Flat towing means towing a vehicle behind an RV with all four wheels on the ground, which Chevrolet calls dinghy towing. For 2026, Ford’s and Chevrolet’s own towing guides list which models qualify. GM’s 2026 chart lists the Chevy Equinox as not flat-towable.
Last updated: September 27, 2026
Chuck Price has 35+ years of RV camping experience and owns a 2018 Hymer Aktiv Class B.
Always follow the owner’s manual for your specific vehicle and model year before you tow it. GM tells owners to review the Dinghy Towing section of the Owner’s Manual before flat-towing, in its 2026 Trailering Guide. Ford says individual vehicles have different restrictions and towing procedures, and it sends owners to the owner’s manual or a Ford dealer for complete details (Ford 2026 RV and Trailer Towing Guide). This page covers the 2026 model year only, from maker documents opened September 27, 2026.
- Must know: GM’s 2026 chart lists the Equinox and Equinox EV as No in every drivetrain (GM).
- Trip killers: Ford says AWD/4WD vehicles cannot be towed with 2 wheels lifted, and Jeep says not to dolly tow any 4WD vehicle.
- Best for: Owners of 2026 Ford, Chevrolet, Jeep Wrangler or Jeep Gladiator models who want the maker’s own answer.
- Confirm before you go: Read your owner’s manual and check the brake statute in each state on your route.
What flat towing means and who decides
Check the vehicle maker’s own documents to learn whether a model can be flat towed. Chevrolet says some vehicles can be towed behind an RV with all four wheels on the ground, and it tells owners to check the Owner’s Manual for vehicle-specific capability (Chevrolet towing support). The answer can change by drivetrain, and the setup can change by transmission. Ford notes that four-wheel-down towing is sometimes referred to as “Flat Tow” or “Flat Towing” in its 2026 towing guide.
Your motorhome’s ratings still apply. GM warns owners not to exceed the towing vehicle’s ratings, such as the Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR), by adding the weight of the dinghy-towed vehicle (GM 2026 Trailering Guide). For more on towing from the motorhome side, see our guide to safe trailer towing.
Aftermarket kits are a warranty question. Ford says some aftermarket camper centers offer kits which may allow vehicles with automatic transmissions to be flat-towed (Ford). Ford also tells owners to check the new vehicle Warranty Guide, “as this could void the warranty of your vehicle.”
2026 Chevrolet flat towing chart
GM’s 2026 Trailering Guide lists which Chevrolets can be dinghy-towed with four wheels down. The chart shows vehicles that can be towed “without a dolly or trailer and with all four wheels on the ground,” per GM’s 2026 guide, page 47. The same model can be Yes in one drivetrain and No in another. The chart covers the 2026 model year only. For example, the 2026 Colorado 4×4 is Yes only with the available 2-speed transfer case.
| Model year and model | 2WD | 4×4/4WD/e4WD | AWD/eAWD |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Blazer | Yes | N/A | Yes |
| 2026 Blazer EV | No | N/A | No |
| 2026 Camaro | No | N/A | N/A |
| 2026 Colorado | No | Yes, requires available 2-speed transfer case | N/A |
| 2026 Corvette | No | N/A | N/A |
| 2026 Equinox | No | N/A | No |
| 2026 Equinox EV | No | N/A | No |
| 2026 Express | No | N/A | N/A |
| 2026 Malibu | No | N/A | N/A |
| 2026 Silverado 1500 | No | Yes, requires available 2-speed transfer case | N/A |
| 2026 Silverado EV | No | No | N/A |
| 2026 Silverado HD | No | Yes, requires available 2-speed transfer case | N/A |
| 2026 Suburban | No | Yes, requires available 2-speed transfer case | N/A |
| 2026 Tahoe | No | Yes, requires available 2-speed transfer case | N/A |
| 2026 Trailblazer | No | N/A | Yes |
| 2026 Traverse | No | N/A | No |
| 2026 Trax | Yes | N/A | N/A |
GM says, “Towed vehicles (or dollies or trailers carrying them) should have a separate functional braking system.” GM gives no model-specific towing steps in the chart and sends owners to the Owner’s Manual.
2026 Chevy Equinox: not flat-towable
GM’s 2026 chart lists the Equinox as No for both 2WD and AWD/eAWD (GM 2026 Trailering Guide). The 2026 Equinox EV is also No in both drivetrains.
Chevrolet trucks: 4×4 with the 2-speed transfer case only
GM’s 2026 guide states, “Rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive trucks should not be dinghy-towed” (GM). That sentence and the chart agree. For the 2026 Colorado, Silverado 1500 and Silverado HD, the chart lists every 2WD row as No and prints N/A in the AWD/eAWD row. Their only Yes rows are 4×4/4WD/e4WD, each marked “Requires available 2-speed transfer case.” The 2026 Silverado EV is No in its 2WD and 4×4/4WD/e4WD rows. The same footnote applies to the 2026 Suburban and Tahoe 4×4 rows. Check which transfer case your vehicle has before you tow.
2026 Ford four-wheel-down chart
Ford’s 2026 RV and Trailer Towing Guide shows which cars, trucks and SUVs can be towed with all four wheels down. The chart splits each 2026 model by transmission, automatic or manual (Ford 2026 guide, page 48, revised 03-10-26). It covers the 2026 model year only. For example, the 2026 Maverick is No, while the 2026 Maverick Hybrid is Yes.
| Model year and model | Automatic | Manual | Ford notes, spelled out |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Mustang, all models | No | No | None |
| 2026 Mustang Mach-E | No | N/A | None |
| 2026 E-Transit | No | N/A | None |
| 2026 Bronco Sport | No | N/A | None |
| 2026 Escape | No | N/A | None |
| 2026 Escape Hybrid | Yes | N/A | Notes 1, 2, 3: 70 mph maximum, Neutral Tow mode, engine run schedule |
| 2026 Escape Plug-in Hybrid | Yes | N/A | Notes 1, 2, 3: 70 mph maximum, Neutral Tow mode, engine run schedule |
| 2026 Bronco | Yes | Yes | Automatic: notes 3 and 4, engine run schedule and transfer case neutral tow position. Manual: note 4, transfer case neutral tow position |
| 2026 Explorer | No | N/A | None |
| 2026 Expedition/Expedition MAX 4×2 | No | N/A | None |
| 2026 Expedition/Expedition MAX 4×4 | Yes | N/A | Notes 4 and 5: transfer case neutral tow position, 2-speed transfer case required |
| 2026 Maverick | No | N/A | None |
| 2026 Maverick Hybrid | Yes | N/A | Notes 1, 2, 3: 70 mph maximum, Neutral Tow mode, engine run schedule |
| 2026 Maverick Hybrid 4×4 | Yes | N/A | Notes 1, 2, 3: 70 mph maximum, Neutral Tow mode, engine run schedule |
| 2026 Ranger 4×2 | No | N/A | None |
| 2026 Ranger 4×4 | Yes | N/A | Notes 4 and 5: transfer case neutral tow position, 2-speed transfer case required |
| 2026 F-150 Pickup 4×2 | No | N/A | None |
| 2026 F-150 Pickup 4×4 | Yes | N/A | Notes 4 and 5: transfer case neutral tow position, 2-speed transfer case required |
| 2026 F-150 Raptor Pickup 4×4 | Yes | N/A | Notes 4 and 5: transfer case neutral tow position, 2-speed transfer case required |
| 2026 F-250/350/450/550/600 Super Duty 4×2 | No | N/A | None |
| 2026 F-250/350/450/550/600 Super Duty 4×4 | Yes | N/A | Notes 4 and 5: transfer case neutral tow position, 2-speed transfer case required |
| 2026 Transit | No | N/A | None |
| 2026 E-Series Cutaway/Stripped Chassis | No | N/A | None |
Ford states that individual vehicles have different restrictions and towing procedures (Ford). Ford tells owners to refer to the vehicle owner’s manual or contact a Ford dealer for complete details.
Ford hybrids: Neutral Tow mode, 70 mph and the engine run
Ford’s 2026 flat-towable hybrids are the Escape Hybrid, Escape Plug-in Hybrid, Maverick Hybrid and Maverick Hybrid 4×4. Ford caps flat-towed 2026 hybrids at 70 mph, per its 2026 guide. Ford lists three notes for these four models:
- Note 1: “Maximum speed with hybrid transmission is 70 mph.”
- Note 2: Select “Neutral Tow” mode, and refer to the Owner’s Manual transmission and towing sections for the procedure.
- Note 3: “Start the engine and allow it to run for a few minutes at the beginning of each day and every six (6) hours or fewer, thereafter.” Then, “With the engine running and your foot on the brake, shift into drive (D) and then into reverse (R) before shifting back into neutral (N).”
Ford 4×4 trucks and SUVs: transfer case in neutral tow
Ford’s note 4 says to place the transfer case in the neutral tow position to engage the four-wheel-down towing feature (Ford 2026 guide). The same note says to refer to the Owner’s Manual for additional steps. Note 5 reads, “Requires 2-speed transfer case.” Both notes apply to the 2026 Expedition/Expedition MAX 4×4, Ranger 4×4, F-150 Pickup 4×4, F-150 Raptor Pickup 4×4 and Super Duty 4×4. The 2026 Bronco carries note 4 on both transmissions, and the automatic also carries note 3, the engine run schedule.
Ford’s tow-dolly chart
Ford lists tow-dolly eligibility in a separate 2026 chart (Ford 2026 guide, page 49, revised 12-19-25). In that chart, every 2026 Ford AWD/4WD cell reads No or N/A. The FWD cells that read Yes are the Escape, Escape Hybrid, Escape Plug-in Hybrid, Maverick and Maverick Hybrid. Ford’s footnote says, “AWD/4WD vehicles cannot be towed with 2 wheels lifted off the ground.” Ford also says to read the manufacturer’s instructions that came with the tow-dolly before towing, loading or unloading it.
2026 Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator: four-down setup
Four-wheel-drive 2026 Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator models can be flat towed with the transfer case in N (Neutral). FCA’s recreational towing table in the 2026 Wrangler owner’s manual and 2026 Gladiator owner’s manual covers four-wheel-drive models. The 2026 Wrangler manual also covers hybrid (4xe) models, and its recreational towing section gives no separate 4xe steps. Follow the owner’s manual for your own Jeep before every tow.
The 2026 manuals set these flat tow conditions for four-wheel-drive models:
- Automatic transmission in PARK.
- Manual transmission in gear, NOT in NEUTRAL.
- Transfer case in N (Neutral).
- Tow in the forward direction only.
FCA says, “Towing this vehicle backwards can cause severe damage to the transfer case” (2026 Wrangler manual). The same table marks front and rear dolly towing NOT ALLOWED and towing on a trailer ALL OK. FCA’s 2026 manuals state, “DO NOT dolly tow any 4WD vehicle.” FCA adds that towing with only one set of wheels on the ground will cause severe transmission or transfer case damage.
The tow bar mount matters. The 2026 Wrangler manual says not to use a fascia/bumper-mounted clamp-on tow bar, because “The bumper face bar will be damaged.” The 2026 Gladiator manual says, “Do not use a bumper-mounted clamp-on tow bar” (2026 Gladiator manual). FCA also states, “Damage from improper towing is not covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.”
2026 Wrangler and Gladiator: shifting the transfer case into N (Neutral)
FCA’s warning comes first: “You or others could be injured or killed if you leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the N (Neutral) position without first fully engaging the parking brake” (2026 Gladiator manual). FCA adds, “The parking brake should always be applied when the driver is not in the vehicle.” FCA says to complete these steps before recreational towing so the transfer case is fully in N (Neutral), or “internal damage will result.”
FCA’s 2026 Wrangler and Gladiator manuals give these steps in this order (2026 Wrangler manual):
- Stop the vehicle on level ground.
- Press and hold the brake pedal.
- Shift an automatic transmission into NEUTRAL, or press the clutch pedal on a manual.
- Turn the engine off.
- Shift the transfer case lever into N (Neutral).
- Start the engine.
- 2026 Wrangler: shift the transmission into REVERSE. 2026 Gladiator: shift into DRIVE or REVERSE.
- Release the brake pedal (and clutch) for five seconds and confirm the vehicle does not move.
- Repeat steps 7 and 8 with an automatic in DRIVE or a manual in first gear.
- Turn the engine off.
- Apply the parking brake firmly.
- Shift an automatic into PARK, or put a manual in gear (NOT in NEUTRAL).
- Attach the Jeep to the tow vehicle “using a suitable tow bar.”
- Release the parking brake.
FCA’s caution reads, “Damage to the transmission may occur if the transmission is shifted into PARK with the transfer case in (N) Neutral and the engine running.” FCA also warns that N (Neutral) “disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from the powertrain, and will allow the vehicle to roll, even if the automatic transmission is in PARK (or manual transmission is in gear)” (2026 Gladiator manual).
2026 Wrangler and Gladiator: shifting out of N (Neutral)
FCA’s 2026 manuals give this order for shifting out of N (Neutral) (2026 Wrangler manual):
- Stop the vehicle and leave it connected to the tow vehicle.
- Apply the parking brake.
- Start the engine.
- Press and hold the brake pedal.
- Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
- Turn the engine off.
- Shift the transfer case to the desired position. FCA says “the engine should remain off to avoid gear clash.”
- Shift an automatic into PARK, or put a manual in NEUTRAL.
- Release the brake pedal.
- Disconnect the Jeep from the tow vehicle.
- Start the engine.
- Press and hold the brake pedal.
- Release the parking brake.
- Shift into gear and “check that the vehicle operates normally.”
Flat towing speed and engine-run limits by maker
The 2026 Wrangler and Gladiator manuals list no speed or distance limit for recreational towing (2026 Wrangler manual). They also give no engine-run interval. Makers differ on these limits, so use the row for your own vehicle. “None given” and “None listed” mean only that the document states no figure. Ford and GM both send owners to the owner’s manual for complete details.
| Maker and 2026 models | Maximum speed | Engine run while towing | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford 2026 hybrids (Escape Hybrid, Escape Plug-in Hybrid, Maverick Hybrid, Maverick Hybrid 4×4) | 70 mph | A few minutes at the start of each day and every six hours or fewer | Ford 2026 guide p.48 |
| Ford 2026 Bronco, automatic | None given in the chart | A few minutes at the start of each day and every six hours or fewer | Ford 2026 guide p.48 |
| Other flat-towable Ford 2026 rows | None given in the chart | None given in the chart | Ford 2026 guide p.48 |
| Chevrolet 2026 flat-towable rows | None given in the chart | None given in the chart | GM 2026 Trailering Guide p.47 |
| Jeep 2026 Wrangler and Gladiator | None listed | None listed | 2026 Wrangler manual, 2026 Gladiator manual |
Do not carry Ford’s 70 mph figure over to other makers or to non-hybrid Fords.
Supplemental brakes: maker advice and state law
Ford and GM both say a flat-towed vehicle should have its own braking system. Ford’s 2026 guide says towed vehicles “should be equipped with a separate functional brake system” (Ford). Those are maker recommendations, not law. This page checked one state’s brake statute. Jeep’s 2026 manuals say to “always follow applicable state and provincial laws” and to contact state and provincial Highway Safety offices for details (FCA).
Minnesota’s brake statute, Minn. Stat. 169.67 (2025 Minnesota Statutes, opened at the Minnesota Revisor of Statutes site on September 27, 2026), addresses a towed motor vehicle directly. Subd. 3(a) says a trailer or semitrailer with a gross vehicle weight of 3,000 or more pounds, “or a gross weight that exceeds the empty weight of the towing vehicle,” needs brakes adequate “to control the movement of and to stop and hold” it. Subd. 3(b) says one over 3,000 pounds needs brakes that stop and hold it “whenever it becomes detached from the towing vehicle.” Subd. 3(c)(2) says paragraph (a) does not apply to “a motor vehicle drawn by another motor vehicle that is equipped with brakes that meet the standards of subdivision 5.” Subd. 3(d) allows that exception only up to “3,000 pounds while being drawn by a vehicle registered as a passenger automobile, other than a pickup truck” and “12,000 pounds while being drawn by any other motor vehicle.” Subd. 3(c) names paragraph (a) only.
For every other state on your route, read the brake statute on that state’s own legislature or code site before you tow.
The makers name two equipment categories. The first is a separate functional braking system for the towed vehicle, per GM. The second is a suitable tow bar, and Jeep’s 2026 manuals rule out bumper-mounted clamp-on tow bars for the Wrangler and Gladiator.
Your next step is the towing section of your own 2026 owner’s manual. Ford’s guide sends owners there, or to a Ford dealer, for complete details (Ford). If you are new to RV travel off the grid, start with our boondocking basics for beginners, and plan the trip budget with our boondocking cost breakdown.
Frequently asked questions
Can you flat tow a 2026 Chevy Equinox?
No. GM’s 2026 Trailering Guide lists the 2026 Equinox as No for both 2WD and AWD/eAWD. The 2026 Equinox EV is also No in both drivetrains. For any other 2026 Chevrolet, GM says to review the Dinghy Towing section of the Owner’s Manual before flat-towing.
Which 2026 Chevrolets can be flat towed?
GM’s 2026 chart lists the Trax 2WD, Blazer 2WD and AWD/eAWD, and Trailblazer AWD as Yes. It also lists the 4×4 Colorado, Silverado 1500, Silverado HD, Tahoe and Suburban as Yes. Each of those 4×4 models requires the available 2-speed transfer case. Review your Owner’s Manual before you tow.
Which 2026 Fords can be flat towed?
Ford’s 2026 towing guide lists the Escape Hybrid, Escape Plug-in Hybrid, Bronco, Maverick Hybrid and Maverick Hybrid 4×4 as Yes. It also lists the 4×4 Expedition, Ranger, F-150, F-150 Raptor and Super Duty as Yes. Those five 4×4 models require a 2-speed transfer case. Check your owner’s manual for the full steps.
Can you flat tow a 2026 Ford Maverick?
Only the hybrid versions. Ford’s 2026 guide lists the Maverick as No and the Maverick Hybrid and Maverick Hybrid 4×4 as Yes. Ford sets a 70 mph maximum for hybrid transmissions and requires Neutral Tow mode. Ford also says to run the engine for a few minutes at the start of each day and every six hours or fewer, then shift to drive (D), reverse (R) and back to neutral (N) with your foot on the brake.
Can you flat tow a 2026 Jeep Wrangler?
Yes. The 2026 Wrangler owner’s manual gives flat tow instructions for four-wheel-drive models. Put the transfer case in N (Neutral), an automatic in PARK or a manual in gear, and tow only forward. Follow the manual’s shifting steps first, and apply the parking brake whenever the driver is not in the vehicle.
Is there a speed limit for flat towing?
It depends on the maker. Ford’s 2026 guide sets a 70 mph maximum for its hybrid transmissions and gives no speed for its other rows. GM’s 2026 chart gives none. The 2026 Wrangler and Gladiator manuals list no speed or distance limit for recreational towing. Jeep also says to follow applicable state and provincial laws. Where a maker document gives no figure, check your owner’s manual.
Can you tow a 4WD vehicle on a dolly?
Not a 2026 Ford AWD/4WD, a 2026 Wrangler or a 2026 Gladiator. Ford’s 2026 guide says, “AWD/4WD vehicles cannot be towed with 2 wheels lifted off the ground.” FCA’s 2026 Wrangler manual says, “DO NOT dolly tow any 4WD vehicle.” FCA warns that towing with one set of wheels down will cause severe transmission or transfer case damage.
Do I need brakes on the car I flat tow?
Ford and GM both say towed vehicles should have a separate functional braking system. That is maker advice, not law. State law varies. Minnesota Statutes 169.67 (2025 edition) directly addresses a motor vehicle drawn by another motor vehicle. Check the statute text in each state on your route before you tow.
