Can You Flat Tow a Nissan Murano? The Surprising Truth for RVers

If you’ve ever thought about hooking your Nissan Murano up behind your RV for a camping trip or cross-country haul, we need to talk. Nissan does not recommend flat towing the Murano because the CVT transmission requires constant lubrication that only comes from a running engine, and dragging it with all four wheels down will cause serious damage. We’ve seen owners ignore this warning and end up with repair bills that hit $5,000 or more.

That doesn’t mean you’re stuck leaving your Murano at home. There are safer ways to bring it along that won’t destroy your transmission or void your warranty. We’re going to walk through exactly why Nissan says no to flat towing, what happens if you try it anyway, and the alternatives that actually work for getting your SUV from point A to point B behind your motorhome.

The truth is, Nissan doesn’t design their vehicles with flat towing in mind the way some American automakers do. Understanding why comes down to how that CVT works and what it needs to survive. Let’s dig into the details so you can make the right call for your rig.

Flat Towing a Nissan Murano: The Hard Truth

Nissan doesn’t want you flat towing your Murano, and it’s not because they’re being difficult. The CVT transmission and front-wheel-drive setup create real problems when you try to drag this SUV behind your recreational vehicle with all four wheels on the pavement.

Why Flat Towing Sounds Awesome (But Isn’t Always)

We get it. Dinghy towing looks incredibly convenient when you’re planning that cross-country RV trip.

You hook up your vehicle, hit the road, and when you reach your campsite you’ve got transportation waiting. No extra trailer to store. No dolly to wrestle around tight campground corners. Just unhook and drive.

The appeal is obvious for RV owners. Flat towing saves space, reduces weight compared to hauling a trailer, and makes backing up your motorhome much easier. You’re not dealing with the hassle of loading and unloading a vehicle from a flatbed.

But here’s where things get complicated. Not all vehicles are designed to be flat towed, and the Murano falls squarely in the “don’t do it” category. What seems like a simple solution can turn into a $5,000 transmission replacement bill before you even reach your destination.

Transmission and Drivetrain Realities

The continuously variable transmission in your Murano needs constant lubrication to survive. When the engine runs during normal driving, a pump circulates transmission fluid through all the moving parts.

Shut that engine off and start towing? That pump stops working entirely.

Now you’re dragging your Murano down the highway at 60 mph with the front wheels spinning the transmission internals. Zero lubrication happening. Just metal grinding against metal. Nissan’s official guidance warns against flat towing front-wheel-drive CVT vehicles because this exact scenario destroys transmissions fast.

The damage doesn’t take long to show up:

• Internal gears overheat without proper oil flow
• Bearings fail under dry friction
• CVT belts and pulleys wear catastrophically
• The entire drivetrain can seize up

Even if you have an all-wheel-drive Murano, you can’t solve this problem. The transfer case doesn’t disconnect the front wheels from the transmission the way it does in some trucks.

Manufacturer Rules and Common Myths

Nissan explicitly states in their documentation that you should never flat tow an all-wheel-drive vehicle. The same applies to front-wheel-drive models because of how the CVT connects to the front wheels.

We’ve heard all the workarounds people suggest. “Just put it in neutral.” “Turn the key to accessory mode.” “Disconnect one axle.” None of these methods make flat towing safe for a Murano.

The myth that leaving the ignition in accessory position helps is particularly dangerous. The engine still isn’t running, which means the transmission pump still isn’t working. You’re just draining your battery while destroying your transmission.

Some folks point to manual transmission Nissan vehicles that can be flat towed, like the 370Z or certain Sentras. That’s true, but your Murano doesn’t have a manual transmission option. Never has across any model year.

Towing a Murano means accepting that you need a dolly to lift the front wheels or a full trailer to haul the whole vehicle. Those are your only factory-approved options that won’t void your warranty or leave you stranded with transmission damage.

Safe Ways to Tow Your Nissan Murano (Alternatives and Must-Know Tips)

Your Murano wasn’t built for flat towing, but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck leaving it at home. Using a dolly or trailer keeps your CVT transmission safe while still letting you bring your SUV along for the ride.

Why You Should Avoid Flat Towing (and What Happens If You Don’t)

We need to be honest about what happens when you flat tow a Murano with all four wheels down. The CVT transmission depends on a pump that only works when the engine runs. That pump pushes fluid through the system to keep everything lubricated and cool.

When you flat tow without the engine running, the wheels turn and spin internal transmission parts without any of that protection. Metal grinds against metal at highway speeds. The damage shows up fast.

We’ve heard stories from Murano owners who made it less than 100 miles before hearing grinding noises. One person’s transmission completely locked up before they even left their home state. The repair bill for a destroyed CVT runs between $3,000 and $5,000, not counting the tow truck, rental car, or ruined vacation.

Your warranty won’t cover it either. Nissan makes it clear in their owner’s manual that flat towing causes damage, so you’re paying for those costly repairs out of pocket.

Dolly Towing: Pros, Cons, and When It Works

A tow dolly lifts your Murano’s front wheels off the ground while the rear wheels roll freely. This matters because the front wheels connect directly to that CVT we’re trying to protect.

When you use a vehicle dolly, the transmission doesn’t spin without lubrication. The drive wheels aren’t touching pavement. We’ve seen plenty of RV owners use this method successfully.

Here’s what makes dolly towing work:

• The dolly needs to handle 3,500 to 4,000 pounds depending on your Murano’s model year
• You’ll pay $200 to $400 to rent one for a week-long trip
• Setup takes about 15 minutes once you know what you’re doing
• Storage is easier than a full trailer since dollies are smaller

The downside? You’re still dragging equipment behind your RV. A dolly adds length to your total rig and makes backing up trickier. You also need to secure the front wheels properly with straps and make sure your safety chains are attached correctly.

Why Trailer Towing Is the Best Bet

A flatbed trailer hauls your entire Murano off the ground. Nothing touches the road except the trailer’s wheels. This is the safest option for your vehicle because there’s zero wear on the drivetrain, transmission, or suspension.

We recommend trailer towing over other alternatives to flat towing if you plan to tow regularly. Your Murano rides like it’s parked in your driveway. No spinning wheels, no transmission concerns, no worries about lubrication.

The trade-offs are real though:

• A quality flatbed trailer costs $2,000 to $4,000 to buy
• You need somewhere to store an 18-foot trailer when you’re not using it
• Your towing methods require a proper hitch rated for the combined weight
• Maneuvering in tight campgrounds gets harder with the extra length

For folks who only tow once or twice a year, renting a trailer makes more sense than buying. Most U-Haul locations rent car trailers for $50 to $70 per day. That’s cheaper than a transmission replacement and gives you peace of mind.

Gear Up: Essential Equipment, Safety, and Preparation

Whether you choose dolly towing or a trailer, you need the right equipment before you hit the road. Start with a hitch rated for your total towing weight. Your Murano plus the trailer or dolly plus any gear inside adds up fast.

Safety chains are required by law in most states and they’re your backup if the main connection fails. Cross them under the trailer tongue in an X pattern. Make sure they’re short enough that they won’t drag but long enough to allow turns.

A brake controller helps your RV’s brakes work with the trailer’s braking system. Some trailers come with electric brakes that sync with your RV. Without a controller, you’re asking your RV to stop all that extra weight alone.

Before every trip, check these items:

• Tire pressure on the trailer or dolly
• All lights working (brake lights, turn signals, running lights)
• Safety chains attached and not twisted
• Hitch pin secured with a clip
• Straps or tie-downs tight if using a dolly

We also recommend doing a short test drive around the block before heading out on a long haul. Listen for unusual noises and make sure everything feels stable. Taking 10 minutes to double-check your setup beats getting stranded 200 miles from home.