Motorhome towing
2026 dinghy towing guide by vehicle and drivetrain
Flat-towing approval attaches to a specific vehicle configuration—not a familiar model name. Use this guide to screen 2026 candidates, then verify every answer in the manufacturer documentation for the vehicle you plan to buy or tow.
Side-by-side comparison
| Vehicle | Initial 2026 status | Do not proceed without |
|---|---|---|
| Jeep Wrangler | Research selected 4x4 configurations | Exact owner’s-manual procedure and transfer-case confirmation |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | Jeep says properly equipped models can be flat towed | Exact four-wheel-drive system and owner’s-manual approval |
| Jeep Cherokee | Jeep says the 2026 Cherokee cannot be flat towed | Choose another method or vehicle |
| Ford models | Eligibility varies by model and drivetrain | Ford’s 2026 RV & Trailer Towing Guide plus exact owner’s manual |
How to use this guide
Begin with the manufacturer’s model-year towing guide, then open the owner’s manual for the exact engine, transmission, drivetrain, and transfer case. Search for recreational towing, flat towing, four-wheel-down towing, or neutral tow. Record the procedure and every restriction before purchasing equipment.
Green light, yellow light, red light
A green light means the exact manual clearly approves the configuration and you can continue to weight and equipment checks. Yellow means the nameplate includes both eligible and ineligible configurations or the documents are unclear. Red means the manufacturer says not to flat tow; do not improvise with a transmission disconnect, ignition trick, or generic online procedure unless the manufacturer expressly approves the resulting setup.
Weight screening for a motorhome
Weigh the motorhome ready for travel and subtract that number from GCWR. Compare the result with the hitch rating and use the lower figure. Then compare the towed vehicle’s actual loaded weight—not a base curb-weight estimate—with that remaining allowance and all tow-system ratings.
Equipment compatibility
Confirm a vehicle-specific baseplate, tow bar, safety cables, lighting solution, supplemental braking system, and breakaway device. Check receiver height and tow-bar angle, and investigate whether the vehicle requires a charge line, fuse procedure, battery disconnect, or running-time interval.
Why annual verification matters
Manufacturers can change transmissions, hybrid systems, transfer cases, software, trims, and procedures between model years. A 2025 approval is not proof for a 2026 vehicle, and a 2026 procedure should not be projected onto a 2027 refresh.
Tow Genius recommendation
Save a PDF or printed copy of the exact manual procedure with the motorhome, create a departure checklist in the same order, and recheck the connection after the first few miles. When documentation conflicts, stop and obtain written clarification from the vehicle and towing-equipment manufacturers.
Verify with primary sources
Manufacturer references
Common questions
2026 dinghy towing guide by vehicle and drivetrain FAQ
Can the 2026 Jeep Cherokee be flat towed?
No. Jeep’s 2026 Cherokee guidance says it cannot be flat towed because drivetrain damage could occur.
Can a 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee be flat towed?
Jeep says the 2026 Grand Cherokee can be flat towed when properly equipped. Confirm the exact drivetrain and procedure in the owner’s manual before towing.
Why can flat-towing eligibility change by model year?
A new transmission, transfer case, hybrid system, drivetrain, software strategy, or lubrication requirement can change whether four-wheel-down towing is approved.