Introduction
Hello Jake, welcome to our comprehensive guide on flat tow cars for sale. In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision regarding the purchase of a flat tow car. We understand that buying a car is a big investment, and you want to make sure that you’re getting the best value for your money. With so many different options on the market, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to help!
In this article, we’ll provide you with a detailed explanation of what a flat tow car is, along with its advantages and disadvantages. We’ll also give you tips on how to choose the best flat tow car for your needs, FAQs, and a complete table of all the information you need to know about flat tow cars for sale. Let’s dive in!
What are Flat Tow Cars?
Flat tow cars, also known as dinghy towed vehicles, are cars that can be towed behind a motorhome or RV without the need for a trailer. They are designed to be towed with all four wheels on the ground, with no need for a dolly or trailer.
Flat tow cars are popular among RVers who want to have a second vehicle with them when they travel. They allow you to explore your destination without having to drive your motorhome around, which can be cumbersome and expensive.
How Does Flat Towing Work?
Flat towing works by connecting the dinghy towed vehicle to the motorhome using a tow bar. The tow bar attaches to the front of the dinghy and the back of the motorhome, allowing the car to follow the motorhome without any wheels touching the ground.
Some flat tow cars require modifications to their drivetrain to be flat towed. These modifications can include installing a lube pump or disconnecting the driveshaft. It’s important to check with the manufacturer of your car to see if it can be flat towed without modifications.
Advantages of Flat Tow Cars
There are several advantages to owning a flat tow car:
Convenience
Flat tow cars are convenient because they allow you to bring a second vehicle with you on your travels without the need for a trailer. This means you can explore your destination without having to drive your motorhome around, which can be cumbersome and expensive.
Cost-effective
Flat tow cars are a cost-effective way to have a second vehicle with you on your travels. They are typically less expensive than buying a second car, and they don’t require the cost of a trailer or dolly.
Versatility
Flat tow cars are versatile because they can be used as a regular car when you’re not traveling. This means you don’t have to buy a second car that you only use when you’re on the road.
Compact Size
Flat tow cars are typically smaller and more fuel-efficient than motorhomes. This means you can save money on gas and easily navigate through tight spots when traveling.
Disadvantages of Flat Tow Cars
There are also some disadvantages to owning a flat tow car:
Limited Options
Not all cars can be flat towed. This means your options may be limited when it comes to choosing a flat tow car.
Extra Maintenance
Flat tow cars require extra maintenance, such as disconnecting the battery and putting the car in neutral, before they can be towed. This can be time-consuming and may add to the overall cost of ownership.
Wear and Tear
Flat tow cars experience more wear and tear than regular cars. This is because they are being towed with all four wheels on the ground, which can cause damage to the transmission and other components.
Weight Limitations
Flat tow cars have weight limitations, which means you may not be able to tow all your belongings with you when traveling. This can be problematic for those who like to bring a lot of items with them on their travels.
How to Choose the Best Flat Tow Car for Your Needs
When choosing a flat tow car, there are several factors you should consider:
Manufacturer Recommendations
Check with the manufacturer of your car to see if it can be flat towed without modifications. Some cars may require modifications to their drivetrain to be flat towed, while others cannot be flat towed at all.
Weight Restrictions
Make sure the flat tow car you choose is within the weight restrictions of your motorhome or RV.
Cargo Space
Consider the amount of cargo space you need. Flat tow cars with more cargo space may be more suitable for those who like to bring a lot of items with them on their travels.
Fuel Efficiency
Consider the fuel efficiency of the flat tow car. Smaller and more fuel-efficient cars may be more cost-effective in the long run.
Budget
Consider your budget when choosing a flat tow car. Flat tow cars can range in price from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars.
Complete Table of Information about Flat Tow Cars for Sale
Brand | Model | Weight | Can be Flat Towed? | Drivetrain Modifications Required? | Price Range |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jeep | Wrangler | 4,000 lbs | Yes | No | $20,000-$50,000 |
Chevrolet | Sonic | 2,800 lbs | Yes | No | $10,000-$20,000 |
Honda | CR-V | 3,500 lbs | Yes | No | $20,000-$30,000 |
Toyota | Rav4 | 3,500 lbs | Yes | No | $25,000-$35,000 |
FAQs
Q: Can any car be flat towed?
A: No, not all cars can be flat towed. Some cars require modifications to their drivetrain to be flat towed, while others cannot be flat towed at all. It’s important to check with the manufacturer of your car to see if it can be flat towed without modifications.
Q: What is the weight limit for flat tow cars?
A: The weight limit for flat tow cars depends on the weight restrictions of your motorhome or RV. Make sure the flat tow car you choose is within the weight restrictions of your motorhome or RV.
Q: How much does a flat tow car cost?
A: Flat tow cars can range in price from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. Consider your budget when choosing a flat tow car.
Q: Are there any extra costs associated with owning a flat tow car?
A: Yes, flat tow cars require extra maintenance, such as disconnecting the battery and putting the car in neutral, before they can be towed. This can be time-consuming and may add to the overall cost of ownership.
Q: Can you tow a flat tow car with a trailer?
A: No, the whole point of a flat tow car is that it can be towed without the need for a trailer.
Q: Can a flat tow car be used as a regular car?
A: Yes, flat tow cars can be used as regular cars when you’re not traveling.
Q: Are flat tow cars fuel-efficient?
A: Flat tow cars can be fuel-efficient, especially if you choose a smaller and more fuel-efficient car.
Q: What is the difference between a flat tow car and a dolly tow car?
A: A flat tow car is towed with all four wheels on the ground, while a dolly tow car is towed with only the front wheels on the ground.
Q: Can you flat tow an automatic car?
A: Some automatic cars can be flat towed, but others require modifications to their drivetrain to be flat towed. It’s important to check with the manufacturer of your car to see if it can be flat towed without modifications.
Q: Can you flat tow a manual car?
A: Yes, most manual cars can be flat towed without modifications.
Q: Can you flat tow an electric car?
A: No, most electric cars cannot be flat towed.
Q: Do flat tow cars have weight limitations?
A: Yes, flat tow cars have weight limitations, which means you may not be able to tow all your belongings with you when traveling.
Q: Can a flat tow car be used to tow a trailer?
A: No, flat tow cars are not designed to tow trailers.
Q: Are there any safety concerns when flat towing?
A: Yes, there are some safety concerns when flat towing, such as the risk of the tow bar detaching from the motorhome or RV. It’s important to follow proper flat towing procedures and to regularly check the tow bar for signs of wear and tear.
Conclusion
Thank you for reading our comprehensive guide on flat tow cars for sale. We hope that this article has provided you with all the information you need to make an informed decision regarding the purchase of a flat tow car. Remember to consider the advantages and disadvantages of flat tow cars, as well as your personal needs and budget, when choosing the best one for you. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Before you make a purchase, it’s important to remember that there are risks involved with owning and using a flat tow car. It’s important to follow proper flat towing procedures and to regularly check your flat tow car for signs of wear and tear.
Again, thank you for reading, and we wish you happy travels with your new flat tow car!