Can the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross be flat towed behind an RV near Fargo, ND?
Vern Eide Mitsubishi – Can the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross be flat towed behind an RV near Fargo, ND?
Drivers planning getaways from Fargo, ND, to the lake country often ask whether the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross can ride behind a motorhome on a tow bar. Because this is a real planning decision for RV owners, it is important to get the answer right before you buy equipment or map out a long-haul route. Here is the guidance our team at Vern Eide Mitsubishi shares with shoppers in the Fargo-Moorhead area, along with smarter alternatives that protect your Eclipse Cross and keep your travel plans on track.
What “flat towing” means and why the Eclipse Cross is different
Flat towing—sometimes called dinghy towing—means pulling a vehicle with all four wheels on the ground using a tow bar connected to a motorhome. While this is common for some vehicles with specific driveline designs, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution.
The 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross comes standard with Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) across the lineup, paired with a continuously variable transmission. This advanced all-wheel-drive system continuously manages torque front to rear and side to side for traction and stability. The same technology that gives you confident control on gravel roads west of Casselton or during quick lane changes on I-94 also means the vehicle’s driveline components are not designed to rotate for long distances with the engine off. As a result, the Eclipse Cross is not approved for recreational flat towing.
This applies to every 2026 Eclipse Cross trim—ES, SE, SE Pano, Black Edition, SEL, and SEL Touring—because S-AWC is standard across the range.
Approved ways to bring your Eclipse Cross with your motorhome
Good news—there are RV-friendly options that keep your Eclipse Cross fully protected while you enjoy the Fargo-to-Detroit Lakes run or longer trips toward Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The manufacturer-approved solution is a full vehicle carrier where all four wheels are off the ground.
- Choose the right trailer: Use a car hauler or flatbed trailer with a weight rating that comfortably exceeds the Eclipse Cross’s curb weight plus the trailer’s own weight and your cargo.
- Verify tie-down points: Use the proper attachment points specified for the Eclipse Cross. Quality wheel straps and rated chains are essential for securement.
- Balance the load: Maintain correct tongue weight as directed by your trailer manufacturer to improve stability behind the motorhome.
- Secure the vehicle: Set the transmission to Park, follow the trailer manufacturer’s instructions for wheel chocks and straps, and confirm nothing contacts brake lines or suspension components.
- Check lighting and visibility: Ensure the trailer’s lights function correctly and your mirrors provide adequate rearward visibility—especially helpful when merging on I-29 south of Fargo.
- Do a walkaround every stop: Recheck straps, lug torque on trailer wheels, and tire pressures at fuel and rest breaks along the I-94 corridor.
If you are crossing between North Dakota and Minnesota frequently, be sure to follow each state’s regulations on trailer braking and lighting. Our team can help you understand general best practices before you finalize your setup.
What about tow dollies or “front-wheels-up” methods?
Because every 2026 Eclipse Cross is equipped with S-AWC, using a tow dolly with the front wheels up and rear wheels on the road is not approved. With the rear wheels rolling independently of the engine and transmission, driveline components can be damaged. To transport the Eclipse Cross behind a motorhome, all four wheels should be off the ground using a trailer or flatbed carrier.
For emergency situations—like a short-distance move off the roadside after a breakdown—always contact professional roadside assistance and follow the guidance in your owner’s manual. The safest approach remains transporting the vehicle with all four wheels off the ground.
Using your Eclipse Cross to tow gear instead
If your plan is the reverse—using your Eclipse Cross to tow a small trailer—there is a practical path. When properly equipped, the 2026 Eclipse Cross is rated to tow up to 1,500 pounds. That makes it a smart choice for a lightweight utility trailer, a small load of yard equipment, bicycles, kayaks bound for Lake Ashtabula, or a compact cargo box for weekend projects. We recommend a Genuine Mitsubishi Accessories hitch and wiring harness and a professional installation to integrate with vehicle systems.
S-AWC works in the background to help with traction and stability as conditions change, whether you are easing away from a campsite on packed dirt or navigating a tight turn into a storage unit near Moorhead. Helpful standard and available features—like Active Stability Control (ASC), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Blind Spot Warning (BSW) with Lane Change Assist (LCA), and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) on SE trim and above, and the Multi-View Camera System on SEL—add confidence when hitching and maneuvering.
Before you hook up, consider these tow-smart reminders that we regularly review with shoppers:
- Weight basics: Know your trailer’s empty weight, add your cargo, and keep the total within the Eclipse Cross’s rating when properly equipped.
- Hitch setup: Use the correct ball size and torque specs, confirm the coupler is fully latched, and cross safety chains under the tongue.
- Braking and lighting: Confirm trailer lights work and follow local requirements for trailer brakes based on combined weight.
- Speed and spacing: Allow longer braking distances and use smooth throttle inputs on highways like US-10 and I-94.
- Loading: Place heavier items low and forward of the axle to maintain stable tongue weight and reduce sway.
If you are unsure whether a specific trailer and cargo combination is a good match for your Eclipse Cross, our team can help you size the setup appropriately.
Trim notes and helpful tech for road trips
Every 2026 Eclipse Cross includes Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC), Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) with Pedestrian Detection, and Lane Departure Warning (LDW). Step into SE and above, and you will also find Mitsubishi Connect with Safeguard And Remote Services And 24-Month Trial (Enrollment Required), which can provide added peace of mind when your SUV is parked at an RV site or trailhead by enabling select remote features after activation. SE also adds Blind Spot Warning (BSW) with Lane Change Assist (LCA) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), while SEL brings the Multi-View Camera System—especially helpful when aligning to a trailer in a tight RV park or backing into a driveway in South Fargo.
Conveniences like the Handsfree Power Tailgate on SE and SEL trims make packing easier when your hands are full of coolers or camping gear. Across the board, Eclipse Cross is built to make the drive more comfortable, with technology that supports confident control on city streets around Downtown Fargo and on open stretches between Cass County and Clay County.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I flat tow the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross behind my RV?
No. The 2026 Eclipse Cross is not approved for recreational flat towing with all four wheels on the ground. Because every model includes S-AWC, the driveline is not designed to be rotated for long distances with the engine off. To bring your Eclipse Cross with your motorhome, use a full trailer or flatbed carrier so all four wheels are off the road.
Is a tow dolly acceptable if I lift the front wheels?
No. With S-AWC, leaving the rear wheels on the ground can still damage driveline components. The manufacturer-approved method is to transport the vehicle with all four wheels off the ground.
What is the towing capacity of the 2026 Eclipse Cross, and what does that cover?
When properly equipped, the Eclipse Cross is rated to tow up to 1,500 pounds. That capacity fits lightweight utility trailers, small loads of household items, bikes, or watercraft like kayaks. It is not intended for large campers or heavy cargo. Always confirm actual trailer and cargo weights before you tow.
Will adding a hitch impact my Eclipse Cross or its systems?
We recommend Genuine Mitsubishi Accessories and professional installation. Properly installed, model-specific components are engineered to integrate with vehicle systems. Damage caused by improper parts or installation may not be covered, so it pays to use the right equipment and trusted technicians.
What should I do in an emergency if my Eclipse Cross must be moved without a trailer?
Contact professional roadside assistance and follow the owner’s manual. The safest solution is to use a flatbed tow truck so all four wheels remain off the ground.
Whether your plans include quick weekend runs to Detroit Lakes or a longer trek along I-29 and I-90, choosing the right transport method protects your Eclipse Cross and makes every mile less stressful. If you want help selecting a trailer, confirming fitment for Mitsubishi accessories, or practicing hitching and backing techniques, our team is happy to assist.
Shopping from Fargo, ND, or nearby communities? At Vern Eide Mitsubishi in Sioux Falls, SD, we regularly work with out-of-town guests and can walk you through Eclipse Cross trims—ES, SE, SE Pano, Black Edition, SEL, and SEL Touring—and the S-AWC benefits you will appreciate on county roads and highway commutes. We can also help you plan a towing or transport setup that fits your travel style. Reach out to our team to schedule a test drive or to explore Genuine Mitsubishi Accessories. We are ready to help you make the most of your 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.
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