On an RV road trip, there’s no convenience quite like having your daily driver with you. Rather than firing up your 25-foot, 25,000-lb Class A RV every time you have an off-camp-site excursion, you can hop in your Jeep Wrangler (or other RV-toad-friendly vehicle), leaving your RV setup untouched.
While you could drive separately, driving your daily-use vehicle across the country adds wear and tear and mileage. Instead, consider towing your daily driver behind your RV. (You may even be able to flat tow your vehicle).
So, what’s next? You’ll need to choose an appropriate towing method, check on safety requirements, and grab the necessary equipment. Before you know it, you’ll be on the road with your daily driver in tow!
Determining Your RV’s Towing Capacity
To tow a car safely behind your RV, you must know your RV’s maximum towing capacity. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) signifies the maximum allowable weight of the RV when fully loaded.
You’ll find this information in the owner’s manual, the manufacturer’s website, or the Safety Compliance Certification Label inside the driver’s side door.
Besides the GVWR, it’s also important to understand weight ratings such as Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) and Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR), as they directly influence your RV’s towing capabilities.
Being familiar with the Gross Cargo Carrying Capacity (GCCC) is also advantageous. To calculate this, subtract the Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW) from the GVWR. This figure represents the maximum cargo weight your RV can safely carry.
Choosing the Right Towing Method
Once you’ve grasped your RV’s towing capacity, you should then decide on the most appropriate towing method. You have three primary methods to consider: flat towing, utilizing a tow dolly, or employing a car hauler. Each method brings unique benefits and drawbacks.
| Towing Method | Vehicle Compatibility | Pros | Cons | Equipment Needed |
| Flat Towing | Manual transmission and select 4WD vehicles with a neutral option | Simple setup and disconnection; no extra equipment for the towed vehicle | Not suitable for all vehicles | Tow bar, base plate kit |
| Tow Dolly | Front-wheel drive vehicles | Protect car’s transmission | More labor-intensive setup; additional storage for the dolly needed | Tow dolly, ratchet straps, safety chains |
| Car Hauler | All types of vehicles | Best protection for the towed vehicle; versatile usage | Higher costs; additional weight on the RV | Car hauler trailer, cross-strapping, brake controller |
Method #1: Flat Towing (Four-Down)
Flat towing, also known as four-down towing or flat tow, involves connecting a vehicle with its four wheels to an RV using a tow bar.
All four of the vehicle’s tires remain on the ground, making it a straightforward and convenient method.
The advantages of flat towing include:
- Simple to connect and disconnect the towed vehicle
- Don’t need a significant amount of additional equipment
- The pre-towing process often requires only a few minutes, with a tow bar and a base plate kit being the essential equipment needed.
Method #2: Tow Dolly
A tow dolly is a practical option for towing vehicles with front-wheel drive transmissions. This method lifts the front wheels off the ground, protecting the vehicle’s low profile from damage while the rear wheels roll in contact with the road. Using a tow dolly requires:
- Ratchet straps to secure the front wheels of the towed vehicle
- Safety chains for added security
- Proper tire pressure and lug nut tightness to ensure a safe journey.
Method #3: Car Hauler (Trailer)
If you’re looking for a versatile towing option, car haulers are a great choice. Suitable for any vehicle, they lift the entire vehicle off the ground, providing the best protection for the towed car.
Car haulers come in a variety of types, such as lightweight aluminum or cost-effective steel and wood. With built-in ramps, slide-out ramps, removable fenders, and dovetails, loading your vehicle is a breeze. Just remember to secure your car with cross-strapping for stable transport.
Steps To Tow A Car Behind An RV
Always talk to a professional before attaching your tow vehicle and heading out on the road for the first time. These are the basic steps you will need to tow a car behind an RV.
- Check The RV’s Towing Capacity: Make sure it can handle the weight of the vehicle you are towing.
- Pick a Towing Method: Make a choice based on your vehicle and personal preferences.
- Get The Proper Safety Equipment: Get your hands on some ratchet straps, safety chains, tie-downs, and safety cables, depending on the towing method
- Install Towing Equipment & Prepare Vehicle for Towing: Attach the tow bar, tow dolly, or car hauler to your RV’s hitch, following all manufacturer’s instructions.
- Connect the Lighting System: Use a wiring kit to connect the RV’s lights to the towed vehicle to ensure that all brake lights, turn signals, and tail lights work together.
- Conduct a Safety Check: Before departing, double-check all connections
- Regularly Inspect During Travel: Stop periodically during your trip to inspect the towing setup and look for signs of wear and damage.
- Follow Legal Requirements: Ensure you know and comply with all towing laws and regulations, which can vary by state or country.
Essential Towing Accessories and Safety Equipment
Beyond the right vehicle and the right method, you’ll need the right towing accessories and safety equipment to successfully tow a car behind an RV.
The safety equipment required will depend on the towing method you choose. Generally speaking, these are the pieces of equipment you’ll need, regardless of the towing method you choose.
- Towing mirrors or mirror extenders: These provide enhanced visibility and ensure clear lane changing or maneuvering of the RV.
- Wiring kit: This is necessary to power the tail lights, brake lights, and turn signals on the towed vehicle. Functioning lights on the towed vehicle are legally required, making a wiring kit a must-have.
- Safety cables: These function as a backup for securing the connection between the RV and the towed vehicle in case the hitch fails. When the tow bar connects the two vehicles, you can rest assured there won’t be accidental dislodging.
- Trailer brakes and a supplemental braking system. These aid in distributing stopping force. A supplemental braking system ensures the towed vehicle can safely stop in tandem with the RV.
Legal Considerations and Local Regulations
Comprehending the legal implications and local regulations is as important as grasping the technical facets of towing. For commercial towing, requirements get more complex, with both state and federal regulations to comply with, including those enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Summary
Once you are back from your RV trip, you may need a place to store both the RV and the tow vehicle. Because most RVs don’t fit in a standard garage, you’ll want to consider renting a 10’x30’ or 10’x40’ storage unit, a covered parking stall, or a commercial-size garage to protect your RV. With your RV stored close to home, you can access it whenever the camping mood strikes.
Neighbor —a peer-to-peer storage marketplace— provides safe, nearby, and budget-friendly spaces to store your RV (and any of your additional towing gear).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Towing a Car Behind an RV Bad for the Car?
Yes, towing a car behind an RV can be bad for the car’s transmission, steering system, and other components if it’s not designed for RV towing. The transmission must be disconnected to avoid damage.
What Equipment Is Needed to Tow a Car Behind an RV?
You will need a tow bar (or tow dolly), base plate, RV hitch, and drop/rise adapter to tow a vehicle behind an RV. These are essential for safe and secure towing.
Does Towing a Car Behind an RV Put Miles on It?
Towing a car behind an RV does not typically add miles to the odometer because the transmission of the cart is not engaged.
Do You Need a Braking System to Tow a Car Behind an RV?
Yes, in most states, it is a legal requirement to have a supplemental braking system for towing a car behind an RV.
