What Are Flat Towable Cars?
Flat towable cars are vehicles that can be safely towed on a flat surface behind another vehicle, such as a motorhome or a pickup truck, without needing a trailer. Not all cars are designed to be flat towed, and it’s important to consult the vehicle’s owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer to confirm if a car can be flat towed before doing so. This is also known as four-wheels-down towing. Some manufacturers may require specific equipment or modifications for flat towing. It’s also important to note that different states and provinces may have different laws and regulations regarding flat towing.
Flat towable cars typically have a transfer case that allows the drive wheels to be disconnected from the transmission while the vehicle is being towed. This prevents damage to the transmission and allows the wheels to rotate while being towed freely. When flat towing, it’s important to ensure the vehicle is properly secured to the towing vehicle using a tow bar, safety chains, and a braking system.
To learn about flat towable cars under 3000 lbs, read further!
Flat Towable Cars Under 3000 Lbs: Our Top Picks
Flat towable cars under 3000 lbs are vehicles that can be safely towed behind an RV or motorhome without the need to install a special tow dolly or trailer. These cars are typically smaller and lighter in weight, making them easy to tow and manoeuvre.
Here is a list of top flat towable cars under 3000 pounds:
- Jeep Wrangler
- Honda CR-V
- Chevrolet Spark
- Toyota RAV4
- Dodge Grand Caravan
- Jeep Renegade
- Chevrolet Equinox
It is important to note that not all models or years of these vehicles may be flat towable, and it’s always best to check the vehicle’s owner’s manual or consult with the manufacturer before towing. Additionally, you may need to install a brake system or other equipment to make the car safe for towing.
1. Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler is a popular SUV available as a flat towable vehicle. Some of the key features of the flat towable version of the Jeep Wrangler include:
Four-Wheel Drive
Many flat towable versions of the Wrangler come with four-wheel drive, which provides added stability and traction while towing.
Towing Package
The Wrangler can be equipped with a towing package, which includes a hitch receiver and necessary wiring to make it ready for towing.
Available Manual Or Automatic Transmission
Some models of the flat towable Jeep Wrangler are available with a manual or automatic transmission, which allows for a range of towing options.
2. Honda CR-V
Honda CR-V is a smaller SUV, which makes it easy to tow and maneuver. The key features are:
Good Fuel Economy
The CR-V has good fuel economy and will not consume much gas while towing.
Good Ground Clearance
The CR-V has a good ground clearance which allows it to clear obstacles while towing on off-road terrain.
Comfortable And Spacious Interior
The CR-V is known for its comfortable and spacious interior, which makes it a popular choice for long trips.
3. Chevrolet Spark
The Chevrolet Spark is a compact car available as a flat towable vehicle. Some of the key features of the flat towable version of the Chevrolet Spark include:
Lightweight And Compact Design
The Spark is a small car, which makes it easy to tow and maneuver.
Available Manual Or Automatic Transmission
Some models of the flat towable Chevrolet Spark are available with a manual or automatic transmission, which allows for a range of towing options.
Good Fuel Economy
The Spark has good fuel economy and will not consume much gas while towing.
Low Profile Design
The Spark has a low-profile design, which makes it easy to tow and maneuver.
4. Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact crossover SUV with several features that make it flat-towable. These include:
Towing Capacity
The vehicle has a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds.
Drivetrain
Toyota RAV4 has a standard all-wheel-drive system. A four-wheel drive low range for improved towing capabilities.
Durability
It has a high-strength steel frame for added durability.
Stability
The vehicle includes a trailer sway control for improved stability when towing. Moreover, the vehicle has an integrated towing hitch receiver.
5. The Dodge Grand Caravan
The Dodge Grand Caravan is a minivan that can be flat-towed (also known as four-down towing) behind a recreational vehicle. However, certain requirements and features must be available in a Grand Caravan. These include:
Manual Transmission System
The Grand Caravan is equipped with a manual transmission. Automatic transmission models cannot be flat-towed.
Tow Feature
The Grand Caravan has a “Tow/Haul” feature, which makes the transmission neutral.
Trailer Tow Feature
The Grand Caravan must be equipped with the “Trailer Tow Group” option, which includes a heavy-duty radiator, a transmission oil cooler, and a Class II hitch receiver.
Braking System
The Grand Caravan must have the “Supplemental Brake Control System” option, which allows the brakes to be activated when the vehicle is being towed.
Certification
The Grand Caravan must be registered with the manufacturer as a flat-towable vehicle.
6. Jeep Renegade
The Jeep Renegade is a compact SUV that offers a range of features to its customers. Some of the key features of the Jeep Renegade include:
4×4 Capability
The Renegade offers a variety of 4×4 systems, including the Jeep Active Drive and Active Drive Low systems, which provide improved traction and off-road capability.
Suspension
The Renegade features independent front and rear suspension for a smooth ride on and off-road.
Engine Options
The Renegade is available with various engine options, including a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine.
Safety Features
The Renegade offers a range of safety features, including blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning.
Cargo And Towing Capacity
The Renegade has a maximum towing capacity of up to 2000 lbs, a cargo area of 18.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat, and more than 50 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.
7. Chevrolet Equinox
The Chevrolet Equinox is a compact SUV that offers a range of features to its customers. Some of the key features of the Chevrolet Equinox include:
Engine Options
The Equinox is available with various engine options, including a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and a 1.6-liter diesel engine.
Transmission
The Equinox has a nine-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and efficient shifting.
Interior Features
The Equinox offers a range of interior features, including a Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system with a large touchscreen display, a rearview camera, and available leather seating.
Safety Features
The Equinox offers a range of safety features, including lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking.
Cargo And Towing Capacity
The Equinox has a maximum towing capacity of up to 3500 lbs, a cargo area of 63.9 cubic ft. behind the rear seat, and 29.9 cubic ft. with the rear seat folded down. -Fuel economy: The Equinox has a fuel economy of up to 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway with the 1.5L Turbocharged engine.
Drivetrain
The Equinox is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
How To Differentiate Between A Flat Towable Car And A Non-Flat Towable One?
There are a few key distinctions that can help you differentiate a flat towable car from a non-flat towable car:
Owner’s Manual
The owner’s manual is the first place to check if a car can be flat towed. Most manufacturers will indicate in the manual if a car can be flat towed and what specific equipment or modifications are required.
Transmission Type
Flat towable cars typically have a manual or automatic transmission with a neutral position that allows the drive wheels to be disconnected from the transmission while the vehicle is being towed. Non-flat towable cars typically have a continuously variable transmission (CVT) or a dual-clutch transmission (DCT), which are not designed for flat towing.
Four-Wheel Drive
Many flat towable cars have a transfer case that allows the drive wheels to be disconnected from the transmission while the vehicle is being towed. Four-wheel drive vehicles are not typically flat towable because the drive shaft cannot be disconnected from the transmission.
Suspension And Braking System
Some cars have an independent suspension and braking system, which is not designed for flat towing and can cause issues with the suspension and braking system when towing.
Towing Capacity
The towing capacity of a vehicle is the maximum weight it can safely tow. Non-flat towable cars typically have a lower towing capacity than flat towable cars.
Towing Equipment
To be safely towed, flat towable cars typically require specific equipment, such as a tow bar, safety chains, and a braking system. If a car has any equipment, it is likely a flat towable car.
Final Thoughts
Several flat towable cars weigh less than 3,000 lbs, such as those mentioned above. However, not all models or trims of these cars may be flat towable, so it is important to check the vehicle’s owner’s manual or consult with the manufacturer to confirm if the vehicle can be flat towed safely. Additionally, It’s important to note that the transmission must be neutral for flat towing a vehicle, and the wheels should be choked to prevent movement when towing. And some other important steps need to be followed, such as disconnecting the battery and removing the fuses to prevent damage to the electrical system.
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