Hybrid Towables
I noticed that there are several vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions that can be flat-towed. What is the difference in their automatic transmissions that makes them flat towable and the Toyota automatic not flat towable without a transmission pump? Also, I noticed there are a few hybrids that are flat towable. We are interested in getting a hybrid that is automatic and flat towable. We would prefer either a Toyota or a Honda. It would be great not to have to install another transmission pump. Any information would be appreciated.
Robert & Sharon Shoffner, F335635, Alexandria, Virginia
I can’t tell you what specific differences exist between vehicles with automatic transmissions that are towable four wheels down and the Toyota automatics that are not towable four wheels down. More than likely, the design of the Toyota automatics “” as well as other vehicles with automatic transmissions that are not approved for towing four wheels down “” does not allow for proper lubrication of the moving parts within that transmission while the engine is not running. Without this lubrication, parts within the transmission can fail or wear out prematurely
When we gathered information for our “Towables For 2009″ article (January, 42), neither Honda nor Toyota submitted hybrid vehicles that were approved for towing four wheels down. Hybrids included were the Ford Escape and Fusion, Mercury Mariner and Milan, Cadillac Escalade, Chevy Silverado and Tahoe, GMC Sierra and Yukon, and Mazda Tribute.
Towed Vehicles
I am a relatively new member of FMCA and relatively new to RVing (four years). I have read numerous articles about towing a vehicle and the pros and cons of certain vehicles. Has there ever been a survey of members to see what type of vehicle they prefer to tow? If so, could I get a copy? If not, do you think this would be a good idea? I realize there will be many opinions, but I would be very interested to find out whether there is a general consensus regarding towing a particular type of vehicle. I guess I should have mentioned that I am looking to purchase a vehicle to tow behind a Type A motorhome.
Dennis O’Neill, F401455, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
You are correct; there are many opinions regarding which vehicles are the best to tow behind a motorhome. Personal preferences related to the vehicle itself and the towing method enter into the picture. Most FMCA members tow four wheels down using a tow bar. Some use a trailer or tow dolly.
The last time members were surveyed about the brand and type of vehicle they towed was back in 2001. At that time, those surveyed were most likely to tow a car (49.6 percent), followed by sport-utility vehicle (31.3 percent), truck (9.3 percent), mini van (5.2 percent), and full-size van (1 percent). The top five brand choices were Saturn (16.9 percent), Jeep (16.8 percent), Chevrolet (12.7 percent), Ford (11.9 percent), and Honda (10 percent). Saturn was one of the first manufacturers “” other than Jeep “” to have an automatic-transmission vehicle that could be towed four wheels down without modifications. That helped its popularity as a towed vehicle, but the company made transmission changes to some of its vehicles a few years ago, which reduced the number of vehicles capable of being towed four wheels down. Unfortunately, GM eliminated that brand last year.
The results of a similar survey today likely would be different, because other options exist and things have changed. Probably your best bet is to consult FMC’s annual towing guides. These guides include information from the automotive manufacturers related to vehicles that can be towed four down (assuming that’s your choice). While looking through these guides, select a vehicle that will meet your needs for towing and otherwise.
The weight of the vehicle often is an important consideration. Whatever vehicle you select, make sure the motorhome has the capacity to tow it, and you’ll want to investigate supplemental braking systems. There is a whole towing section on FMCA.com “” click on the Motorhoming section and then Towing. Among other information about selecting a vehicle are the manufacturer surveys going back to 1999.
Whatever vehicle you select, make sure to read the information contained in the vehicle’s owners manual under the heading “Recreational Towing” (or a similar heading) before buying. No matter what the salesperson might tell you, use the manual as the definitive source of information in this regard.
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