How To Tow A Car Behind An RV – Your Complete Guide To Safe & Smart

ByEric James Updated on

The open road calls, promising freedom, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable adventures. You’ve got your RV, your home on wheels, ready for the journey. But what happens when you reach your destination? Do you pack up your entire rig just to grab groceries or explore a nearby town? For many outdoor enthusiasts and RV travelers, the answer is a resounding no.

That’s where understanding how to tow a car behind an RV becomes a game-changer. Bringing along a smaller vehicle, often called a “dinghy,” offers unparalleled flexibility and convenience, transforming your RV trip into a truly seamless exploration.

At OutwardLab, we believe in living outdoors smarter. This comprehensive guide will show you exactly how to tow a car behind an RV safely, efficiently, and with confidence. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right towing method and essential gear to a step-by-step setup and crucial safety tips. Get ready to expand your horizons and explore every nook and cranny of your next adventure!

Why Tow a Car? The Benefits of Bringing Your Ride Along

Deciding to tow a car behind your RV isn’t just about convenience; it’s about enhancing your entire travel experience. The benefits of how to tow a car behind an RV are numerous, making it a popular choice for seasoned travelers and newcomers alike.

  • Unrestricted Mobility: Once your RV is parked and set up at a campsite, you have instant access to a smaller, more maneuverable vehicle. Explore tight city streets, scenic backroads, or national parks without the hassle of navigating a large motorhome.

  • Cost Savings: Avoid the expense of ride-sharing services, taxis, or renting a car at each stop. Your personal vehicle is already there, ready to go.

  • Convenience for Errands: Need groceries, supplies, or a quick trip to town? Detach your dinghy car and run errands easily, saving precious time and effort.

  • Emergency Preparedness: In an unexpected situation, having a separate vehicle can be invaluable for quick trips to a mechanic, urgent care, or simply to get around if your RV temporarily loses power or mobility.

  • Enhanced Exploration: Venture further afield from your campsite. Discover hidden gems, local attractions, and trailheads that might be inaccessible or impractical with a large RV.

Understanding Towing Methods: Your Guide to RV Car Towing

Before you embark on your towing journey, it’s crucial to understand the different methods available. Not all cars can be towed in the same way, and choosing the right setup is key to safety and preventing damage. This section provides a clear how to tow a car behind an RV guide for each method.

Flat Towing (Four Wheels Down)

This is often considered the most convenient method for many RVers. Flat towing, also known as “dinghy towing,” involves pulling your car with all four wheels on the ground, similar to how a trailer is towed.

  • Pros: Easy to connect and disconnect; fewer parts to store; mimics driving the car itself, reducing wear on the RV’s suspension.

  • Cons: Not all vehicles are “flat towable.” Many modern cars with automatic transmissions or all-wheel drive cannot be flat-towed without risking severe transmission damage. Always consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual to confirm if it’s compatible.

  • Key Gear: Requires a base plate, tow bar, supplemental braking system, and safety cables.

Tow Dolly (Two Wheels Up)

A tow dolly is a small, two-wheeled trailer that lifts the front wheels of your car off the ground while the rear wheels remain on the road.

  • Pros: More versatile, as many front-wheel-drive vehicles that aren’t flat-towable can be towed this way. It’s also often a less expensive initial investment than a full flat-tow setup.

  • Cons: Adds an extra piece of equipment to store; requires careful loading and securing of the vehicle; can be more cumbersome to maneuver than a flat-towed car.

  • Key Gear: A tow dolly, tie-down straps, and potentially a supplemental braking system (some dollies have integrated brakes).

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Car Hauler (Four Wheels Up on a Trailer)

A car hauler is a full-sized trailer designed to carry your entire vehicle, with all four wheels off the ground.

  • Pros: Safest method for virtually any vehicle, including classic cars, luxury vehicles, or those not suitable for other towing methods. Protects the towed vehicle from road wear and tear.

  • Cons: Heaviest and longest towing setup, requiring a more powerful RV; most expensive option; requires significant storage space for the trailer when not in use; can be challenging to maneuver and back up.

  • Key Gear: A car hauler trailer, tie-down straps, and often a supplemental braking system for the trailer.

Pro Tip: Always verify your RV’s towing capacity (GCWR – Gross Combined Weight Rating and hitch rating) before choosing a towing method and dinghy vehicle. Exceeding these limits is extremely dangerous and illegal.

Essential Gear for Safe RV Car Towing Best Practices

Regardless of your chosen method, having the right equipment is paramount for safety and compliance. These are the core components you’ll need to master how to tow a car behind an RV best practices.

1. Base Plates (for Flat Towing)

These custom-fit brackets attach to the frame of your towed vehicle. They provide the secure connection points for your tow bar. Ensure they are designed specifically for your make and model of car.

2. Tow Bar (for Flat Towing)

The tow bar is the sturdy link between your RV’s hitch receiver and your dinghy car’s base plates. They come in various styles, with self-aligning and non-binding options being popular for ease of use. Choose a tow bar rated for the weight of your towed vehicle.

3. Supplemental Braking System

This is not optional; it’s a critical safety component and often legally required. A supplemental braking system applies the brakes on your towed vehicle, preventing excessive strain on your RV’s brakes and significantly reducing stopping distances. Options include proportional systems (which apply brakes in sync with the RV) and non-proportional systems.

4. Safety Cables or Chains

Always use two independent safety cables or chains. These act as a backup in case the tow bar or hitch connection fails. Cross them underneath the tow bar to create a cradle that can catch the tow bar if it detaches.

5. Wiring and Lighting Kit

Your towed vehicle’s taillights, brake lights, and turn signals must function in sync with your RV’s. A wiring kit connects your RV’s electrical system to your dinghy, ensuring proper illumination and signaling for other drivers.

6. Breakaway System (often part of braking system)

In the unlikely event your towed vehicle separates from the RV, a breakaway system will automatically apply the dinghy’s brakes, bringing it to a safe stop.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Tow a Car Behind an RV Successfully

Once you have all your gear, the actual connection process is straightforward. Follow these steps for reliable how to tow a car behind an RV tips.

1. Prepare Your Dinghy Vehicle

  • Check Manual: Re-read your car’s owner’s manual for specific flat-towing instructions. This might involve putting the transmission in neutral, pulling a fuse, or disconnecting the battery.

  • Fluid Levels: Ensure all fluid levels (oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid) are adequate.

  • Tire Pressure: Inflate tires to recommended pressure for towing.

  • Clear Out Clutter: Remove any loose items from the car’s interior that could shift or become projectiles during transit.

2. Position the Vehicles

  • Park your RV and dinghy car on level ground, as straight as possible. This makes connecting the tow bar much easier.

  • Back the RV close enough to the dinghy to allow the tow bar to connect easily, but leave enough space to work comfortably.

3. Connect the Tow Bar

  • Attach the tow bar to the RV’s hitch receiver. Secure it with the hitch pin and clip.

  • Extend the tow bar arms and connect them securely to the base plates on your dinghy car. Ensure all pins and locking mechanisms are engaged.

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4. Attach Safety Cables and Electrical Wiring

  • Connect the safety cables from the RV frame to the dinghy car’s frame or base plates, crossing them under the tow bar.

  • Plug in the electrical umbilical cord that connects your RV’s lighting system to your dinghy car’s lights.

5. Set Up the Supplemental Braking System

  • Install and activate your supplemental braking system in the dinghy car according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

  • Test the system to ensure it’s communicating properly with your RV.

6. Final Pre-Trip Checks

  • Walk around both vehicles. Double-check all connections: tow bar, safety cables, electrical, and braking system.

  • Verify that your dinghy’s lights are working correctly in sync with the RV (turn signals, brake lights, running lights).

  • Ensure the dinghy’s transmission is in neutral (if flat-towing), parking brake is off, and steering wheel is unlocked (if required).

  • Take a deep breath. You’re ready to roll!

7. Driving Considerations

  • Increase Stopping Distance: Remember you are now towing significant extra weight. Anticipate stops and brake earlier.

  • Wider Turns: Account for the extra length of your combined rig when turning. Practice in an empty lot.

  • Regular Checks: Periodically check your mirrors for the towed vehicle and pull over safely to inspect connections, tires, and lights, especially during your first few miles and every few hours.

  • Fuel Economy: Expect a decrease in fuel efficiency due to the added weight and drag.

Common Problems with How to Tow a Car Behind an RV & Troubleshooting

Even with careful preparation, issues can arise. Knowing common problems with how to tow a car behind an RV and how to address them can save you stress and keep you safe.

  • Excessive Sway or Fishtailing: This is often caused by an improperly loaded RV, incorrect tire pressure, or an unbalanced towed vehicle. Ensure your RV is loaded correctly, maintain proper tire pressure, and verify your dinghy is centered on a tow dolly or trailer.

  • Braking Issues: If your RV feels sluggish when braking, or you notice the towed car isn’t stopping effectively, check your supplemental braking system. Ensure it’s properly connected, calibrated, and powered. Air in the towed car’s brake lines can also be an issue if the system taps into them.

  • Electrical Malfunctions (Lights): If your dinghy’s lights aren’t working, check the umbilical cord for secure connections, bent pins, or damage. Inspect fuses in both the RV and the towed car. Sometimes, a loose ground wire is the culprit.

  • Transmission Damage (Flat Towing): This is preventable by always consulting your vehicle’s manual. If you towed a non-flat-towable vehicle, you might notice grinding noises, difficulty shifting, or fluid leaks. This often requires professional repair.

  • Forgetting to Unlock Steering/Release Parking Brake: Simple mistakes can have big consequences. A locked steering wheel can cause tire damage or make turning impossible. A engaged parking brake can cause excessive tire wear and overheating. Always double-check your pre-trip checklist.

Expert Insight: Many problems can be avoided with a thorough pre-trip inspection. Make it a habit! If you encounter a problem you can’t solve, pull over safely and don’t hesitate to call for roadside assistance.

Maintaining Your Towing Setup: An RV Car Towing Care Guide

Proper maintenance ensures the longevity of your towing equipment and, more importantly, your safety on the road. Following this how to tow a car behind an RV care guide also contributes to more sustainable how to tow a car behind an RV practices by extending equipment life and preventing breakdowns.

  • Regular Inspections: Before and after each tow, visually inspect all components. Look for signs of wear, cracks, rust, loose bolts, or damaged wiring on your tow bar, base plates, safety cables, and electrical connections.

  • Lubrication: Keep moving parts of your tow bar, especially pivot points and locking mechanisms, clean and lubricated according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. This prevents rust and ensures smooth operation.

  • Clean Electrical Connections: Keep electrical plugs and receptacles clean and free of corrosion. A dielectric grease can help protect them from the elements.

  • Check Tire Pressure: Regularly check the tire pressure on both your RV and the towed vehicle. Correctly inflated tires improve handling, fuel efficiency, and prevent uneven wear.

  • Store Properly: When not in use, store your tow bar and any detachable components in a dry, protected area. If your tow bar remains on the RV, consider a cover to protect it from weather.

  • Service Supplemental Braking System: Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for servicing your braking system, including checking battery life (if applicable) and ensuring all sensors are clean and functional.

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By taking good care of your towing setup, you minimize the risk of issues, ensure a safer journey, and contribute to an more eco-friendly how to tow a car behind an RV approach by making your gear last longer and reducing the need for replacements.

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Tow a Car Behind an RV

Can any car be flat-towed behind an RV?

No. Many modern cars, especially those with automatic transmissions or all-wheel drive, are not designed for flat towing without risking severe damage. Always consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific instructions and limitations regarding recreational towing. Manual transmissions and older 4×4 vehicles are often good candidates.

Is a supplemental braking system always necessary?

Almost always. Most states and provinces legally require a supplemental braking system for towed vehicles over a certain weight (often 1,500 to 3,000 lbs). More importantly, it’s a crucial safety feature that significantly reduces your RV’s stopping distance and prevents excessive wear on its brakes. Don’t skip this.

How do I know if my RV can tow my car?

Check your RV’s Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) in your owner’s manual or on a sticker near the driver’s door. The GCWR is the maximum allowed weight of the fully loaded RV plus the fully loaded towed vehicle. Ensure the total weight of your dinghy and towing equipment does not exceed your RV’s towing capacity and hitch rating.

What should I do if my towed car starts to sway?

If you experience sway, first, ease off the accelerator and let the RV and dinghy naturally settle. Avoid sudden braking or steering inputs. Once stable, pull over safely to inspect your setup. Check tire pressures on both vehicles, ensure the RV is not overloaded, and verify all towing connections are secure.

How often should I inspect my towing equipment?

Perform a thorough visual inspection before every trip, and a quick check at each stop. Conduct a more detailed inspection of all components (tow bar, base plates, wiring, braking system) at least once a year, or every 5,000 miles, to ensure everything is in good working order.

Learning how to tow a car behind an RV opens up a world of possibilities for your outdoor adventures. It transforms your RV into a mobile base camp, allowing you to explore confidently and with unparalleled freedom. By understanding the different towing methods, investing in the right gear, following proper setup procedures, and practicing safe driving habits, you can enjoy the ultimate flexibility on your journeys.

Remember, safety is always your top priority. Take your time, double-check everything, and don’t hesitate to seek expert advice if you’re unsure. With these OutwardLab insights, you’re now equipped to live outdoors smarter and embrace every adventure that comes your way.

Happy trails, and may your explorations be boundless!

Eric James
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