Picture this: you’ve finally reached that picturesque campsite or rugged trail, your RV is perfectly leveled, and the grill is fired up. But what about exploring the hidden gems nearby? You don’t want to break camp every time you need groceries or want to hit a challenging off-road trail. This is where knowing how to tow a car behind an RV becomes an absolute game-changer for any serious adventurer or weekend warrior.
At FatBoysOffroad, we understand the desire for both comfort and exploration. Towing a “toad” (towed vehicle) allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds. It gives you the freedom to set up a comfortable basecamp and still have a nimble vehicle for local excursions, whether it’s a trip to town or tackling some dirt roads. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to safely tow your vehicle, ensuring your RV adventures are limitless and worry-free.
We’ll dive deep into the various towing methods, the essential gear you’ll need, crucial safety protocols, and expert tips to make your towing experience smooth. Get ready to unlock new levels of freedom on your next road trip!
Understanding Your Towing Options: Flat Towing vs. Dolly vs. Trailer
Before you hitch up, it’s vital to understand the different methods available for towing a car behind your RV. Each has its pros, cons, and specific requirements. Choosing the right method depends on your RV, your towed vehicle, and your travel plans.
Flat Towing (Four-Down)
Flat towing, often called “four-down” towing, means all four wheels of your towed vehicle remain on the ground. This is a popular choice for RVers due to its simplicity once set up.
It requires a specific type of vehicle that can be flat-towed without transmission damage. Always consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual to confirm compatibility and specific procedures.
Tow Dolly
A tow dolly lifts the front two wheels of your towed vehicle off the ground, while the rear wheels remain on the road. This method is versatile, as it allows you to tow many front-wheel-drive vehicles that cannot be flat-towed.
It adds an extra set of tires to maintain and requires careful loading and securing of the vehicle onto the dolly. Dollies typically include built-in ramps and tie-down straps.
Enclosed or Open Trailer
Using a trailer, either open or enclosed, means your entire vehicle is off the ground. This is often the safest method, especially for classic cars, sports cars, or valuable off-road rigs that you want to protect from road debris and mileage.
Trailers are the heaviest and longest option, requiring a robust RV with sufficient towing capacity. They also demand more storage space when not in use.
Essential Gear for How to Tow a Car Behind an RV Safely
Regardless of your chosen towing method, having the correct, high-quality gear is non-negotiable for safety and compliance. This equipment forms the backbone of your towing setup.
Base Plates
For flat towing, base plates are custom-designed brackets that bolt directly to the frame of your towed vehicle. They provide the attachment points for your tow bar.
These are vehicle-specific, so ensure you purchase the correct model for your make and year. Installation usually requires some DIY mechanical skills or professional help.
Tow Bar
The tow bar is the crucial link between your RV and the towed vehicle. There are different types, including rigid, A-frame, and self-aligning tow bars.
Ensure your tow bar has a sufficient weight rating for your towed vehicle. Self-aligning tow bars are particularly popular for their ease of connection.
Auxiliary Braking System
A supplemental or auxiliary braking system is often a legal requirement and always a safety imperative. It applies the brakes on your towed vehicle simultaneously with your RV’s brakes.
These systems come in various forms, including proportional, non-proportional, and surge brakes. A proportional system is generally recommended as it applies the towed vehicle’s brakes in proportion to the RV’s braking force.
Safety Chains or Cables
Two independent safety chains or cables are required by law. They act as a failsafe, preventing the towed vehicle from separating from the RV if the tow bar fails.
Always connect them in a crisscross pattern beneath the tow bar. This configuration helps cradle the tow bar if it detaches, keeping it off the pavement.
Wiring Harness and Lights
You need to ensure your towed vehicle’s brake lights, turn signals, and running lights function in sync with your RV. A specialized wiring harness connects the two vehicles’ electrical systems.
This is crucial for visibility and legal compliance, especially when driving at night or in inclement weather. Check all lights before every trip.
Breakaway System
A breakaway system is a safety feature, often integrated with the auxiliary braking system. If the towed vehicle somehow separates from the RV, a cable pulls a pin, activating the towed vehicle’s brakes to bring it to a safe stop.
This is a critical component for preventing a runaway vehicle and is mandatory in many regions.
Pre-Towing Checklist: Preparing Your RV and Towed Vehicle
Thorough preparation is the key to a stress-free and safe towing experience. Don’t skip these crucial checks.
RV Inspection
- Hitch Receiver: Inspect your RV’s hitch receiver for any cracks, rust, or damage. Ensure it’s clean and clear of debris.
- Tires: Check the air pressure on all RV tires, including the spares, and inspect them for wear, cracks, or bulges.
- Electrical Connections: Verify that the RV’s electrical plug for the towed vehicle is clean and free of corrosion.
- Fluid Levels: Top off all RV fluids, including engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, and power steering fluid.
Towed Vehicle Preparation
Preparing your “toad” correctly is paramount to avoid damage during transit. The specific steps depend heavily on your vehicle’s make, model, and transmission type.
- Owner’s Manual: Always, always, always consult your towed vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific flat-towing instructions. Some vehicles require specific procedures (e.g., pulling a fuse, disconnecting the battery, running the engine every few hours).
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Transmission:
- Manual Transmission: Typically placed in neutral.
- Automatic Transmission: Many cannot be flat-towed. If yours can, it often involves placing it in neutral and sometimes removing a drive shaft or using a lube pump.
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD)/4×4: Often requires specific transfer case settings (e.g., neutral) or cannot be flat-towed at all due to potential drivetrain damage.
- Battery Disconnect: Some vehicles require disconnecting the battery to prevent electrical drain or steering wheel lock-up.
- Steering: Ensure the steering wheel is unlocked so the wheels can follow the RV’s turns. Never leave the steering wheel locked.
- Tire Pressure: Inflate your towed vehicle’s tires to the recommended pressure for driving, not just parking.
- Cargo: Remove any unnecessary heavy items from the towed vehicle to reduce overall weight.
Step-by-Step Guide to Connecting Your Toad
Once your vehicles are prepped and your gear is ready, follow these steps for a secure connection.
Positioning the Vehicles
Park your RV on a level surface. Drive your towed vehicle directly behind the RV, aligning the hitch receiver with the tow bar attachment points. Get it as straight as possible.
Attaching the Base Plates and Tow Bar
- Extend the arms of your tow bar and connect them to the base plate tabs on your towed vehicle.
- Ensure the pins are fully inserted and secured with clips or cotter pins.
- Check that the tow bar arms are fully extended and locked into place.
Connecting Safety Chains
Attach the safety chains from the RV’s hitch receiver to the towed vehicle’s base plates, ensuring they cross underneath the tow bar. This critical step provides a backup connection.
Wiring the Lights and Braking System
- Plug the electrical umbilical cord from the RV into the receptacle on the towed vehicle.
- Connect the breakaway cable from the RV to the breakaway switch on the towed vehicle.
- If you have a portable braking system, install it in the towed vehicle according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Final Checks Before Departure
Perform a walk-around inspection:
- Are all tow bar pins secure?
- Are safety chains properly crossed and connected?
- Are electrical connections tight?
- Test all lights (brake, turn signals, running lights) with your RV.
- Verify the auxiliary braking system is working.
- Confirm the towed vehicle’s transmission is in the correct setting (neutral, etc.) and the parking brake is off.
- Check tire pressures on both vehicles.
Driving with a Towed Vehicle: Tips for the Road
Driving with a towed vehicle fundamentally changes how your RV handles. Adjusting your driving style is paramount for safety.
Adjusting Your Driving Style
- Slower Speeds: Reduce your cruising speed. The added weight and length increase stopping distances and reduce maneuverability.
- Wider Turns: Remember you have a longer vehicle train. Make wider turns, especially in tight parking lots or gas stations, to avoid clipping curbs or other obstacles with your toad.
- Longer Braking Distances: Even with a supplemental braking system, your combined stopping distance will be significantly longer. Allow ample space between your RV and other vehicles.
- Anticipate: Look further ahead down the road to anticipate traffic changes, hills, or turns.
Regular Checkpoints
During long drives, pull over every few hours to perform a quick inspection:
- Tires: Feel the tires on both vehicles for excessive heat, which could indicate low pressure or an issue.
- Connections: Check the tow bar, safety chains, and electrical connections for looseness or damage.
- Lights: Briefly test the lights again to ensure they are still functioning correctly.
Maneuvering and Parking
Backing up with a flat-towed vehicle is generally not recommended, if not impossible, without causing damage. The towed vehicle’s wheels will turn in the opposite direction of what you expect.
Plan your stops carefully, always seeking pull-through parking spots. If you must back up, disconnect your toad first.
Common Pitfalls and Troubleshooting When Towing a Car Behind an RV
Even with careful preparation, issues can arise. Knowing common problems and how to address them can save your trip when learning how to tow a car behind an RV.
Electrical Issues
If your towed vehicle’s lights aren’t working, check the electrical umbilical cord for proper connection at both ends. Inspect the pins for corrosion or bends. Sometimes, a blown fuse in either the RV or the towed vehicle can be the culprit.
Braking System Malfunctions
If your auxiliary braking system isn’t engaging or is over-engaging, check its power supply and connections. Refer to the system’s manual for troubleshooting specific error codes or symptoms. Ensure the breakaway cable isn’t partially pulled.
Vehicle Compatibility Problems
The most common pitfall is attempting to tow a car that isn’t compatible with your chosen method. This can lead to severe transmission or drivetrain damage. Always double-check your owner’s manual and confirm with a dealership if unsure.
Tire Wear and Pressure
Uneven tire wear on the towed vehicle can indicate alignment issues or improper tire pressure. Regularly inspect tires for wear patterns and maintain correct inflation. Overheating tires can lead to blowouts, so check temperatures at stops.
Frequently Asked Questions About Towing a Car Behind an RV
Is my car flat-towable?
The only definitive way to know if your car is flat-towable is to check its owner’s manual. Look for a section on “Recreational Towing” or “Dinghy Towing.” Not all vehicles are designed for it, especially many modern automatic transmissions and AWD systems.
Do I need a supplemental braking system?
Yes, absolutely. Most states and provinces legally require a supplemental braking system for towed vehicles over a certain weight (often 1,500-3,000 lbs). More importantly, it’s a critical safety device that significantly reduces your stopping distance and prevents excessive wear on your RV’s brakes.
Can I back up with a car attached?
Generally, no. Flat-towed vehicles are not designed to be backed up. Their steering will fight against the RV, potentially causing severe damage to the tow bar, base plates, or the towed vehicle’s steering components. Always disconnect your toad if you need to back up.
How do I disconnect everything?
Disconnecting is essentially the reverse of connecting. Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake on your toad, disconnect the electrical and breakaway cables, unhook the safety chains, and then release the tow bar arms from the base plates. Drive the toad away, then retract the tow bar on your RV.
What’s the maximum weight I can tow?
Your RV’s maximum towing capacity is specified by its manufacturer and can be found in your RV’s owner’s manual or on a sticker near the driver’s seat. Never exceed this Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR), which includes the weight of the RV, its contents, and the towed vehicle. Always weigh your loaded RV and your toad to ensure you are within limits.
Towing a car behind your RV opens up a world of convenience and adventure. By understanding the options, investing in the right gear, and diligently following safety protocols, you can ensure a smooth and worry-free journey.
Remember, preparation is key, and safety should always be your top priority. Take your time, double-check your connections, and drive defensively. With the right setup, your “toad” will be ready for any side trip or off-road excursion you can dream of, making your RV travels truly unforgettable.
Stay safe, stay comfortable, and happy trails from FatBoysOffroad!
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