Can a motorhome tow an automatic vehicle?

Question

We have just recently bought a motor home and need to find a car we can tow. Ideally it was an automatic we were after. Is it still true that you can't tow an automatic vehicle?

Asked by Dave frost

Answer

Conventional automatics tend to have speed and distance restrictions that would preclude towing of this type while modern automated manual transmissions can generally be flat-towed – though you would have to check the vehicle handbook to be certain.

Having said that you should bear in mind that the law around use of towing dollies (two-wheel lift) or A-frames (flat tow) is complex and unclear, both in the UK and across Europe.

Our best advice to ensure compliance with the law and to avoid the possibility that you could be prevented from continuing your journey unless both vehicles are driven is to tow using a flat-bed trailer.

Answered by Edmund King AA President [09/2014]