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Old 04-23-2023, 10:25 AM   #1
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Best new car models for no-hassle flat tow

Our toad is a 2005 PT Cruiser with a 5-speed manual transmission. It's just about a perfect toad for us as towing 4-down requires nothing more than putting it in neutral and leaving the steering column unlocked. It's getting a little long in the tooth though. Are there any newer cars on the market that are this easy to flat tow without having to go through a multi-step ritual every morning? Would like to stay under 3,000 lbs if possible and need something with a back seat. I'm familiar with the toad towing guide, but it doesn't really tell you what the morning ritual is like on each model.
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Old 04-23-2023, 10:38 AM   #2
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I tow a 2018 Lincoln MKX with AWD. The "morning ritual" is something that takes 5 or 6 minutes, and while it is a small burden, I find it well worth it for the ability to tow an amazingly comfortable, relaiable and enkoyable SUV.

If you want something with little or no "morning ritual" I would look at towing a Jeep. They are pretty simple to set up each day, although I personally don't care for their ride and handling (and that is a personal preference only). Do however read this article about "death wobble" in some Jeep setups.
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Old 04-23-2023, 10:42 AM   #3
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Buick Encore GX has very few steps, except you've got to add a battery disconnect switch. See below for my thoughts on that.

It's a compact car with 4 doors. Base curb weight claimed to be 3,300 lbs. Btw, I would get it on a Cat Scale to confirm the exact weight.

I've got a fuse bypass switch under the hood of my toad and don't find popping the hood open, in the car anyway, and pressing a switch at the end of my setup an inconvience since I am usually headed in the direction of the motorhome to test my lights.
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Old 04-23-2023, 10:47 AM   #4
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Thanks for the response, Marc, but not really into a Wrangler as thinking to get something that could double as DW's daily driver. She's definitely not into a rough riding off-road type vehicle. Small hatchback would be ideal.
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Old 04-23-2023, 10:49 AM   #5
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Buick Encore GX has very few steps except you've got to add a battery disconnect switch.

It's a compact car with 4 doors.

I've got a fuse bypass switch under the hood of my toad and don't find popping the hood open and pressing a switch at the end of my setup an inconvience since I am usually headed in the direction of the motorhome to test my lights.
Thanks for the feedback. I'll add that one to the list of possibilities.
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Old 04-23-2023, 10:56 AM   #6
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Thanks for the feedback. I'll add that one to the list of possibilities.
Actually it's a small SUV.

I am not in the market for a new or newer toad bit if I was I'd seriously consider it. Wish I liked Jeeps but don't see myself with one as a daily driver and they aren't light either.
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Old 04-23-2023, 10:58 AM   #7
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I’ve got a 2010 Mercury Mariner Hybrid. Only need to put the shifter into neutral, and turn ignition key to first “click” to keep steering unlocked…..that it!

The Ford Escape models from that era are the same basic car as my Mercury (the Mercury was just a little upgraded with options)

I believe 2010 was the last year for the Mercury, however, I believe the Ford Escape hybrids were offered until 2012.

The CMax hybrid replaced the escape hybrids after 2012, and while I don’t know the ritual with those, I know they are also a popular tow car.
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Old 04-23-2023, 11:00 AM   #8
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CamJam1-

Small, light hatchback- Honda Fit or Fit Sport, 2014 or older.

I had one, a 2009 Fit Sport, automatic. Front seat had room, rear seats could fit adults, but I wouldn't want to have someone sit there for more than an hour or two's drive. With the rear seats down it had a surprising amount of storage space. I called it "my shed on wheels."

The prep procedures are in the manual (link here); for the automatic it's not a simple as putting a manual shift into neutral, but it takes fewer than five minutes to complete. I did not pull any fuses. I did have a charge line between coach and toad.
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Old 04-23-2023, 11:27 AM   #9
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21 buick encore gx awd. Put in neutral turn off engine push owner installed battery disconnect button, done. Comfortable ride and we get 30mpg regularly.
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Old 04-23-2023, 02:18 PM   #10
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I have a 2020 Blazer. Basically connect to mh. Put in neutral and disconnect battery......done. Put in neutral, I have a switch installed so literally pop the hood, flip the switch, close the hood, a total of 5 seconds and ready to go.
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Old 04-23-2023, 02:50 PM   #11
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21 buick encore gx awd. Put in neutral turn off engine push owner installed battery disconnect button, done. Comfortable ride and we get 30mpg regularly.

When you disconnect the battery, what is the best way to get power to your braking system? Most require a 12v connection. Thanks!
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Old 04-23-2023, 02:55 PM   #12
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When you disconnect the battery, what is the best way to get power to your braking system? Most require a 12v connection. Thanks!
ReadyBrute towbar. Does not need 12v for brakes.


OP, what year range are you looking for?


There is a 2018 Toyota Corolla in the classifieds on this site.
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Old 04-23-2023, 04:03 PM   #13
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[QUOTE=F4Gary;6480876]ReadyBrute towbar. Does not need 12v for brakes.

What about brake lights?? I realize there are solutions for this, but it has to be considered if you cut the toad battery.

Personally, I would not worry about the process for the toad, I can't imagine that any take more than a few minutes. I have a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee and it takes me longer to hook up the towbar, the safety cables and the lights than to put the Jeep in tow mode. For my Jeep, I start it and put it in neutral, then push the transfer case disengage button, then put in drive or reverse to make sure its disengaged, then back to neutral, turn off engine, put in park, press start button twice, done. Reverse that process to drive the vehicle. Its my daily driver and can get 25 mpg on the highway, but it weights 5,000 lbs.

I'd pay attention to the tow guides, some vehicles have speed limits or must be started and ran for a few minutes after so many hours of towing.
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Old 04-23-2023, 04:56 PM   #14
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When you disconnect the battery, what is the best way to get power to your braking system? Most require a 12v connection. Thanks!
Add a power port connected with a fuse directly to the battery.
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