Ever dreamt of escaping the mundane and hitting the open road in your RV, only to be tethered to your campsite because you left your everyday car behind? Towing a car behind your RV, often referred to as "flat towing" or "dinghy towing," offers the ultimate freedom to explore local attractions, run errands, or simply venture off the beaten path without packing up your entire mobile home. The ability to bring along your smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicle drastically expands your travel possibilities and adds convenience to your RV lifestyle.
However, towing a car isn't as simple as just hitching it up and hitting the gas. There are specific procedures, equipment requirements, and safety considerations you need to understand to ensure a smooth and legally compliant journey. Improper towing can damage both your RV and your towed vehicle, not to mention pose serious safety risks to yourself and other drivers on the road. Understanding the proper techniques, choosing the correct towing system, and ensuring compatibility between your RV and car are crucial for a safe and enjoyable travel experience.
What do I need to know before I tow my car?
Do I need supplemental brakes when towing a car behind my RV?
Yes, in most cases, you absolutely need supplemental brakes when towing a car behind your RV. State and provincial laws almost universally require supplemental braking systems on towed vehicles exceeding a certain weight, typically around 3,000 pounds. More importantly, supplemental brakes are crucial for safety, significantly reducing stopping distances and preventing dangerous sway or loss of control, particularly in emergency braking situations.
Supplemental braking systems work by applying the brakes on the towed vehicle in proportion to the braking force applied by the RV. This synchronized braking action prevents the towed car from pushing against the RV during deceleration, which is what causes instability and increased stopping distances. Without supplemental brakes, the RV's braking system is solely responsible for stopping the combined weight of the RV and the towed vehicle, leading to excessive wear and tear on the RV's brakes, longer stopping distances, and increased risk of accidents. There are several types of supplemental braking systems available, including proportional braking systems, which provide braking force proportional to the RV's braking, and time-delayed systems, which apply the towed vehicle's brakes after a slight delay. Proportional systems are generally considered superior because they provide smoother and more responsive braking. Regardless of the type you choose, it's critical to ensure the system is properly installed and maintained. Research your state's and any states you'll be travelling through, specific requirements for supplemental braking systems to ensure you are compliant with the law and operating safely. Always prioritize safety when towing; it’s always better to be over-prepared than under-prepared.How do I properly connect the safety cables and breakaway switch?
Connect the safety cables in a crisscross fashion from the towed car to the RV's hitch receiver. This crisscross configuration creates a cradle to prevent the towed vehicle's tongue from hitting the ground if the primary connection fails. Then, attach the breakaway switch cable to a separate, robust point on the RV, *not* to the hitch itself. The breakaway switch activates the towed car's brakes if the car separates from the RV; it must be independent of the hitch connection.
For safety cables, ensure they are rated to handle the gross weight of the towed vehicle. The crisscross pattern ensures that if the primary hitch fails, the cables will catch the tongue and prevent it from digging into the pavement. Don't let the cables drag on the ground, as this can cause them to fray and weaken. Leave enough slack for turns, but not so much that they could snag on anything. Some tow bars come with built-in cable management features to help keep the cables organized and off the ground. The breakaway switch is a critical safety device. It is electrically connected to the towed vehicle's brakes and designed to activate them if the towed vehicle becomes detached. Never loop the breakaway cable around the hitch. If the hitch fails, the cable will detach with the hitch, rendering the breakaway system useless. Secure the breakaway cable to a frame member or dedicated attachment point on the RV's chassis. Test the breakaway switch periodically by pulling the pin to ensure the towed vehicle's brakes activate.What are the speed limitations when towing a vehicle?
Speed limitations when towing a vehicle behind an RV vary by state and local jurisdictions, but generally range from 45 mph to 65 mph. Always adhere to the *lower* of the posted speed limit or the specific towing speed restriction, as towing at excessive speeds can significantly increase the risk of accidents, tire blowouts, and mechanical failures. Prioritize safety and control over arriving quickly.
Exceeding the speed limit while towing isn't just about potentially receiving a ticket; it dramatically increases the risk to yourself and others on the road. Higher speeds reduce your reaction time and increase the stopping distance required. The added weight of the towed vehicle makes handling more challenging, especially in windy conditions or during sudden maneuvers. Overheating of the RV's engine and transmission is also a significant concern when towing at high speeds for extended periods. Furthermore, tires on both the RV and the towed vehicle are subjected to increased stress and heat buildup at higher speeds. This heightened stress makes tire blowouts more likely. A tire blowout while towing can be catastrophic, potentially leading to loss of control and a serious accident. Before each trip, it's important to check the tire pressure on both vehicles and ensure they are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended levels. Many RVers find that driving even slower than the posted limits is a good practice, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable travel experience.Can I tow an all-wheel-drive vehicle behind an RV?
Whether you can tow an all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicle behind an RV depends entirely on the specific vehicle's manufacturer recommendations. Some AWD vehicles are specifically designed to be flat towed (all four wheels on the ground), while others absolutely cannot be and will suffer severe transmission damage if towed this way. Consult your vehicle's owner's manual for definitive guidance.
Many AWD vehicles lack a neutral position in their transfer case that would fully disengage the wheels from the drivetrain. Towing these vehicles with all four wheels on the ground forces the internal components to rotate without proper lubrication, causing significant and expensive damage. Some manufacturers offer specific procedures for preparing certain AWD models for flat towing, which may involve disconnecting the driveshaft or using a supplemental lubrication pump. Never assume your AWD vehicle can be towed without verifying the correct procedure from the vehicle's manufacturer, even if you've heard that a similar model can be towed. If your AWD vehicle isn't suitable for flat towing, you still have options. You can use a tow dolly (with the front wheels off the ground) or a car trailer (with all four wheels on the trailer). While these options require additional equipment and storage space, they provide a safe way to transport your vehicle without risking damage. Remember to factor in the weight of the dolly or trailer when determining the overall towing capacity required from your RV.And there you have it! Towing a car behind your RV might seem daunting at first, but with a little planning and the right equipment, you'll be hitting the road with confidence. We hope this guide has been helpful in preparing for your adventures. Thanks for reading, and be sure to check back soon for more RV tips and tricks. Happy travels!