How To Tow A Vehicle Behind A Motorhome

Picture this: You’re on an epic road trip in your motorhome, surrounded by stunning scenery. But then you reach a charming small town or a rugged trail that your big rig just can’t navigate. Or maybe you just need to run to the grocery store. Suddenly, you wish you had your smaller vehicle with you.

Many RV enthusiasts face this dilemma. The good news? Learning how to tow a vehicle behind a motorhome safely and efficiently is a game-changer for any adventurer. It opens up a world of convenience, flexibility, and deeper exploration at your destinations.

At FatBoysOffroad, we understand the desire for freedom and capability. This comprehensive guide will promise to walk you through everything you need to know, from choosing the right towing method to essential gear, legal considerations, and crucial safety checks. Get ready to hit the road with confidence, knowing your chase vehicle is securely in tow.

Let’s dive in and unlock the full potential of your RV adventures!

Table of Contents

Understanding Your Towing Options: Flat Towing vs. Tow Dolly

When it comes to towing a secondary vehicle behind your motorhome, you generally have two primary methods: flat towing (also known as four-down towing) and using a tow dolly. Each has its advantages, disadvantages, and specific requirements.

Choosing the right method for how to tow a vehicle behind a motorhome depends on your towed vehicle, your motorhome’s capabilities, and your personal preferences.

Flat Towing (Four-Down Towing)

Flat towing means all four wheels of your towed vehicle remain on the ground as you pull it behind your RV. It’s often the preferred method for its convenience once set up.

Many off-road vehicles, like Jeeps and certain trucks, are popular choices for flat towing due to their robust transfer cases.

Advantages of Flat Towing

Simplicity: Once disconnected, you’re ready to drive your toad (towed vehicle) immediately.
Less Storage: No tow dolly to store at your campsite or home.
Maneuverability: Generally easier to back up short distances (though still not recommended for long distances).
Reduced Wear: Less wear on the towed vehicle’s tires compared to a dolly’s tires.

Disadvantages of Flat Towing

Vehicle Specific: Not all vehicles can be flat towed without modification. You must consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual to confirm it’s “flat towable.”
More Complex Setup: Requires installing a base plate, tow bar, supplemental braking system, and lighting system directly onto the towed vehicle.
Higher Initial Cost: The upfront investment for all the required equipment can be significant.

Tow Dolly Towing

A tow dolly is a two-wheeled trailer that lifts the front wheels of your towed vehicle off the ground, while the rear wheels remain on the road. This method is often a good solution for vehicles that aren’t flat towable.

It’s a versatile option for many front-wheel-drive (FWD) cars, and some all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicles if specific precautions are taken.

Advantages of Tow Dolly Towing

Versatility: Can tow a wider range of vehicles, especially those not designed for flat towing.
Lower Initial Cost: A tow dolly can be less expensive than a full flat-tow setup.
Less Modification: Requires minimal to no modification to the towed vehicle itself.

Disadvantages of Tow Dolly Towing

Storage: You need a place to store the dolly when not in use or at your campsite.
Maneuverability: Backing up is much more difficult, often requiring disconnection.
Tire Wear: The towed vehicle’s rear tires are still on the ground, accumulating wear.
Loading/Unloading: Requires careful loading and securing of the vehicle onto the dolly.

Choosing the Right Vehicle for Towing Behind Your Motorhome

The first step in planning your towing setup is selecting the right vehicle. Not every car or truck is suitable for towing behind an RV.

Your choice will heavily influence the type of towing system you’ll need.

What Makes a Vehicle “Towable”?

The most crucial factor is whether the vehicle’s transmission and drivetrain can handle being towed. Always consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

Look for sections on “recreational towing” or “dinghy towing.”

Manual Transmissions: Many manual transmission vehicles can be flat towed, often by simply putting the transmission in neutral.
Automatic Transmissions: Automatic transmissions are trickier. Some can be flat towed if they have a lubrication pump that operates when the engine is off, or if they are specifically designed for it (e.g., certain Honda CR-Vs, Jeep Wranglers with specific transfer cases). Others require a tow dolly or professional modification.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) & Four-Wheel Drive (4WD):
- For flat towing AWD/4WD, the vehicle must have a neutral setting on its transfer case that completely disengages the drivetrain.
- If using a tow dolly for AWD/4WD, you typically need a dolly that lifts all four wheels, or specific instructions from the manufacturer on how to disengage the rear axle.

Popular Towable Vehicles

Some vehicles are consistently popular choices for towing due to their design and manufacturer recommendations:

Jeep Wrangler: A classic for flat towing due to its robust 4×4 system with a neutral transfer case. Perfect for off-road adventures from your campsite.
Ford F-150/Ranger (certain configurations): Some truck models, especially those with 4WD and a neutral transfer case option, are towable.
Honda CR-V (older models): Many older CR-Vs (pre-2015) were popular for flat towing. Always verify the specific year and model.
Chevrolet Equinox/GMC Terrain (certain models): Another common choice for flat towing, depending on the year and drivetrain.

Essential Gear for Safe Vehicle Towing

Regardless of whether you choose flat towing or a tow dolly, having the right equipment is paramount for safety and compliance. Don’t skimp on quality when it comes to towing gear.

For Flat Towing

Base Plate: This is a custom-fit steel bracket that attaches to the frame of your towed vehicle. It provides the connection points for the tow bar. Brands like Blue Ox and Roadmaster are industry leaders.
Tow Bar: The actual connection between your motorhome and the base plate on your towed vehicle. It should be rated for the weight of your towed vehicle. There are rigid and folding tow bars; folding ones are more convenient for storage.
Safety Cables/Chains: These are required by law and act as a backup in case the tow bar fails. They cross under the tow bar (e.g., left chain to right base plate connection) to prevent the towed vehicle from detaching.
Supplemental Braking System: This is arguably the most critical safety component. Your motorhome’s brakes are designed for its weight, not the added weight of a towed vehicle. A supplemental braking system applies the brakes on your towed vehicle in sync with your motorhome’s brakes. Options include:
- Proportional Systems: Apply brakes in proportion to how hard the motorhome is braking (e.g., Brake Buddy, RViBrake).
- Ready Brake Systems: Use surge braking technology.
- Integrated Systems: Permanently installed into the towed vehicle (e.g., Air Force One, InvisiBrake).
Tow Vehicle Wiring Harness & Lights: You need to ensure the brake lights, turn signals, and running lights on your towed vehicle illuminate in sync with your motorhome. This often involves a specific wiring harness that connects to your RV’s wiring.
Breakaway Switch: A safety device that automatically applies the towed vehicle’s brakes if it somehow detaches from the motorhome, bringing it to a safe stop.

For Tow Dolly Towing

Tow Dolly: Choose a dolly rated for the weight of your towed vehicle. Some dollies come with their own surge brakes, while others require an electric brake controller in the motorhome. Ensure it has proper tie-down straps and safety chains.
Wheel Straps: Crucial for securing the front wheels of your vehicle to the dolly. Inspect these regularly for wear and tear.
Safety Chains: Connect the towed vehicle’s frame to the tow dolly for added security.
Motorhome Hitch Receiver: Ensure your motorhome has a hitch receiver (Class III or higher) rated for the combined weight of the tow dolly and the towed vehicle.
Brake Controller (if applicable): If your tow dolly has electric brakes, you’ll need an electric brake controller installed in your motorhome.
Lighting and Wiring: The tow dolly itself will have lights that need to connect to your motorhome’s wiring harness for brake, turn, and running lights.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Tow a Vehicle Behind a Motorhome with Flat Towing

Flat towing offers convenience once the initial setup is done. Here’s a general overview of the process.

Pre-Installation Checklist

Verify Towability: Re-confirm your vehicle is flat towable by checking the owner’s manual.
Weight Check: Know the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of your towed vehicle and ensure it’s within your motorhome’s towing capacity.
Gather Tools: You’ll need basic hand tools, wrenches, and possibly a torque wrench for installation.

Installation Process (Initial Setup)

Install Base Plate: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. This usually involves removing the front fascia/bumper, drilling, and bolting the base plate to the frame.
Install Wiring Harness: Route the wiring for the lights and breakaway switch from the front of the vehicle to the rear, connecting it to the vehicle’s taillight assembly or using separate bulbs.
Install Supplemental Braking System: Depending on the system, this could involve mounting a unit in the towed vehicle’s cabin, connecting to the brake pedal, and running a wire or air line to the motorhome.

Connecting for Travel (Each Trip)

Position Vehicles: Park the motorhome and the towed vehicle on level ground, directly in line with each other, with about 2-3 feet between them.
Attach Tow Bar: Connect the tow bar arms to the base plate on the towed vehicle and to the hitch receiver on the motorhome. Ensure all pins and clips are securely in place.
Attach Safety Cables: Cross the safety cables under the tow bar, connecting the left side of the motorhome to the right side of the towed vehicle, and vice versa. This creates a cradle in case of detachment.
Connect Lighting Cable: Plug in the electrical umbilical cord that connects the towed vehicle’s lights to the motorhome.
Connect Braking System: Connect the appropriate cable or air line for your supplemental braking system between the two vehicles.
Prepare Towed Vehicle:
- Put the transmission in neutral (N).
- If 4WD/AWD, put the transfer case in neutral (N).
- Turn the ignition to the “accessory” position (if required to unlock the steering wheel), but ensure it doesn’t engage the engine or drain the battery. Some vehicles have a specific “tow mode.”
- Release the parking brake.
- Check any manufacturer-specific steps (e.g., pulling a fuse, disconnecting the battery).
Final Walk-Around: Double-check all connections, pins, cables, and lights before moving.

Setting Up a Tow Dolly: A Practical Guide

Towing with a dolly is a great alternative for non-flat-towable vehicles. The loading process requires careful attention.

Pre-Trip Checks for the Dolly

Tire Pressure: Ensure the tow dolly tires are inflated to the recommended pressure.
Lights: Verify the dolly’s brake lights, turn signals, and running lights are working.
Condition: Check for any damage to the dolly, straps, or chains.

Loading Your Vehicle onto a Tow Dolly

Position Dolly: Hitch the tow dolly securely to your motorhome. Ensure it’s on level ground and the motorhome’s parking brake is engaged.
Align Vehicle: Carefully drive your towed vehicle onto the dolly ramps. Center the vehicle so its front wheels rest squarely in the cradles.
Secure Wheels: Use the provided wheel straps to firmly secure the front wheels to the dolly. Cinch them down tightly, ensuring there’s no slack.
Safety Chains: Attach the dolly’s safety chains to the frame or a strong structural point on your towed vehicle.
Prepare Towed Vehicle:
- Put the transmission in park (P) or neutral (N) as per dolly manufacturer instructions (often P for FWD, N for RWD).
- Engage the parking brake (if recommended by dolly manufacturer, otherwise release).
- Turn the ignition to the “accessory” position (if needed to unlock steering), or secure the steering wheel straight. Some dollies require the steering wheel to be free to turn.
- Verify rear wheels are free to roll (if applicable).
Final Check: Walk around the entire setup. Confirm straps are tight, chains are secure, and lights are connected and working. Give the straps another tug after driving a short distance to ensure they haven’t loosened.

Pre-Trip Checks and On-Road Safety Tips

Safety is paramount when you’re learning how to tow a vehicle behind a motorhome. A thorough pre-trip inspection and safe driving habits can prevent accidents and stress.

Before You Depart

Lights Check: Have someone confirm all lights (running, brake, turn signals) on both your motorhome and towed vehicle/dolly are working correctly.
Connections: Double-check all hitch connections, safety chains, tow bar pins, and electrical connections.
Tire Pressure: Verify correct tire pressure on your motorhome, towed vehicle, and tow dolly (if applicable).
Fluid Levels: Check motorhome engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, and brake fluid. Also, check the towed vehicle’s fluids if it requires specific preparation.
Weight Distribution: Ensure your motorhome is not overloaded and that cargo is evenly distributed.
Mirrors: Adjust your motorhome’s side mirrors to provide a clear view of your towed vehicle. Consider adding mirror extensions if visibility is limited.

On-Road Safety Practices

Increase Following Distance: You’re significantly longer and heavier. Allow much more space between your rig and the vehicle in front.
Slower Speeds: Drive slower than you normally would, especially on winding roads, hills, or in adverse weather.
Wider Turns: Account for the extra length when turning. Take wider turns to avoid clipping curbs or other vehicles.
Braking: Anticipate stops far in advance. Your braking distance will be significantly longer. Rely on your supplemental braking system.
Hills: Use lower gears on inclines and declines to manage speed and prevent brake fade.
Regular Checks: Pull over every few hours to visually inspect your entire towing setup. Check connections, tire temperatures, and strap tension.
Avoid Backing Up: If flat towing, backing up can damage the tow bar or the towed vehicle’s steering. If using a tow dolly, backing up is extremely difficult and usually requires disconnecting the dolly. Plan your routes to avoid situations where backing is necessary.
Wind and Weather: High winds can significantly impact stability. Reduce speed and be prepared for swaying.

Legal Considerations and Weight Distribution

Understanding the legal aspects and proper weight management is vital for safe and compliant towing.

Towing Laws and Regulations

State-Specific Laws: Towing laws vary by state and province. Research the regulations for every area you plan to travel through. This includes maximum length, speed limits, and braking system requirements.
Braking System Requirements: Most states require a supplemental braking system for towed vehicles over a certain weight (often 1,500-3,000 lbs). Always use one, regardless of legal minimums, for safety.
Safety Chains: Universally required. Ensure they are correctly crossed.
Lights: All towed vehicles must have functional brake lights, turn signals, and running lights.

Weight Distribution and Capacity

Overloading your motorhome or exceeding its towing capacity is dangerous and can void warranties.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The maximum permissible weight of your fully loaded motorhome, including passengers, cargo, and fluids.
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR): The maximum permissible weight of the motorhome AND the towed vehicle/dolly combined. This is the most critical number for towing.
Hitch Weight/Tongue Weight: The downward force exerted by the tow bar or tow dolly on your motorhome’s hitch. Too much or too little can cause instability. For flat towing, it’s generally minimal. For a tow dolly, it should be around 10-15% of the dolly’s loaded weight.
Axle Weight Ratings: Do not exceed the front or rear axle weight ratings of your motorhome.

Always weigh your fully loaded motorhome with the towed vehicle at a truck stop (CAT scales are common) to ensure you are within all ratings. This is the only way to know your actual weights.

Troubleshooting Common Towing Problems

Even with careful planning, issues can arise. Knowing how to diagnose and address common problems can save your trip.

Swaying or Instability

Cause: Improper weight distribution, crosswinds, excessive speed, worn suspension components on either vehicle.
Solution: Reduce speed immediately. Check tire pressures. Ensure cargo in the motorhome is balanced. If persistent, have your suspension and hitch setup inspected by a professional.

Braking Issues

Cause: Supplemental braking system malfunction, inadequate system for weight, worn motorhome brakes.
Solution: Check all electrical connections for the braking system. Verify the system is properly calibrated. If braking distance is still too long, reduce speed further and consider a more robust braking system. Have motorhome brakes inspected.

Towed Vehicle Battery Drain

Cause: Steering wheel unlocked (accessory mode) for extended periods, drawing power from the towed vehicle’s battery.
Solution: Install a charge line kit that trickle-charges the towed vehicle’s battery from the motorhome. Alternatively, disconnect the towed vehicle’s battery (if safe and recommended by manufacturer) or pull specific fuses as per manual.

Lights Not Working

Cause: Loose electrical connection, blown fuse, damaged wiring harness.
Solution: Check all plugs and connections. Inspect the wiring harness for visible damage. Check fuses in both the motorhome and the towed vehicle. Use a circuit tester to pinpoint where the power stops.

Tire Issues

Cause: Incorrect tire pressure, old tires, overloading.
Solution: Maintain correct tire pressure for both vehicles. Inspect tires for wear, cracks, and proper tread depth before each trip. Consider a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) for both your motorhome and towed vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Tow a Vehicle Behind a Motorhome

Here are some common questions we get about towing a vehicle with an RV.

Do I need a special driver’s license to tow a vehicle behind my motorhome?

In most U.S. states, if your combined vehicle weight (motorhome + towed vehicle) is under 26,000 pounds, a standard Class D driver’s license is sufficient. However, some states have specific requirements for length or air brakes, so always check the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) rules for your home state and any states you plan to travel through.

Can I tow a vehicle with an automatic transmission?

Yes, but it depends entirely on the specific vehicle. Some automatic transmissions can be flat towed if they have a lubrication system that functions when the engine is off, or if the manufacturer specifically designates them as flat towable. Many automatic vehicles, especially front-wheel drive, can be towed using a tow dolly. Always consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for “recreational towing” instructions.

What is the “breakaway switch” and why is it important?

A breakaway switch is a critical safety device for supplemental braking systems. If your towed vehicle accidentally detaches from your motorhome, the breakaway switch activates the towed vehicle’s independent braking system, bringing it to a safe stop. It’s a legal requirement in many areas and an essential component for preventing a runaway vehicle.

How often should I inspect my towing setup?

You should perform a comprehensive inspection of all connections, lights, tires, and braking systems before every trip. During long trips, it’s wise to pull over every few hours (e.g., at fuel stops or rest areas) for a quick visual check of your tow bar, safety cables, straps, and tire temperatures. Regular maintenance of all components is also key.

Can I back up my motorhome with a vehicle flat towed or on a dolly?

It is generally not recommended to back up a motorhome with a flat-towed vehicle. The steering of the towed vehicle can lock, or the tow bar can be damaged. If you must back up a very short distance, do so extremely slowly and with someone spotting. Backing up with a tow dolly is even more difficult, as the dolly itself will jackknife very quickly. Most dolly users will disconnect the dolly and maneuver it by hand if backing is unavoidable.

Embrace the Open Road with Confidence

Learning how to tow a vehicle behind a motorhome might seem daunting at first, but with the right knowledge, equipment, and a commitment to safety, it quickly becomes second nature. Whether you choose the convenience of flat towing or the versatility of a tow dolly, having a smaller vehicle at your destination enhances your travel experience immensely.

Remember to always prioritize safety: double-check your connections, understand your vehicle’s capabilities, and drive defensively. At FatBoysOffroad, we believe in empowering you to explore further and with greater freedom.

Now that you’re equipped with this expert knowledge, it’s time to plan your next adventure. Get out there, explore those hidden gems, and make unforgettable memories!

Stay safe and stay comfortable on your next journey!

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Thomas Corle

Founder & Automobile expert at FatBoysOffroad

Automobile expert and off-road enthusiast, sharing in-depth knowledge of vehicles, gear, and adventures. Helping readers make smart decisions and enjoy the thrill of off-roading safely and confidently.