Finding the right a frame cars to pull behind your motorhome can feel like a bit of a headache if you aren't sure which models actually support flat towing. If you've spent any time at a campground, you've probably seen plenty of people rolling in with a Jeep or a small SUV hitched to the back of their rig. That setup—where the car rolls on its own four tires using a triangular tow bar—is what most folks are talking about when they dive into the world of "dinghy towing."
It's honestly one of the best ways to travel. Having a secondary vehicle means you don't have to break down camp every time you need a loaf of bread or want to visit a trailhead that's too narrow for a 35-foot Class A. But you can't just hook up any random car and hope for the best. There's a bit of science and a fair amount of mechanical scouting involved.
Why Flat Towing Is a Game Changer
Most people gravitate toward a frame cars because they're just easier to deal with than trailers or tow dollies. If you've ever tried to find a place to store a bulky car trailer at a cramped campsite, you know exactly what I'm talking about. With an A-frame setup, you unhook the car, fold the tow bar back against the RV or tuck it away, and you're done. There's no extra equipment taking up your precious patio space.
It also saves a ton of time. Once you get the hang of it, hooking up a car for flat towing takes about five to ten minutes. You pull the car up, drop the pins into the base plate, connect your safety cables and lighting cord, and you're ready to hit the road. It's a streamlined process that makes those quick overnight stops a lot less stressful.
What Makes a Vehicle Flat Towable?
The biggest hurdle is the transmission. You can't just put any car in neutral and expect the wheels to spin freely for 500 miles without consequences. In many modern cars, the transmission needs the engine running to circulate oil. If you drag a car like that down the highway with the engine off, you'll basically fry the internals before you cross the state line.
This is why a frame cars are usually vehicles with a manual transmission or specific types of four-wheel-drive systems. For example, many Jeeps are favorites in the RV community because their transfer case can be shifted into a true neutral. This completely disconnects the wheels from the transmission, allowing them to spin freely while the greasy bits stay safe and stationary.
The Shift Toward Electronics
Lately, it's gotten a bit trickier. As manufacturers move toward CVTs (Continuously Variable Transmissions) and complex electronic shifters, the list of cars you can safely flat tow has actually been shrinking. You always want to double-check the owner's manual—specifically the section on "recreational towing"—before you buy a car specifically for this purpose. If the manual says it's a no-go, don't try to find a "workaround." It's not worth a $6,000 transmission bill.
Popular Models You'll See on the Road
If you're looking for a reliable "toad" (that's the slang for a towed vehicle), there are a few usual suspects that consistently top the list.
The Jeep Wrangler is the undisputed king. It's rugged, holds its value well, and is incredibly easy to set up for an A-frame. Plus, when you get to your destination, you have a vehicle that can actually handle some dirt roads or beach driving.
The Chevrolet Equinox has also been a long-time favorite. It's a practical family crossover that, in many model years, can be flat-towed with a relatively simple setup process. It's a bit more "everyday" than a Jeep, which a lot of people appreciate for grocery runs and highway driving.
The Ford F-150 is another surprisingly common choice. A lot of RVers want a full-sized truck to carry ebikes, kayaks, or firewood. As long as it has the 4x4 system with a neutral setting, it makes a fantastic companion for a large diesel pusher.
The Essential Gear You'll Need
You can't just bolt a bar to the bumper and call it a day. A proper setup for a frame cars involves a few key components that work together to keep things safe and legal.
The Tow Bar and Base Plate
The tow bar is the actual "A" shaped piece. One end attaches to the RV's hitch, and the two arms spread out to meet the car. But those arms don't just hook onto the plastic bumper. You have to install a base plate, which is a heavy-duty steel bracket bolted directly to the car's frame. It's designed to be as discreet as possible when you aren't towing, but it provides a rock-solid connection point when you are.
Braking Systems
This is the part many beginners overlook, but it's arguably the most important. Most states and provinces require a supplemental braking system for anything being towed over a certain weight. Think about it: if you're driving a motorhome and you have to slam on the brakes, you don't want 4,000 pounds of car pushing you from behind.
A supplemental brake system sits on the floor of the car and physically pushes the brake pedal when it senses the RV slowing down. It significantly reduces your stopping distance and keeps you from burning through your RV's brake pads.
Lighting and Wiring
Your car needs to act like a trailer while it's being towed. That means the brake lights and turn signals on the back of the car must sync up with the RV. Most people handle this by installing a diode kit that taps into the car's existing light housing, or by using magnetic towing lights that you just stick on the trunk and plug into the RV's trailer 7-way plug.
Tips for Driving with a Toad
Driving with a frame cars attached feels a lot different than driving a solo motorhome. The biggest thing to remember? You cannot back up.
Because of the geometry of the tow bar and the way the front wheels of the car caster, trying to reverse even a few feet will cause the car's front wheels to jackknife violently. It can bend your tow bar or damage the car's steering rack in seconds. If you find yourself in a tight spot or pull into a dead-end parking lot, you have to unhook the car before you can get out. It's a minor inconvenience, but it's something you always have to keep in mind when planning your fuel stops.
You also need to account for the extra length when changing lanes. Most people install a rearview camera that stays on while driving so they can keep an eye on the car. It's great for peace of mind, letting you see that the car is tracking straight and that you don't have a flat tire you can't feel from the driver's seat of the rig.
Maintenance and Wear
Even though the engine isn't running, your car is still "driving." That means your tires, wheel bearings, and suspension are all getting a workout. If you tow your car for 10,000 miles a year, you need to factor that into your tire rotation and replacement schedule.
It's also a good idea to check the oil levels in the transmission or transfer case more frequently. Some manufacturers recommend starting the car and letting it run for a few minutes at every fuel stop to circulate fluids. It sounds like a chore, but it's just part of the routine of keeping your gear in top shape.
Is an A-Frame Setup Right for You?
Choosing between a trailer and an A-frame setup really comes down to what you drive and how you like to travel. If you have a luxury sports car or a vehicle with a sensitive CVT that can't be flat-towed, a trailer is your only real option. But if you value simplicity and a quick setup, seeking out a frame cars is definitely the way to go.
There's something incredibly freeing about pulling into a scenic overlook, unhooking the car in two minutes, and heading off to explore a hidden canyon or a downtown bistro where an RV could never fit. It takes a little bit of an investment upfront to get the base plates and braking systems installed, but once it's done, the road feels a whole lot wider. Just remember to do your homework on the specific model year of the car you're eyeing—mechanics change fast, and you want to make sure your "toad" is ready for the long haul.