readers to read the owners manual. Not all vehicles are suited for recreational towing.
What if you don’t want to tow what are the travel options?
Thanks Ken!
Ahh, that makes sense. Thanks for the info!
We’ve got the FWD model. Owner’s manual says not to exceed 65MPH and at the beginning and ending of each day, and at all fuel stops, the engine should be run 5 minutes to lube transmission parts.
Hey Ed, from the info you shared in your comment (the link goes nowhere, sorry), I’m only seeing speed referenced. Not mileage. You should never actually go faster than the advised speed here (70mph) in an RV, so that shouldn’t be an issue. RV travel is best done at 65 mph. That’s what the tires are typically rated for, 70 mph is pushing it. So, this Buick would be fine.
Hey John, is that the FWD one or the AWD one? I’m curious.
I do not have this vehicle but see page 318 of the owners manual as I’m interested in this topic as this seems like a reasonable option. When asking about other AWD vehicles I’m told to be careful about consistent miles driven daily as in not to exceed ‘x’ miles per day. I see no reference to this recommendation in the manual.
https://www.buick.com/bypass/pcf/gma-content-api/resources/sites/GMA/content/staging/MANUALS/5000/MA5441/en_US/3.0/22_BUI_Encore_GX_OM_en_US_U_84783953B_2021JUN07_2P.pdf
To dinghy tow the vehicle from the front with all four wheels on the ground:
1. Position the vehicle behind the tow vehicle, lining it up with the tow bar.
2. Leave the vehicle running. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
3. Apply the parking brake to prevent vehicle rollaway.
4. Connect the vehicle to the tow bar hardware.
5. Release the parking brake.
6. Leave the transmission in N (Neutral) and turn the vehicle off. You may hear a continuous chime, which is normal.
7. Open the hood and disconnect the negative battery terminal. See Battery – North America 0 274.
8. Cover the negative battery post with a non-conductive material to prevent any contact with the negative battery terminal.
Caution: If 113 km/h (70 mph) is exceeded while towing the vehicle, it could be damaged. Never exceed 113 km/h (70 mph) while towing the vehicle.
To disconnect the towed vehicle:
1. Park on a level surface.
2. Make sure that the ignition is off.
3. Remove any tape, glue, or excess material from the negative battery post.
4. Connect the battery. See “Negative Battery Cable Reconnection” under Battery – North America 0 274.
5. Apply the parking brake.
6. Disconnect the vehicle from the tow vehicle.
7. Release the parking brake.
We towed a Smart For 2 four down for almost 10,000 miles behind a 32’ B+. Had to have a tow bar installed in Smart. There was a simple series of steps, including disconnecting the battery to prep to tow. Made checklist. Wife and I could hook or unhook in < 10 min. Perfect. Couldn’t carry much, but RV doesn’t have much storage. Drove Smart from Phoenix to San Diego (& back) while RV in shop. Fun little car. Took two roller bags, two backpacks, two computer bags and our boots. AOK.
Solera 2015/Mercedes Sprinter towing a 2009 Smart Car 4 down. Front wheel tire wear have been a MAJOR problem; alignment did not help a bit. I’m carrying 2 spares – destroyed 2 new ones on a less than 1000 mile trip driving approx. 55 Mph !! One tire down to the metal destroying plastic underneath; bodyshop parts and labor was $401 in AZ.
Electric bikes are becoming more affordable and have greater range.
You would have to find public transportation or pack up your rig and drive it where you want to go.
Or you can put a bike rack on the back of your motorhome. The more fit you are, the better range you have for your outings. If you’re in a large city, it might be easier just to use the bus/train/lyft.
I’ve also seen hitch racks that can hold a motorcycle (not a Harley, but a smaller bike), then you have a much large range.
Buy a small rv and revel in the fact that you can back up and turn around easily. Rent a car when you need to. Uber and Lyft are expanding widely too. I’ve fulltimed in my 21’ Phoenix Cruiser with no car and it’s quite doable. Yes, there are disadvantages and compromises, but there are disadvantages and compromises to towing as well.
If the manufacturer says it can be flat towed, then go for it.
Thanks for that TIP
Hey Janice, it depends on the vehicle. Start with the owner’s manual. If you can’t find an answer there, talk with your local mechanic or service center to see if it’s okay to tow without damaging it. If you can’t tow your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground, a towing dolly might help, but again it depends on the vehicle.
Excellent point. I’ve added in some information about that.