Car To Tow Behind RV – Your Complete Guide To Flat Towing & Safe
Picture this: you’ve just arrived at a breathtaking national park in your RV, ready to explore. But your campsite is miles from the hiking trails, the charming town, or that hidden waterfall. Do you pack up your entire RV every time you want to run an errand or go sightseeing?
No, you don’t! Many RVers face this dilemma, wishing for the freedom to explore beyond their campsite without unhooking their entire home on wheels. That’s where bringing a car to tow behind RV comes in.
This comprehensive guide from OutwardLab will walk you through everything you need to know about safely and efficiently setting up a vehicle to tow behind your RV. We’ll cover the benefits, different towing methods, how to choose the right car, essential gear, and crucial safety practices.
By the end, you’ll have the knowledge to confidently hit the road, knowing your adventure machine and your daily driver are both ready for whatever the journey brings. Let’s dive into making your RV travels more flexible and fun!
Table of Contents
Why Bring a Car to Tow Behind RV? The Benefits of a Tag-Along Adventure
Deciding to bring a smaller vehicle along with your RV isn’t just about convenience; it’s about unlocking a new level of freedom and exploration. Many seasoned travelers swear by having a car to tow behind RV for several compelling reasons.
Enhanced Exploration and Freedom
Your RV is your home, but it’s not always the best vehicle for navigating tight city streets, winding mountain passes, or crowded parking lots. Towing a smaller car means you can set up your RV at a comfortable campground and then use your car to explore local attractions, go grocery shopping, or venture off the beaten path.
This flexibility allows you to truly immerse yourself in your destination.
Convenience and Accessibility
Imagine arriving at a remote trailhead or a quaint diner without having to worry about parking a 40-foot motorhome. A towed car provides easy access to places your RV simply can’t go. It makes quick trips effortless and reduces the stress of maneuvering a large vehicle in unfamiliar areas.
This convenience significantly enhances the overall enjoyment of your trip.
Saving Fuel and Time
Constantly packing up and moving your RV for short excursions burns more fuel and takes valuable time. Using a smaller, more fuel-efficient towed vehicle for local errands or sightseeing saves on gas costs and wear and tear on your RV. It also means less setup and teardown time at each stop.
This smart strategy makes your travels more sustainable and cost-effective.
Understanding Your Options: How to Car to Tow Behind RV
Before you pick out the perfect car to tow behind RV, you need to understand the different methods available. Each has its pros and cons, and the best choice depends on your RV, your towed vehicle, and your travel style.
Four Main Towing Methods Explained
There are four primary ways to tow a vehicle behind an RV:
- Flat Towing (Four-Down Towing): This is arguably the most popular method. The towed vehicle travels on all four of its own wheels. It requires specific modifications to the car, including a base plate, tow bar, and supplemental braking system. Pros: Easiest to connect and disconnect, no trailer registration needed, less storage space required for towing equipment. It’s often considered the most hassle-free option once set up. Cons: Not all vehicles can be flat-towed, requires vehicle-specific modifications, adds mileage to the towed vehicle’s tires.
- Tow Dolly: With a tow dolly, the front two wheels of the towed vehicle are on the dolly, and the rear two wheels remain on the ground. Pros: More versatile as many front-wheel-drive vehicles can be towed this way, often less expensive than a full flat-towing setup. Cons: Requires storing and maneuvering the dolly, adds an extra axle and set of tires to maintain, can be more complex to load/unload, generally not suitable for 4WD/AWD vehicles unless specific precautions are taken.
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Open Trailer: The entire towed vehicle is loaded onto a flatbed trailer. Pros: Any vehicle can be towed, protects the towed vehicle from road debris and wear, no mileage added to the towed vehicle.
Cons: Requires a larger, heavier trailer, more complex to hitch and unhitch, trailer storage is a consideration, generally the most expensive option.
- Enclosed Trailer: Similar to an open trailer, but the vehicle is enclosed, offering maximum protection from the elements and road debris. Pros: Superior protection for your vehicle, often provides extra storage space. Cons: Heaviest and largest option, significantly impacts RV fuel economy, most expensive setup, requires substantial storage.
Choosing the Right Method for Your Setup
Your choice depends heavily on your RV’s towing capacity, the type of vehicle you want to tow, and your budget. Flat towing is often preferred for its ease of use if your vehicle is compatible. For those with a front-wheel-drive car that isn’t flat-towable, a tow dolly is a good alternative. Trailers are ideal if you need to protect a high-value vehicle or have specific towing restrictions.
Always consult your RV and vehicle owner’s manuals for specific towing guidelines.
Selecting the Best Car to Tow Behind RV: Key Considerations
Choosing the right car to tow behind RV is crucial for a smooth and safe journey. Not every car is suitable for towing, especially with the popular flat-towing method. Let’s look at what matters.
Flat-Towable Vehicles: What to Look For
The golden rule for flat-towing is to check your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Many manufacturers specifically state whether a car can be “flat-towed” or “towed four-down.” Generally, vehicles with manual transmissions are often flat-towable, as are some with specific automatic transmissions that can be put into a “neutral” towing mode without lubrication issues.
Popular choices for flat-towing often include Jeep Wranglers, Honda CR-Vs (older models), and certain Chevrolet models.
Weight and RV Towing Capacity
Never exceed your RV’s Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) or its specific tow rating. Your RV’s manual will detail how much weight it can safely pull. This includes the weight of the towed vehicle itself, plus any gear inside it, and the weight of the towing equipment (tow bar, base plate, braking system).
Always weigh your loaded RV and your loaded towed vehicle to ensure you’re within safe limits. Overloading is a serious safety hazard.
Transmission Type Matters
As mentioned, manual transmissions are often simpler to flat-tow. For automatic transmissions, the key is whether the transmission can be disengaged from the drivetrain or if it has a lubrication system that functions even when the engine is off and the wheels are turning. Towing an automatic transmission incorrectly can lead to severe damage and costly repairs. Always verify with the manufacturer or your owner’s manual.
Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Options
For those prioritizing a more sustainable car to tow behind RV, consider lighter-weight vehicles or even electric cars. While electric vehicles currently have specific challenges with flat-towing (due to regenerative braking systems and battery drain), some hybrid or smaller gasoline-powered cars offer better fuel efficiency for local trips.
Choosing a lighter vehicle also reduces the overall load on your RV, potentially improving its fuel economy.
Essential Gear for Safe Car Towing: A Comprehensive Guide
Once you’ve chosen your car to tow behind RV, you’ll need the right equipment. This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about safety, compliance with laws, and protecting both your RV and your towed vehicle. Investing in quality gear is non-negotiable.
The Tow Bar: Your Primary Connection
The tow bar is the robust link between your RV and your towed vehicle. There are two main types:
- A-Frame Tow Bars: These are fixed-arm bars that are generally more budget-friendly. They require precise alignment when connecting.
- Self-Aligning (Non-Binding) Tow Bars: These are more common and popular. They feature telescoping arms that allow for easier connection even if the vehicles aren’t perfectly aligned. They are also easier to disconnect under tension.
Choose a tow bar rated for your towed vehicle’s weight, with a safety margin.
Base Plate: Vehicle-Specific Attachment
The base plate is a custom-fit steel bracket that bolts directly to the frame of your towed vehicle. It provides the attachment points for your tow bar. Each base plate is designed specifically for a make and model of car, ensuring a secure and safe connection.
Installation often requires removing the front bumper or grille, so professional installation is recommended if you’re not comfortable with auto mechanics.
Supplemental Braking Systems: A Must-Have
Most states and provinces require a supplemental braking system for towed vehicles over a certain weight (often 1,500-3,000 lbs). This system applies the brakes on your towed car in conjunction with your RV’s brakes, significantly improving stopping power and safety. There are several types:
- Proportional Systems: These apply the towed car’s brakes with the same intensity as the RV’s brakes, providing smooth, controlled stopping.
- Non-Proportional (Breakaway) Systems: These are simpler, often engaging the towed car’s brakes fully if it separates from the RV.
A proportional system is highly recommended for optimal safety and control, especially for a heavy car to tow behind RV.
Safety Chains and Cables
These are a legal requirement and a critical safety measure. In the unlikely event that your tow bar fails, safety chains or cables prevent the towed vehicle from separating entirely. They should be crossed under the tow bar (left chain to right attachment point, right chain to left) to cradle the tow bar if it detaches.
Always ensure they are strong enough for your towed vehicle’s weight and properly secured.
Wiring and Lighting Kits
Your towed vehicle must have working brake lights, turn signals, and running lights that mirror your RV’s signals. This is achieved through a wiring harness that connects your RV’s electrical system to your towed car’s lights. There are plug-and-play kits available for most vehicles, or you can opt for magnetic tow lights that attach to the rear of your towed car.
Proper lighting is essential for visibility and legal compliance.
Tow Guards and Protectors
These accessories, such as rock guards or deflectors, protect the front of your towed vehicle from road debris, rocks, and dirt kicked up by your RV’s tires. They can save you from costly paint damage or even broken windshields on your car to tow behind RV.
Consider these a smart investment for long-term protection.
Setting Up Your Car to Tow Behind RV: Step-by-Step Best Practices
Proper setup is paramount for safe towing. Follow these steps and tips for a secure connection every time. This is your essential how to car to tow behind RV guide.
Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist
Before you even connect, perform a thorough check:
- Inspect tires on both RV and towed vehicle for proper inflation and wear.
- Check all fluid levels in the RV.
- Ensure the towed car’s battery is in good condition (some setups may require disconnecting the battery).
- Verify all lights on both vehicles are working.
- Test the RV’s brakes and any supplemental braking system components.
Connecting the Tow Bar and Safety Chains
Park your RV and towed car on a level surface, as straight as possible. Back the RV slowly towards the towed car’s base plate. Connect the tow bar arms to the base plate. Ensure all pins and clips are securely in place. Then, connect the safety chains, crossing them underneath the tow bar.
Give everything a good tug to ensure a solid connection.
Activating the Braking System
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific supplemental braking system. This might involve plugging in a unit, adjusting sensitivity, or ensuring the breakaway switch is properly connected and functional. Always test the system before you hit the road.
This is a critical step for safe stopping and control.
Double-Checking Lights and Signals
Connect the wiring harness between your RV and the towed car. Have a helper stand behind the towed car while you test the RV’s headlights, tail lights, brake lights, and turn signals. Confirm that all corresponding lights on the towed vehicle are working correctly.
Proper signaling is vital for other drivers on the road.
Understanding Your RV’s Dashboard
Some RVs have indicators for towed vehicle connections, especially for braking systems. Familiarize yourself with these alerts. Be aware that towing changes your RV’s handling, braking distance, and acceleration. Drive cautiously, allowing extra space for stopping and turns.
Practice driving with your towed car in a safe, open area before embarking on a long trip.
Common Problems with Car to Tow Behind RV and How to Solve Them
Even with the best preparation, issues can arise when you car to tow behind RV. Knowing how to troubleshoot common problems can save you time, stress, and potential roadside emergencies.
Electrical Glitches and Disconnections
Problem: Lights on the towed car aren’t working, or the supplemental braking system isn’t engaging. Solution: First, check all connections in the wiring harness. Ensure they are clean, tight, and free of corrosion. Look for blown fuses in both the RV and the towed car’s fuse boxes. If using a battery-powered braking system, check the battery charge. Sometimes, simply unplugging and re-plugging connections can resolve minor glitches.
Braking System Malfunctions
Problem: The towed car’s brakes are dragging, or not engaging at all. Solution: For dragging brakes, check the sensitivity settings on your proportional braking system; it might be set too high. Ensure the brake pedal in the towed car isn’t being obstructed. If brakes aren’t engaging, verify all power connections, check for fault codes on the braking unit, and ensure the breakaway switch is properly armed but not activated. Consult your braking system’s manual for specific troubleshooting steps.
Tire Wear and Maintenance
Problem: Uneven or excessive tire wear on the towed vehicle. Solution: Regular tire pressure checks are crucial. Ensure tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. Misalignment in either the RV or the towed car can contribute to uneven wear, so consider having both vehicles professionally checked if the problem persists. Rotate tires on your towed vehicle more frequently than usual, as they experience constant rolling without power.
Damage During Towing
Problem: The towed car sustains damage from road debris or improper connection. Solution: Prevention is key. Invest in tow guards or deflectors to protect the front of your towed vehicle. Always perform a thorough pre-trip inspection of all connections. Ensure the tow bar is properly seated and locked, and safety chains are correctly crossed. Drive defensively, avoiding sudden maneuvers that could put excessive strain on the towing system. If you notice any unusual sounds or handling, pull over immediately to inspect the setup.
Car to Tow Behind RV Care Guide & Maintenance Tips
Proper care and maintenance of your towing equipment and towed vehicle are essential for longevity and safety. Think of this as your car to tow behind RV best practices for keeping everything in top shape.
Regular Inspections
Make it a habit to inspect your tow bar, base plate, safety chains, and wiring before every trip. Look for signs of wear, cracks, rust, or loose bolts. Pay close attention to the moving parts of your tow bar and the integrity of your safety cables.
Early detection of issues can prevent serious problems down the road.
Lubrication and Cleaning
Keep your tow bar’s moving parts clean and lubricated according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Road grime, dust, and salt can accelerate wear. A little grease or silicone spray on pivot points and locking mechanisms can keep things operating smoothly.
Clean electrical connections with a specialized contact cleaner to prevent corrosion.
Tire Pressure and Alignment
Regularly check the tire pressure on your towed vehicle, even when it’s not being towed. Incorrect pressure can lead to premature wear and affect handling. Consider having your towed vehicle’s alignment checked periodically, especially if you notice unusual tire wear.
This ensures optimal performance and safety for your car to tow behind RV.
Battery Care
Depending on your wiring setup, some towed vehicles’ batteries can drain while being towed, especially if powering a supplemental braking system. Consider installing a charge line from your RV to the towed car’s battery, or a battery disconnect switch. Periodically check the towed car’s battery charge.
A dead battery is an unwelcome surprise at your destination.
Post-Trip Checks
After each trip, give your towing equipment a quick once-over. Clean off any road grime. Store your tow bar and other components in a dry place to prevent rust. This routine will ensure your gear is ready for your next adventure.
A little care goes a long way in extending the life of your equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Towing a Car Behind an RV
Here are some common questions adventurers ask about bringing a car to tow behind RV.
Can all cars be flat-towed?
No, not all cars can be flat-towed. It primarily depends on the vehicle’s transmission type and whether the manufacturer explicitly allows it. Always consult your car’s owner’s manual under the “Recreational Towing” or “Dinghy Towing” section. Many manual transmission vehicles and certain specific automatic transmission models are flat-towable.
Do I need a supplemental braking system?
In most states and provinces, a supplemental braking system is legally required for towed vehicles over a certain weight (often 1,500 to 3,000 pounds). Beyond legal requirements, it’s a critical safety device that significantly improves your RV’s stopping distance and control, especially in emergency situations. It’s highly recommended for any towed vehicle.
How does towing affect my RV’s fuel economy?
Towing a car behind your RV will almost certainly decrease your RV’s fuel economy. The additional weight and aerodynamic drag require your RV’s engine to work harder. The exact impact varies based on the weight of your towed vehicle, your RV’s engine, terrain, and driving speed. Expect a noticeable reduction in miles per gallon.
What’s the difference between a tow dolly and flat towing?
Flat towing (four-down towing) means the entire towed vehicle travels on its own four wheels. A tow dolly, on the other hand, involves loading only the front two wheels of the towed vehicle onto a small trailer (the dolly), while the rear wheels remain on the ground. Flat towing generally offers more convenience once set up, while a tow dolly is more versatile for vehicles not designed for flat towing.
Is it difficult to back up with a towed car?
Yes, backing up with a flat-towed car is generally not recommended and can be very difficult. The towed car’s steering wheels will turn independently, making it nearly impossible to control. Most experienced RVers will unhook their towed car before attempting to back into a campsite or maneuver in tight spaces. With a tow dolly or trailer, backing up is possible but requires significant practice.
Embracing the adventure of RV travel with a towed vehicle opens up a world of possibilities, from spontaneous detours to convenient errands. By understanding the methods, choosing the right gear, and prioritizing safety, you’re not just traveling; you’re living outdoors smarter.
Remember, preparation is your best companion on the road. Take the time to set up your car to tow behind RV correctly, perform regular checks, and drive with confidence. The freedom to explore awaits!
Stay safe, stay curious, and happy trails!
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