2025 is here, Mavericks - and with it comes shiny, new models of your favorite vehicles!
Here at Four Mavs, our background is flat towing (also known as dinghy towing). Dan alone has over 30 years in that industry, so it’s something that’s near and dear to our heart, and we try to keep up with it as best we can. To that end, we thought it would be helpful to go over the 2024-2025 vehicles that can be flat towed behind a motorhome.
Without further ado, here are the details for all current-year vehicle models that can be flat towed, broken out by manufacturer:
FORD
Ranger
Your vehicle must be towed while off to prevent the transfer case from switching out of neutral when the battery gets low. This is the most common key position for towing, but is especially important here.
Maverick Hybrid
Start your vehicle at the beginning of each day, and every six hours or fewer. This is generally done to lubricate the transmission. If your vehicle has a key, you will be unable to remove the key from the ignition while towing.
Bronco (2.3L & 2.7L)
Ford specifies that the battery should absolutely not be disconnected in this vehicle while towing, due to it interfering with the transfer case. Additionally, you’ll need to remove fuses 28 & 29 in the engine compartment before using something like a supplemental braking system.
Edge ST (2.7L)
The 2.0L cannot be flat towed. On the 2.7L (which can be flat towed), you need to make sure to disconnect the negative battery cable.
Escape FHEV/PHEV
Non-hybrid models cannot be flat towed. Start your vehicle at the beginning of each day, and every six hours or fewer. This is generally done to lubricate the transmission.
Expedition/Expedition MAX 4WD
Only 4x4 models can be flat towed. Ford specifies that the battery should absolutely not be disconnected in this vehicle while towing, due to it interfering with the transfer case.
F-150 4WD
Only 4x4 models can be flat towed. Ford specifies that the battery should absolutely not be disconnected in this vehicle while towing, due to it interfering with the transfer case.
F-250/F-350/F-450 Super Duty 4WD
Only 4x4 models can be flat towed. Ford specifies that the battery should absolutely not be disconnected in this vehicle while towing, due to it interfering with the transfer case.
CHEVY
Blazer AWD/FWD
Run the vehicle at the beginning of the day and at each fuel stop for about 5 minutes. This is to ensure the transmission is properly lubricated. Disconnect the negative battery post when towing to prevent damage to the automatic transmission components.
Colorado 4WD
Only 4WD models with a two-speed transfer case can be flat towed. Disconnect the negative battery post when towing. If the negative cable makes contact with the negative post while in tow mode, the electronic parking brake could come on and cause a crash.
Silverado 1500 & 2500/3500 HD 4WD
Only 4WD models with a two-speed transfer case can be flat towed. Disconnect the negative battery post when towing.
Suburban & Tahoe 4WD
Only 4WD models with a two-speed transfer case can be flat towed. Disconnect the negative battery post when towing.
Trailblazer AWD
Only AWD models can be flat towed. Disconnect the negative battery post when towing.
Trax
Disconnect the negative battery post when towing.
GMC
Canyon 4WD
Only 4WD models with a two-speed transfer case can be flat towed. Disconnect the negative battery post when towing. If the negative cable makes contact with the negative post while in tow mode, the electronic parking brake could come on and cause a crash.
Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500/2500/3500 HD 4WD
Only 4WD models with a two-speed transfer case can be flat towed. Disconnect the negative battery post when towing. If the negative cable makes contact with the negative post while in tow mode, the electronic parking brake could come on and cause a crash. The EV model cannot be towed.
Yukon/Yukon Denali/Yukon XL/Yukon XL Denali 4WD
Only 4WD models with a two-speed transfer case can be flat towed. Disconnect the negative battery post when towing. Failure to disconnect the battery could cause damage to the vehicle.
JEEP
Grand Cherokee/Grand Cherokee L 4WD
Only models equipped with Quadra-Trac II/4WD LOW can be flat towed. 2WD models can only be dolly towed.
Gladiator
No additional notes. Extremely easy vehicle to flat tow (and probably our #1 recommendation).
Wrangler
No additional notes. Also very easy to tow and a great alternative if you want something without a truck bed.
Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer 4WD
Only models equipped with Quadra-Trac II/Quadra-Drive II/4WD LOW can be flat towed. 2WD models can only be dolly towed. Wagoneer S model cannot be flat or dolly towed.
LINCOLN
Corsair Grand Touring PHEV
Flat towing this vehicle is technically considered as an “emergency towing” option, rather than an approved recreational use of the vehicle. However, the vehicle can be flat towed without issue by following the steps listed under PHEV Emergency Towing. Gas powered models cannot be towed.
Nautilus FHEV
Gas powered models cannot be towed. Start engine at the beginning of each day and allow it to run for a few minutes. Repeat this every six hours (or fewer). While running the vehicle, shift into Drive, then Reverse, then back into Neutral. Ensure that you set the vehicle back into its Neutral Tow mode before continuing on.
Navigator 4WD
Do not disconnect the battery while towing. If the battery gets low, the transfer case will switch itself out of neutral and cause issues.
NISSAN
Nissan Versa S
Only the manual transmission model can be flat towed. Every 500 miles, stop and run the engine with the transmission in Neutral for two minutes. If you don’t idle the engine as Nissan specifies, the internal transmission parts may become damaged.
Don’t See Your Vehicle? 🚙
It’s important to note that, even though a current-year model of a vehicle cannot be towed, some older models of the same vehicle might be. It’s always a good idea to double check things like Owner’s Manuals and forums to see if that’s the case if you’re in the market to buy or trade-in a vehicle.
Hidden Costs 🙈
None of us like being duped. Before you flat tow a vehicle, make sure to double check what extra accessories you’ll need. Not all vehicles are straightforward. In fact, it’s pretty rare to find a vehicle these days that is plug-and-play when it comes to towing. A lot require more complicated setups with battery disconnects and the like. Additionally, items like tow bars, braking systems, and lighting kits all play a role in the final cost, so make sure to do lots of research prior to purchasing a vehicle for the purpose of pulling it behind a motorhome!
Conclusion
Some things in life are complicated - but enjoying the open road with your family and friends shouldn’t be. Our hope is that the info here helps you to get back to doing what you do best: Owning the road.
We’ll see you out there, Mavericks! ✌️😎