The pickup truck has been the workhorse for many people, and it is becoming more popular to flat tow them behind motorhomes. This way, you can haul your stuff with you when you go on vacation or move long distances. But what pickup trucks are able to be flat towed? We did the research to bring you the answer.
A rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive manual transmission truck is the easiest to flat tow behind a motorhome. Specifically, there are several trucks can be flat towed, including:
- Ram 1500
- Ford F-150
- Ford Ranger
- Jeep Gladiator
- Jeep Wrangler
- Chevrolet Silverado
- Chevrolet Colorado
- GMC Sierra HD
If you still have some questions about flat towing a pickup truck, don't worry. In this guide, we'll talk about what type of trucks can be towed in this manner, how they need to be set up, and some safety precautions that should be taken before attempting flat towing a vehicle. Without further ado, let's get into it!
What Pickup Trucks Can Be Flat Towed?
Most pickup trucks can be flat towed behind a motorhome. However, there are some considerations to take into account before you decide to do so.
- First, you will want to check your motorhome's specifications and see what it says about towing another vehicle behind it.
- Second, if this is something you plan on often doing (like for long trips), you should set up the truck specifically for flat-towing, including adding safety chains and other necessary items.
Lastly, please remember that any tow bar or hitch needs to be approved by your car or truck manufacturer to not void their warranty!
Ram 1500
The Ram 1500 is a popular option for those who plan to tow their truck. It also ranks at the top of all 1500 trucks thanks to its great cruising, handling, and efficiency- it's got plenty of space in that cabin too!
The manual transmission means the truck is flat-towable. So if you have a 4WD model, it's possible to flat-tow your vehicle on different adventures without speed or distance limitations!
The Ram 1500 has been a favorite for years, and this is due to their rear coil springs, which ensure an even ride, no matter what kind of terrain you're on. With models 2010-present as best choices, if you need to flat tow your truck.
Ford F-150 and Ford Ranger
The F-150 and Ford Ranger are tough, dependable workhorses that are also small enough to be an everyday driver for someone who goes camping!
A 4WD model is a must for any truck that tows behind it.
If you have an F-150 2012 or earlier, be sure to get one with a manual-shift transfer case because electronic gear will not allow transferring power from your vehicle into the other’s wheels while still being towed at full speed on public roads!
There are limitations in distance and time allowed by law (though this varies by state), so we recommend checking with your state before flat towing to ensure you are abiding by state regulations.
For example, flat towing should only happen during the neutral mode. Never have someone in the vehicle when flat towing. This could cause issues if they hit the gear shifter or worse, get into an accident.
Jeep Gladiator & Wrangler
The Gladiator is an off-road truck, just like the Wrangler. You can flat-tow it when you have an automatic or manual transmission! It's capable of towing up 7,650 pounds and carries 1,600 pounds in payload capacity.
The car doesn’t have any speed and distance restrictions, so you can bring it on your longest trips. Jeep also included some fun features, such as the fold-down windshield that will ensure all of those long drives are a breeze!
While it's technically not a truck, the Jeep Wrangler is flat towable if you prefer it to the Gladiator. In addition, the manual and automatic transmissions are great for towing behind a motorhome! Do follow all of Jeep's flat towing recommendations to ensure the safety of your Wrangler model.
Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra HD
If you need or want a heavy-duty GMC or Chevrolet, the Silverado or Sierra is good. They both can be flat towed, but they have a heavy curb weight of 6,000 to 7,000 pounds.
Keep this in mind when setting them up behind your motorhome. Check your motorhomes manual for towing capacity before considering these two trucks as your adventure getaway vehicles.
The trucks are great for flat towing, but you'll need a 4WD model and low gear. Make sure your transfer case is in neutral too!
Chevrolet Colorado
The Chevrolet Colorado is a midsized pickup that can easily tow behind your Class A or C camper.
The stable handling, comfortable cabin, and fuel-efficient engines make this truck perfect for daily commutes in busy towns where you need more than just power but also the capacity to handle it all!
Can Toyota trucks be flat towed?
Unfortunately, the Toyota trucks are not a choice for flat towing. The best option is to use them for a dolly trailer or put them on a flatbed.
Using those two options may not be ideal because it will make travel more expensive. Having to buy a trailer adds to cost especially when you consider buying the truck and motorhome on top of that!
Toyota makes several vehicles that would seem ideal as dinghies: The Land Cruiser and 4Runner come immediately to mind as well-suited roaders, but they can't do it when you need them flat towed because of their automatic transmissions.
Is Flat towing bad for your car?
Flat towing is a tough way of pulling your vehicle. All four wheels touch the pavement, which can cause drivetrain damage and other things like rust from being pulled through deep sand or snow without proper care in place before starting this process.
Nonetheless, flat towing is the most convenient option. Not having to buy a trailer will save on overall expenses. However, there may be more wear and tear on your vehicle than normal when flat towing. You may also damage the transmission.
Do not exceed posted speed limits for your vehicle!
Avoid rough roads and hot weather if possible, as it can really put a lot of wear on both vehicles without proper care in place before starting this process.
That being said, flat towing is one way you have the freedom to travel with your vehicle, so it is essential to learn about it how to do it safely.
Can you reverse when flat towing?
According to Etrailer, you will need to unhook your vehicle before reversing. If you attempt to reverse when flat towing, you will likely cause damage to your truck! Make sure to use a spotter when reversing if you choose this option.
Taking the time to unhook the trailer may be a pain. In this case, try to find a parking spot where you can pull in moving forward. Several campgrounds have these options for the convenience of motorhomes.
Can you pull a truck behind an RV?
Yes! You can tow the truck options we gave above behind an RV. However, you really need to make sure your RV can handle the weight.
The trucks like the Ram 1500, Ford 150, GMC Sierra, and Chevrolet Silverado are heavier. The heavier the truck, the more stress it will put on the RV or motorhome. In this case, check out the Ford Ranger or Chevy Colorado. They are both lighter in weight than a half-ton truck.
Why Can't All Trucks Be Flat Towed?
One of the most common problems with trucks is in their transmissions. You might have a 4WD that can go off-road, but some of them can't be taken with you behind a motorhome.
Most vehicles now are CVTs, which means they cannot handle being towed like this. In addition, continuous variable torque makes them too risky for heavy use, such as hauling things back home or commercial transportation needs.
The problem lies in the lubrication of your vehicle. For example, Toyota uses a pump that continuously lubes up parts during operation only.
This means when flat towing, the trucks don't have enough lubrication to the parts. Without proper oiling, these systems can damage themselves faster than normal.
Manual transmissions can be flat towed, but that number goes down significantly each year. So it is best to stick with the trucks that the manufacturers say can be flat towed. This mainly includes the trucks in this article.
Final Thoughts
The trucks that are good for flat towing typically have manual transmissions. If you want a truck with an automatic transmission, it is best to stick with the trucks we've recommended.
It's also important not to exceed posted speed limits or drive through rough roads without proper care in place before starting this process. This will help avoid any wear or tear on your vehicle while traveling safely behind a motorhome!
If you like this article, you should also read:
Can You Flat Tow A Buick Encore?
Can A Subaru Outback Be Flat Towed?
Do you flat tow your truck? Let us know what you use below!
Bill King
Saturday 29th of January 2022
Good information! Can a 2008 F-250 Super Duty, 6.4 Diesel, automatic transmission truck be flat towed?