Introduction to Flat Tow Vehicles and RV Adventures

Recreational vehicles (RVs) offer the freedom to explore the great outdoors, travel cross-country, and enjoy a home on wheels. One of the most convenient aspects of RV travel is being able to tow a car or flat tow vehicle behind the RV for easier mobility and exploration once you’ve reached your destination.

Flat tow vehicles, also known as “dinghy” or “toad” vehicles, are vehicles that can be towed with all four wheels on the ground. This type of towing is preferred by many RV enthusiasts because it eliminates the need for a dolly or trailer, making the towing process easier and more efficient. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about flat tow vehicles, how to tow a car, and essential tips for safely towing a car behind an RV.

Understanding Flat Towable Vehicles

Not all vehicles are suitable for flat towing. Some vehicles can only be towed with their front wheels off the ground, while others can’t be towed at all. Flat towable vehicles are those that can be towed with all four wheels on the ground without causing damage to the transmission or other components. Most often, these are vehicles with manual transmissions or certain automatic transmission vehicles equipped with a transfer case that can be shifted into neutral.

To determine if your vehicle is flat towable, consult your owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer for guidance. Additionally, the MotorHome Magazine Dinghy Towing Guide is a valuable resource that lists flat towable vehicles by make, model, and year. Keep in mind that modifications may be required for some vehicles, such as the installation of a transmission lubrication pump, to make them suitable for flat towing.

Essential Equipment for Safely Towing a Car Behind an RV

Before you can tow a car behind your RV, you’ll need to gather some essential equipment. The following items are necessary for safely towing a flat tow vehicle:

Tow bar: A tow bar is a crucial piece of equipment that connects the RV to the towed vehicle. There are two main types of tow bars: A-frame tow bars and self-aligning tow bars. A-frame tow bars are rigid, while self-aligning tow bars allow for more flexibility in maneuvering and are generally easier to use.

Base plate or tow bar brackets: A base plate is a custom-fitted component that attaches to the towed vehicle’s frame and provides a secure connection point for the tow bar. Tow bar brackets serve a similar purpose but are removable when not in use.

Safety cables or chains: Safety cables or chains connect the towed vehicle to the RV as an additional layer of security in case the tow bar fails. They should be crossed beneath the tow bar to create a cradle that would catch the tow bar in the event of a disconnect.

Wiring harness: A wiring harness connects the towed vehicle’s lights to the RV’s electrical system, ensuring that the towed vehicle’s brake lights, turn signals, and taillights are functional while being towed.

Supplemental braking system: Many states require a supplemental braking system for towed vehicles over a certain weight. This system applies the towed vehicle’s brakes in conjunction with the RV’s brakes, reducing stopping distance and preventing excessive wear on the RV’s braking system.

How to Tow a Car: Step-by-Step Guide

Once you have the necessary equipment, follow these steps to safely tow your car behind your RV:

Install the base plate or tow bar brackets: Securely attach the base plate or tow bar brackets to the towed vehicle’s frame according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Connect the tow bar: Attach the tow bar to the base plate or tow bar brackets, ensuring the connection is secure and locked in place.

Attach safety cables or chains: Connect the safety cables or chains between the RV and the towed vehicle, crossing them beneath the tow bar to create a cradle. Attach the cables or chains to the RV’s hitch and the towed vehicle’s base plate or tow bar brackets.

Connect the wiring harness: Install the wiring harness between the RV and the towed vehicle, ensuring that the towed vehicle’s lights are in sync with the RV’s lights.

Install and test the supplemental braking system: If required, install the supplemental braking system according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Test the system to ensure it’s functioning correctly.

Prepare the towed vehicle for towing: Consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions on preparing your vehicle for flat towing. This may include shifting the transmission into neutral, disconnecting the battery, or engaging an accessory mode.

Perform a final safety check: Before hitting the road, double-check all connections and ensure the towed vehicle’s wheels are aligned with the RV.

Choosing the Right RV Car Trailer

Although flat towing eliminates the need for a dolly or trailer, some RV owners may prefer to use an RV car trailer for added security, versatility, and ease of use. When choosing an RV car trailer, consider the following factors:

Weight capacity: Ensure the trailer’s weight capacity is sufficient to support your towed vehicle’s weight.

Braking system: Look for a trailer equipped with electric brakes or surge brakes to provide additional stopping power.

Suspension: A quality suspension system will help provide a smooth ride and protect your towed vehicle from damage.

Tie-downs and wheel chocks: Secure tie-down points and wheel chocks are essential for safely securing your towed vehicle to the trailer.

Ramps and loading features: Consider a trailer with built-in ramps or other loading features for easy loading and unloading of your towed vehicle.

Tips for Safely Towing a Car Behind an RV

Safely towing a car behind your RV requires attention to detail and adherence to best practices. Follow these tips to ensure a smooth and safe towing experience:

Stay within weight limits: Ensure that the combined weight of your RV, towed vehicle, and any additional cargo does not exceed the RV’s Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR).

Adjust your driving habits: When towing a car behind your RV, give yourself extra space for braking, accelerate slowly, and take wide turns to avoid contact between the RV and towed vehicle.

Frequently inspect your towing equipment: Regularly check your tow bar, base plate or tow bar brackets, safety cables or chains, wiring harness, and supplemental braking system for signs of wear or damage.

Monitor tire pressure: Maintain proper tire pressure in both the RV and the towed vehicle to ensure safe and efficient towing.

Practice towing before embarking on a trip: If you’re new to towing a car behind your RV, practice in an empty parking lot or quiet area to familiarize yourself with the handling and maneuverability of your towing setup.

Maintaining Your Flat Tow Vehicle and RV Car Trailer

Proper maintenance is crucial to the longevity and performance of your flat tow vehicle and RV car trailer. Follow these maintenance tips to keep your towing setup in top shape:

Regularly inspect and lubricate the tow bar: Check the tow bar for signs of wear, damage, or rust, and keep all moving parts well-lubricated.

Check the towed vehicle’s transmission fluid and coolant levels: Ensure the towed vehicle’s transmission fluid and coolant levels are within the manufacturer’s recommended range, especially if towing for extended periods or in hot weather.

Inspect the RV car trailer’s brakes and suspension: Regularly check the trailer’s brakes and suspension for wear or damage, and promptly address any issues.

Monitor tire wear on both the towed vehicle and RV car trailer: Replace tires as needed, and rotate them according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Keep the towed vehicle’s battery charged: If the towed vehicle’s battery is connected while towing, regularly check and maintain the battery’s charge to prevent damage.

Flat Tow Vehicle Regulations and Legal Considerations

Before towing a car behind your RV, familiarize yourself with the various regulations and legal considerations that may apply:

State and local towing laws: Laws governing towing a car behind an RV vary by state and sometimes even by locality. Research the towing laws in the areas you plan to travel, and ensure your towing setup complies with all requirements.

License and registration requirements: Some states require towed vehicles to be registered and display a license plate, while others do not. Verify the requirements for your towed vehicle and obtain the necessary documentation.

Insurance considerations: Contact your insurance provider to ensure that your towed vehicle is covered while being towed behind your RV.

International travel considerations: If you plan to travel outside the United States with your RV and towed vehicle, research the towing regulations and requirements of the countries you will visit, and obtain any necessary permits or documentation.

Top Flat Towable Vehicles for RV Adventurers

Choosing the right flat towable vehicle can enhance your RV adventures, providing easy mobility and exploration once you’ve reached your destination. Some popular flat towable vehicles among RV enthusiasts include:

Jeep Wrangler: The Jeep Wrangler’s rugged design, off-road capabilities, and flat towability make it a favorite among RV adventurers.

Honda CR-V: The Honda CR-V’s compact size, reliable performance, and flat towability make it an excellent choice for those seeking a versatile towed vehicle.

Chevrolet Equinox: The Chevrolet Equinox offers a comfortable ride, ample cargo space, and flat towability, making it a popular choice for RV enthusiasts.

Ford F-150: The Ford F-150’s towing capabilities, rugged design, and flat towability make it a suitable choice for those seeking a towed vehicle with more power.

Subaru Crosstrek: The Subaru Crosstrek’s all-wheel-drive capabilities, compact size, and flat towability make it an excellent option for RV adventurers seeking a smaller, versatile towed vehicle.

Conclusion: Enjoying Effortless RV Adventures with Flat Tow Vehicles

Towing a car behind your RV can greatly enhance your travel experience, providing convenient transportation and increased mobility at your destination. By understanding flat towable vehicles, gathering the necessary equipment, and following best practices for safely towing a car behind an RV, you can enjoy effortless RV adventures with your flat tow vehicle.