Hybrid SUV To Flat Tow Behind a Motorhome - GreenHybrid

AnitaPierce · #1 (**permalink**) 08-14-2006, 08:58 PM

Can anyone tell me what would be the best SUV to FLAT tow behind a huge Motorhome. We want somthing big that can comfortably seat at least 4 people.
It must be flat towable - no dolly or trailer.
thanks!
anitapierce77@aol.com

zadscmc · #2 (**permalink**) 08-15-2006, 05:16 AM

If you are looking for a car, the Civic Hybrid and Prius Hybrid are candidates. I don't see why either can't be flat towed. I have started to see both models on used car lots, so you may be able to pickup a good value on a three or four year old car.

If you want a little more luxury, the Accord hybrid and Camry hybrids are next inline.

I have, on one occasion, seen a 4WD Escape hybrid being towed, but I can't remember if it was on a dolly or flat.

Good luck.

Tim K · #3 (**permalink**) 08-15-2006, 08:25 AM

The Escapes and Mariners can be flat towed in Neutral up to (I believe 70mph) according to the manuals.

bar10dah · #4 (**permalink**) 08-15-2006, 09:26 AM

Perhaps the newer Escapes are different, but the '04 model I own states the 4wd version can ONLY be towed on a roll-back. Towing with both or one axle on the ground can damage the drive components. If you do a search over at www.escape-central.com you'll find references to individuals that did sustain damage after being towed on the ground. In one particular incident, I remember the owner saying he told the tow truck driver that the vehicle needed to be towed with a roll-back. The tow truck driver said he knew what he was doing and towed it with the rear wheels on the ground. In the end, the towing company paid to repair the damage to the Escape done by the tow.

Tim K · #5 (**permalink**) 08-15-2006, 06:39 PM

'05 and later escapes/mariner are capable of being flat towed for sure. I cannot speak on the earlier versions.

foo monkey · #6 (**permalink**) 08-16-2006, 09:08 AM

The best part is, you can leave the car on, throw it in neutral, and get silly fuel economy.