Towing a car behind an RV combines the freedom of the open road with the practicality of having a personal vehicle at your destination. This method of travel, often called dinghy towing or flat towing, allows adventurers to explore national parks, urban centers, and remote locations without sacrificing mobility. Success hinges on understanding the specific requirements of your vehicle, the capabilities of your motorhome, and the necessary safety protocols to ensure a smooth and damage-free journey.
Understanding Dinghy Towing Fundamentals
Dinghy towing refers to the practice of pulling a front-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive, or all-wheel-drive vehicle with all four wheels on the ground behind a motorhome. Unlike trailer towing, where the car is lifted off the ground, dinghy towing requires the vehicle's transmission to rotate the driveshaft. This rotation can cause significant internal damage if the vehicle is not properly prepared, making the preparation phase absolutely critical for protecting your investment.
Vehicle Compatibility and Preparation
Not all vehicles are suitable for dinghy towing, and assuming yours is can lead to costly repairs. You must consult your owner’s manual to verify that your specific model is approved for this type of towing. Many modern vehicles have complex computer systems, all-wheel-drive mechanisms, or automatic transmissions that cannot be safely towed with all wheels down without internal damage. If your vehicle is not compatible, you risk voiding your warranty and facing severe mechanical failures mid-trip.
Check your owner’s manual for explicit dinghy towing instructions and distance limitations.
Determine if your vehicle requires a transmission disconnect kit or an aftermarket driveshaft.
Verify that your vehicle’s braking system is compatible with the motorhome’s electrical system.
The Critical Role of a Towing Vehicle
The capability of your motorhome or tow vehicle is just as important as the car being towed. You need a unit with sufficient towing capacity, which includes the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and the gross combined weight rating (GCWR). Exceeding these limits compromises handling, increases braking distances, and puts immense strain on the engine and transmission, turning a dream vacation into a mechanical nightmare.
Hitches and Wiring
Safety Protocols and Driving Techniques
Safety extends beyond mechanical preparation; it encompasses driving habits. Towing a car significantly changes the dynamics of your motorhome, affecting acceleration, steering, and stopping power. You must adjust your driving style accordingly, allowing for longer stopping distances and wider turning radii. Sudden maneuvers can cause the towed vehicle to fishtail or collide with your motorhome, making patience and anticipation essential skills.
Before hitting the highway, conduct a thorough test drive in a safe, empty area. Check for any binding in the steering wheel or unusual noises from the drivetrain of the towed vehicle. Ensure that the brake lights and turn signals of the car are synchronized with the motorhome. Carrying tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) for the towed vehicle is highly recommended to alert you to pressure changes during travel.
