What Is a Flat Tow? 4 Tips for Safe Flat Towing

Are you looking for a new way to tow your vehicle? Have you heard of flat towing, but aren’t sure what it is or how it works? If so, this blog post is for you! We’ll cover the basics of flat towing, as well as how to safely use this method.

Flat towing is one of the three basic ways of towing vehicles, along with trailer towing and tow dolly towing. It involves attaching a tow bar to a suitable car, SUV, or pickup truck, and then attaching the other end of the tow bar to the car being towed.

This method is also known as “four-down towing” or “dinghy towing.” Flat towing allows all four wheels of the towed vehicle to remain in contact with the ground, as opposed to a trailer or dolly towing which requires the vehicle’s two front wheels to be lifted off the ground.

To flat tow a vehicle, five primary components must be correctly installed and connected including a base plate kit, tow bar, safety cables, lights, and a supplemental braking system.

RV-mounted flat towing is an easy way for motorhome owners to use this method as it requires putting the tow bar inside the hitch receiver on the back of their motorhome.

However, it is important to note that it is never safe to flat tow a disabled or damaged vehicle.

Flat towing, also known as four-wheels-down towing, is a popular and convenient way of towing a vehicle that involves all four wheels of the towed vehicle remaining in contact with the ground. This method involves attaching a tow bar between the base plates of the towed vehicle and the hitch of the RV or campervan. Although more cumbersome than dolly trailers, flat towing is often preferred for its simplicity.

Before setting out on a journey, it is important to prepare your vehicle for flat towing by disabling certain safety features, checking your rig’s weight limits, and familiarizing yourself with local laws and regulations. With these considerations in mind, it is possible to safely enjoy the convenience of flat towing.

Flat towing is a popular way to tow a vehicle behind an RV. It offers several advantages, such as having the same turn radius as the RV and being faster and easier to connect and disconnect than other towing methods.

The primary downside is that it requires more setup time and additional equipment, such as a base plate for the vehicle and a tow bar. Additionally, flat trailers can be more cumbersome than dollies. Before attempting to flat tow, it’s important to make sure the vehicle is properly prepared and that you are familiar with any local laws or regulations governing the method.

With the right preparation and knowledge, flat towing can be a safe and efficient way for RVers to enjoy their travels.

There are several types of flat tow available, depending on the model and year of your vehicle. The most popular forms of flat towing are the tow bar method and the base plate method.

The tow bar method connects your RV’s hitch to the base plates on your towed vehicle via a tow bar, while the base plate method uses a specialized mounting plate that is attached to the frame of the towed vehicle. Both methods provide a secure connection between your RV and your vehicle, ensuring safe and reliable transportation.

Flat trailers are also available for flat towing, but they are more cumbersome than dollies and may take longer to load up.

Before you can begin flat towing, you will need to prepare your vehicle for the process. This includes purchasing a base plate and tow bar that are made for your model and the year of the vehicle. You will also need to make sure your vehicle is equipped with a transmission lube pump, which is essential to keep the transmission lubricated while the car is being towed.

Additionally, you will need to check your vehicle’s manual to see if there are any special instructions for flat towing. Finally, you should check the laws and regulations in your state before engaging in any flat towing activities. Once you have all the proper equipment and have checked all the necessary rules, you are ready to flat tow your vehicle.

It is important to stay informed about flat towing law, as each state may have different requirements. For example, some states require safety chains, which are used to secure the towed vehicle to the tow vehicle in the event of a disconnection between the two.

Additionally, it’s important to be aware of the maximum speed allowed for flat towing in each state, as this can vary. Lastly, many states require a braking system on the towed vehicle when flat towing.

A flat tow brake system is a device that applies the brakes of the dinghy based on signals sent to it from the tow vehicle’s brake lights. Therefore, it is important to do research and be aware of any laws or regulations pertaining to flat towing before hitting the road.

Before a car can be flat towed, it is important to follow some key safety tips. You must check your vehicle’s alignment to make sure it will track straight and true while being towed.

Additionally, you should purchase a base plate kit and tow bar that are compatible with the model year of the vehicle. You’ll also need two safety cables, a light wiring kit, and a supplemental braking system for the towed vehicle.

Finally, if you plan on flat towing more than one vehicle behind your RV, it is important to have a flat trailer that is easy to back up and maneuver.

Following these tips will help ensure that your flat tow experience is safe and successful.

Flat towing is an efficient way to haul vehicles behind a truck or RV. To ensure it is done safely and securely, it is important to have the right tools and accessories.

CURT offers tow bars, hitches, base plates, and wiring harnesses that are necessary for the flat tow setup. Additionally, many companies have flat tow kits available that contain all the necessary hardware components for flat towing. These kits are a great option for those looking to get everything they need in one purchase.