Towing a vehicle from the back, commonly known as flat towing or dinghy towing, is a question that arises frequently for owners of front-wheel-drive cars, RVers, and adventure seekers. While it seems straightforward, the reality is that connecting a tow bar and dragging a car behind your motorhome is not a one-size-fits-all solution. The short answer is yes, you can tow a car from the back, but it is absolutely dependent on the specific mechanics of the vehicle being towed. Without proper preparation, this practice can lead to severe mechanical damage, leaving you stranded miles from home.
Understanding the Mechanics of Flat Towing
The primary reason why towing a car from the back is a complex issue revolves around the drivetrain. When a car is in motion, its wheels are turning, and for automatic transmission vehicles, the transmission relies on the movement of the transmission fluid to lubricate internal components like gears and bearings. If the vehicle is being towed with the drive wheels on the ground, the transmission internal pump does not receive adequate lubrication, leading to overheating and catastrophic failure. This is why the feasibility of towing from the back is not a question of strength, but of engineering design specific to the vehicle's transmission system.
The Critical Role of the Transmission
Before attempting to tow a car from the back, you must consult the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer directly. The documentation will specify whether the vehicle is "towable" and, if so, what the precise procedure is. For many modern automatic transmissions, simply putting the car in "Neutral" is not enough. Some vehicles require the driveshaft to be disconnected or an aftermarket towing kit to be installed. Failing to follow these specific instructions voids the assumption that the car can handle the stress, turning a convenient travel solution into an expensive mechanical repair bill.
Methods of Towing from the Rear
When the vehicle is confirmed to be safe for towing, there are generally two methods employed. The first is using a rigid tow bar, which connects the towing vehicle to the towed vehicle with a fixed-length bar. The second is a flexible or drawbar system, which allows for more articulation between the two vehicles. Regardless of the hardware used, the process usually involves lifting the drive wheels off the ground using a dolly or trailer. This ensures that the transmission is not engaged, allowing the wheels to spin freely without damaging the internal mechanics.
Legal and Safety Considerations
Even if your car is mechanically capable of being towed from the back, you must adhere to legal requirements. These include weight limits, trailer lighting regulations, and safety chain requirements. The weight of the towed vehicle must be within the towing capacity of the rear vehicle, and the braking system of the towed car must be synchronized if required by law. Safety is paramount; an unsecured or improperly prepared vehicle can sway, detach, or cause a loss of control, turning a scenic drive into a dangerous situation.
Check the vehicle’s manual for specific towing procedures.
Verify the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of your tow vehicle.
Ensure all lights and signals on the towed vehicle are operational.
Use high-quality tow straps or bars rated for the weight of the vehicle.
Drive cautiously and maintain a significant following distance.
Alternatives to Rear Towing
If the vehicle you wish to tow is not designed for flat towing, there are several alternatives that provide the same convenience without the risk. Using a trailer is the most common solution; it removes the possibility of drivetrain damage entirely because all wheels are off the ground. Another option is to ship the vehicle on an open or enclosed carrier, which protects the car from mileage and wear during transport. While these methods involve additional cost, they are often the only safe way to move non-towable vehicles over long distances.
