How To Pull A Car Behind An Rv

Ever seen an RV cruising down the highway with a small car trailing behind and wondered how they do it? Towing a vehicle behind your RV, often called "flat towing" or "dinghy towing," is a popular and convenient way to bring along a secondary vehicle for exploring local areas once you've set up camp. Imagine the freedom of leaving your RV at the campsite and zipping into town for groceries, sightseeing, or tackling those narrow, winding roads that might be too challenging for your larger rig. But before you hitch up and hit the road, it's crucial to understand the proper techniques, necessary equipment, and safety precautions involved.

Successfully and safely towing a car behind an RV not only enhances your travel experience but also protects your vehicles and ensures the safety of yourself and others on the road. Incorrectly towing a vehicle can lead to significant damage to both the RV and the towed car, resulting in costly repairs and potentially dangerous situations. From choosing the right towing setup to understanding weight restrictions and braking systems, a little preparation goes a long way in making your RV adventures smooth and worry-free.

What are the essential steps and considerations for safely and effectively towing a car behind my RV?

What's the best tow bar for pulling my specific car behind an RV?

The "best" tow bar for your car depends on your specific vehicle make, model, and year, along with your RV's hitch receiver size and weight capacity. However, generally, you'll want to choose a tow bar that is rated to handle the weight of your car with a safety margin and is compatible with both your car's base plate and your RV's hitch. Roadmaster and Blue Ox are two leading manufacturers known for their high-quality tow bars and comprehensive vehicle compatibility charts.

Selecting the right tow bar involves a few key considerations. First, you need to ensure your car is actually towable four-down (all four wheels on the ground). Not all vehicles are! Check your car's owner's manual for specific towing instructions. Many popular vehicles, however, are very easily equipped for flat towing. Second, you need a base plate specifically designed for your car's chassis. This is a metal framework that bolts to the car's frame and provides secure attachment points for the tow bar. The tow bar then connects the base plate on your car to the hitch receiver on your RV. Finally, consider the tow bar's weight rating. Always choose a tow bar rated higher than the actual weight of your car to ensure safety and prevent equipment failure. Beyond the tow bar and base plate, you'll need other essential components. Supplemental braking systems are often legally required and crucial for safety, especially when towing heavier vehicles. These systems apply the brakes in your towed car when you brake in your RV, preventing "pushing" and improving stopping distance. You'll also need safety cables that connect the car to the RV as a backup in case the tow bar fails, and wiring to connect the RV's lights (brake lights, turn signals, running lights) to the car's lights. Consulting with a professional RV dealer or installer is highly recommended to ensure you select the correct components and install them properly for safe and legal towing.

What braking system is required when flat towing a car behind an RV?

Most states and provinces require a supplemental braking system in the towed vehicle when flat towing (also known as "dinghy towing") behind an RV if the towed vehicle exceeds a certain weight, typically 3,000 pounds. The exact requirements vary by jurisdiction, but generally, the supplemental braking system must be capable of automatically applying the brakes in the towed vehicle when the RV's brakes are activated, thus preventing the towed vehicle from pushing into the back of the RV during braking.

The need for supplemental braking stems from safety concerns. Without it, the added weight of the towed vehicle significantly increases the stopping distance of the RV and can lead to instability, particularly in emergency braking situations or on downhill grades. The unbraked weight can overwhelm the RV's braking system, potentially causing brake failure, loss of control, or jackknifing. Supplemental braking systems mitigate these risks by distributing the braking force more evenly across both vehicles.

There are several types of supplemental braking systems available. Inertia-activated systems apply the brakes based on deceleration, sensing when the RV is slowing down. Electric brake controllers, often integrated with the RV's braking system, provide proportional braking based on the RV's brake pedal pressure. Vacuum-assisted systems use the RV's vacuum to actuate the towed vehicle's brakes. Regardless of the type chosen, the system must be properly installed and maintained to ensure reliable performance. Always check the specific legal requirements for supplemental braking in the states or provinces you will be traveling through to ensure compliance and, more importantly, safe towing practices.

Can my car's transmission be damaged by towing it four down?

Yes, towing a car "four down" (all four wheels on the ground) can absolutely damage the transmission, particularly in vehicles with automatic transmissions. This is because the transmission's internal components can be forced to rotate without the engine running, potentially leading to overheating, lack of lubrication, and ultimately, significant damage.

The extent of potential damage depends heavily on the specific make and model of your car, as well as the towing distance and speed. Some vehicles are designed to be towed four down and have specific procedures to properly disengage the transmission or utilize a neutral tow setting. These procedures are *critical* to follow exactly as outlined in the owner's manual. Ignoring these instructions or assuming your car can be towed four down without proper preparation is a recipe for disaster, potentially requiring a very expensive transmission repair or replacement. Before considering towing your car four down behind an RV, *always* consult your vehicle's owner's manual to determine if it is approved for this type of towing. If it *is* approved, meticulously follow the specified preparation steps. If the owner's manual explicitly prohibits four-down towing, or if it is silent on the topic, strongly consider using a car trailer or a tow dolly instead. These options lift either all four wheels or at least the drive wheels off the ground, preventing transmission damage. Some aftermarket solutions exist that claim to allow four-down towing for vehicles not originally designed for it, but these should be thoroughly researched and professionally installed, and their effectiveness is not universally guaranteed.

What's the difference between flat towing and using a car trailer?

The primary difference between flat towing (also known as "four-down towing") and using a car trailer is that flat towing involves connecting the towed vehicle directly to the RV with a tow bar, allowing all four wheels of the towed vehicle to remain on the ground, while a car trailer transports the entire vehicle on a platform, lifting all of its wheels off the road.

Flat towing requires specific equipment and considerations. You’ll need a tow bar to connect the car to the RV's hitch receiver, a base plate bolted to the car's frame to provide secure attachment points for the tow bar, safety cables for redundancy, and a supplemental braking system to assist the RV in stopping safely. Furthermore, the towed vehicle must be suitable for flat towing; its transmission and drivetrain must be designed to handle being towed with all four wheels down, or damage can occur. Some vehicles require modifications, such as installing a transmission lube pump, to be flat-towable. Using a car trailer, on the other hand, eliminates concerns about drivetrain compatibility. Any car that fits on the trailer and is within its weight capacity can be hauled, regardless of its towing configuration. Trailers come in various sizes and weight ratings, ranging from lightweight single-axle trailers to heavy-duty tandem-axle models capable of carrying larger vehicles. However, trailers add to the overall length and weight of the RV, potentially affecting fuel economy and maneuverability, especially in tight spaces like campgrounds or gas stations. They also require a place to be stored when not in use, which may be a constraint.

How do I properly install safety cables when towing a car?

Properly installing safety cables when towing a car involves connecting two independent cables from the towed vehicle to the towing vehicle, ensuring they are crossed beneath the trailer hitch, and confirming they have enough slack for turns but won’t drag on the ground. These cables serve as a crucial backup in case the primary connection fails, preventing the towed vehicle from completely detaching and causing a dangerous situation.

Safety cables are designed to maintain a connection between the RV and the towed vehicle even if the primary hitch mechanism fails. To ensure their effectiveness, begin by attaching each cable to a secure point on the towed vehicle's frame or tow bar. Most tow bars have designated attachment points. Next, route the cables towards the RV, crossing them beneath the trailer hitch receiver. This crossing action creates a cradle effect; if the primary hitch fails, the crossed cables will help prevent the tow bar from dropping to the road. The connection points on the RV should also be robust and specifically designed for safety cables. Never attach the cables to the bumper alone, as it may not be strong enough. Use dedicated D-rings or attachment points on the receiver or frame. Once connected, check the cable slack. You want enough slack to allow for turning without binding, but not so much that the cables drag on the road. Dragging can wear down the cables and compromise their strength. It's also a good practice to regularly inspect the cables for signs of wear, such as fraying or rust. Replace them immediately if any damage is detected. Here's a quick checklist to make sure everything is set:

What are the weight restrictions I need to be aware of when towing a car?

When towing a car behind an RV, you absolutely must be aware of several critical weight restrictions. These limits ensure safe handling and prevent damage to your RV and the towed vehicle. The key weights to consider are the RV's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR), Towing Capacity, and the car's actual weight (curb weight) plus any items inside.

Understanding these weight ratings is paramount. The RV's GVWR is the maximum permissible weight of the fully loaded RV, including passengers, cargo, and fluids. Exceeding this can severely impact handling and braking. The GCWR is the maximum allowable combined weight of the RV and the towed car. Your combined weight *must* be less than this number. The RV's towing capacity is the maximum weight the RV is designed to safely tow. This number should always be higher than the car's actual weight. Never exceed the lowest of these ratings. Exceeding these limits can lead to mechanical failure, accidents, and voided warranties. Furthermore, it’s crucial to know the actual weight of the car you intend to tow. The manufacturer’s stated curb weight is a good starting point, but it's best to weigh the car yourself, especially if it has aftermarket modifications or is carrying additional items. Remember to account for the weight of the towing equipment itself, such as the tow bar and any braking system components. Ignoring these factors and exceeding the weight limits can be a recipe for disaster on the road.

How do I disconnect the car quickly in an emergency?

To quickly disconnect your towed car from your RV in an emergency, practice your disconnection procedure beforehand. The goal is to streamline the process, focusing on releasing the tow bar, safety cables, and electrical connections in that order. Familiarize yourself with the release mechanisms and have the necessary tools readily accessible.

Disconnecting quickly requires a well-rehearsed process. Start by ensuring the RV and towed vehicle are on as level a surface as possible to minimize binding. Then, release the tow bar locking mechanisms; these vary depending on the brand but usually involve pins or levers. Next, disconnect the safety cables, which are crucial for backup but need to be detached before driving the car away. Finally, unplug the electrical cord that controls the car's lights; some have quick-release mechanisms. It's highly recommended to perform a practice disconnection in a safe environment before your trip. This allows you to identify any potential issues, such as rusted or sticky mechanisms. Keep necessary tools, like pliers or WD-40, within easy reach. Knowing your equipment and practicing beforehand can make all the difference in a stressful emergency situation.

So there you have it! Pulling a car behind your RV can seem daunting at first, but with the right knowledge and preparation, it can open up a whole new world of travel possibilities. Thanks for taking the time to learn more, and we hope this guide has been helpful. Safe travels, and be sure to come back and visit us again soon for more RV tips and tricks!