One of the biggest perks of RV travel is the freedom to bring everything you need—your home, your gear, and sometimes even an extra vehicle. Whether you’re considering towing a car, a boat, or a utility trailer behind your RV, it’s important to understand the basics of towing safely and legally.
Why Tow Behind an RV?
Towing a vehicle behind your RV (often called “dinghy towing” or “flat towing”) gives you a lot more flexibility when exploring. Motorhomes are fantastic for long drives and campsite living, but they’re not exactly convenient for errands, sightseeing in town, or squeezing into tight parking lots. With a towed vehicle, you can set up camp and explore without tearing down every time you want to go somewhere.
Three Common Towing Methods
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Flat Towing (Dinghy Towing)
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What it is: Towing a vehicle with all four wheels on the ground.
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Pros: Easiest to hook up and disconnect, no trailer to store at your site.
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Cons: Not all vehicles can be flat towed; may require modifications like a transmission lube pump or driveshaft disconnect.
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Tow Dolly
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What it is: The front wheels of the car ride on a small trailer, while the back wheels remain on the ground.
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Pros: Works with more front-wheel drive cars than flat towing.
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Cons: Bulkier and harder to store than flat towing gear; still not compatible with all cars.
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Trailer Towing
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What it is: Your entire vehicle rides on a flatbed trailer.
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Pros: Works with any car, truck, or SUV.
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Cons: Heaviest option, takes up more space, and can be expensive.
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Key Things to Consider Before Towing
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Weight Limits: Know your RV’s towing capacity, Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), and Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). Exceeding these can cause mechanical damage and safety issues.
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Braking Requirements: Many states require supplemental braking systems for towed vehicles. They improve safety and reduce wear on your RV’s brakes.
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Hitch Setup: Make sure you have the correct hitch class, tow bar or dolly, safety chains, and wiring.
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Legal Regulations: Every state has its own rules regarding towing speed limits, braking requirements, and maximum length. Always check before hitting the road.
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Insurance: Confirm with your provider that your towed vehicle or trailer is covered while in tow.
Double Towing: RV + Trailer + More?
In some cases, RVers tow more than one item—for example, a fifth-wheel towing a boat or motorcycle trailer. This is known as double towing or triple towing and is only legal in some states. If you’re considering this, do your homework carefully and make sure your rig is up to the task.
Tips for Towing Like a Pro
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Practice driving and turning with your full setup before heading out.
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Install an RV backup camera or use a wireless towing camera.
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Always check your lights and connections at every stop.
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Carry spare parts for your tow bar, straps, and safety cables.
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Keep your towing setup well-maintained—check tires, grease moving parts, and watch for signs of wear.
Final Thoughts
Towing behind your RV can open up a world of convenience and flexibility—just be sure to tow smart. Know your rig, plan your route, follow the law, and above all, prioritize safety. Whether you’re flat towing your Jeep for backroad adventures or hauling a trailer full of bikes and kayaks, towing lets you bring your lifestyle with you, wherever you go.
