MINI COOPER
Classification: Compact/Subcompact
Weight: 2,700-4,000 lbs.
Minis are popular vehicles in general due to their aesthetics and size, but they also make for great flat-towable vehicles. They’re relatively simple to put into their tow mode and are obviously compatible with a wide range of setups and lifestyles. In the way of accessories, the only thing you’ll need is something like our 12v Battery Direct Kit - this is used to power your required auxiliary braking system since the outlets in the car do not remain live while towing. If you plan on using an installed braking system (like RVibrake Shadow), this outlet will not be necessary.
The only real downside to towing a Mini is going to be the shape of the brake pedal. Unlike most vehicles, the Mini has an oval-shaped pedal - which presents a challenge in securing the claw of a portable braking system (like RVibrake3) to the pedal. It can be done, but sometimes securing the claw with some extra support (such as a bungee cord) can be helpful.
FIAT 500
Classification: Compact
Weight: 2,366-2,512 lbs.
By and large, everything that’s true of a Mini is also true of a Fiat. This includes the need for a 12v Battery Direct Kit when using a portable braking system and the presence of an oddly-shaped/undersized pedal. The reason the Fiat is second on our list is that, when it comes to braking systems, you’re boxed in a bit more here: The vehicle has a number of gas and electronic lines situated behind a double firewall, which makes the installation of a permanently-mounted braking system (like RVibrake Shadow) nearly impossible.
However, as long as you install a dedicated power outlet and ensure that your RVibrake3’s claw is firmly secured to the pedal, you’ll be in good shape.
HONDA FIT
Classification: Subcompact
Weight: 2,522-2,648 lbs.
Of all the cars on this list, this one is actually our favorite for several reasons: First off, Honda makes great cars. Their quality and consistency make for great towable vehicles. The other reason we love this car is that it’s the simplest. With the exception of the ’15-’17 models where a 12v Battery Direct Kit is needed, the Fit needs no additional accessory components to use a braking system, which is huge.
The only reason this car isn’t higher on the list is the (sad) fact that Honda discontinued the vehicle in 2020 due to declining demand and difficulty sourcing parts for the rest of their lineup. However, if you’re able to get your hands on one of these cars, we’d strongly recommend it.
HONORABLE MENTION - CHEVY SPARK
Classification: Subcompact
Weight: 2,246-2,312 lbs.
We’re throwing this vehicle on here because it’s become very popular over the last couple of years. That being said, this car has two really big asterisks associated with it: First, Chevy vehicles are notoriously difficult cars to flat-tow (the Chevy Equinox is a prime example). Oftentimes, these difficulties are not well-publicized and Chevy seems to have little interest in resolving them, so this can lead to a lot of frustration and buyer’s remorse down the line. Second, this car is also going to be discontinued within the next couple of years as Chevy pares down its lineup.
Although the Spark seems to have avoided the consistent issues that plague its larger cousins, Chevy’s lack of reliability in the flat-towing arena has us a bit reluctant to recommend it.
CONCLUSION
Compact and subcompact cars have picked up a lot of steam in recent years, especially in the flat-towing space. While the number of flat-towable trucks, SUVs, and sedans seems to shrink every year, the number of smaller towable vehicles has held relatively steady. If you’re in the market for a new towed, it’s worthwhile to consider the options listed above.
And, as always, if you have questions, reach out to our team! Happy RVing!
Image Credits:
Mini Cooper - Oleksandr - stock.adobe.comFiat 500 - encierro - stock.adobe.com
Honda Fit - vector_master - stock.adobe.com
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