Community Forums

A. L. · 11-01-2020, 04:33 PM

For our first Flat Tow we'd like a fun convertible, preferably not a JEEP. Anyone who can offer advice on 2020 and 2021 model year convertibles, we would greatly appreciate it. Possibly a mini cooper or a beetle or a murano...just don't know the best way to find them. Thank you all in advance.

TimmyB · 11-01-2020, 06:18 PM

The motorhome magazine dinghy towing guides are a great place to start. It will break down which vehicles can be successfully towed, year by year. Good luck!

https://www.motorhome.com/download-dinghy-guides/

lllkrob · 11-01-2020, 06:52 PM

About the only thing your going to find new is a Mazda Miata for 2020.

TimmyB · 11-01-2020, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lllkrob

About the only thing your going to find new is a Mazda Miata for 2020.

I'm looking at the 2020 Miata owner's manual online and it says this car cannot be flat towed. As a matter of fact, I don't see ANY convertibles on the list any more.

A. L. · 11-01-2020, 07:36 PM

TimmyB
That's what has me worried. Convertibles would be awesome Toads but, I don't see any in any Guides. A.L.

TimmyB · 11-01-2020, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A. L.

TimmyB
That's what has me worried. Convertibles would be awesome Toads but, I don't see any in any Guides. A.L.

Tell me about it. Our second car is an SLK 320 that we have to get to Florida and back each year! No real good solution other than have it shipped.

Goodspike · 11-01-2020, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A. L.

TimmyB
That's what has me worried. Convertibles would be awesome Toads but, I don't see any in any Guides. A.L.

Are you thinking about weight? I suspect they probably have unibody modifications that make up for the lack of a metal roof. They might even weigh more--just a guess--I haven't specked any out.

I like that Goodsam list provided above. If it were me I'd look at the Nissan Versa--cheap and light--the two factors I would focus on. Also the special procedures are negligible. You could put the money saved into a dolly and reduce those special procedures further and eliminate the need to worry about brake systems.

TheGingerGuy · 11-02-2020, 08:13 AM

I can't imagine the Miata couldn't be flat towed, so long as you buy a manual transmission model. Don't try with an automatic! As a long-time Miata enthusiast and hardcore wrencher in my spare time, there's nothing unique or exemplary about the rear differential in these. It's a standard ring and pinion configuration with no specific mechanical oiling requirements other than the "splash" it would get from being powered by the output shaft under traditional driving.

Someone mentioned weight: the current generation Miata in manual transmission trim is approximately 2300lbs wet, which makes it great for towing.

ThomB · 11-02-2020, 08:30 AM

We flat-tow a Mini Roadster (2013) but they stopped making them. Mini doesn't specifically specify that you can flat tow, but we have done it for 30K+ miles. It must be a manual transmission. Maybe a Convertible S Mini but not sure about towing the 2020/21 models? I say an S because I've had 2 "justa" (non-S cooper) and one S. The fun factor from the S is worth the price of admission.

Healeyman · 11-02-2020, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimmyB

I'm looking at the 2020 Miata owner's manual online and it says this car cannot be flat towed.

Any year MANUAL TRANSMISSION ONLY Miata can be flat towed.

HERE is a friend flat towing his 2019 Retractable Hardtop.

Personally, over the past 15 years, I have flat towed 3 different Miatas over 80,000 miles. I currently flat tow a 2012 retractable hardtop.

Tim

lllkrob · 11-02-2020, 10:49 AM

As stated above Mazda like Toyota does not approve of any of it's vehicles being flat towed behind a motorhome. That does not mean that some models with manual transmissions are not towable. It just means that doing so will void the powertrain warranty on the vehicle.

Even though Mini still lists a convertible they are virtually unavailable due to low production numbers and dealers routinely charge double list price if they can get one.

The VW beetle convertible went out of production in 2019 and late models were never able to be flat towed since, I believe, they were only optioned with a automatic transmission.

daveandcarol · 11-05-2020, 04:19 PM

We haul our Mustang convertible on a 4 wheel trailer. It was either that or install a driveshaft disconnect. As it turned out, we carry some extra stuff (chairs, bicycle, etc.) on the trailer that wouldn't have fit anywhere else...

A. L. · 01-15-2021, 06:22 PM

Sorry I’m so late responding, Posters have said Miata Owners Manyal says “No” to flat towing but you’ve done it over 80K Mikes with three different ones! Very impressive (exciting)! What is the secret sauce??

This is directed to HEALEYMAM. The man who knows how to hit er done with flat-towing Miata Convertibles

radar · 01-16-2021, 08:50 AM

We trailered ours for years, but we prefer to tow on a trailer because of the versatility, easy to back up, parallel park etc. Not for everybody I suppose but it is our preferred method. We are now mostly toadless but we do less touring now. Trailering also allows towing an EV which our last toad was...and a convertible. Convertibles are a blast.

Hope you find something that works for you.

Cheers.