How Do You Tow a Vehicle Behind an Rv?
Towing a secondary vehicle (commonly called a 'dinghy' or 'toad') behind a motorhome is the ultimate way to explore destinations without unhooking your RV. You can tow a vehicle behind an RV using three primary configurations: flat towing (four wheels down on the pavement), using a two-wheel tow dolly (front wheels elevated), or loading the entire car onto an enclosed or open flatbed car trailer. Choosing the right method depends on your vehicle drivetrain, transmission lubrication limits, and RV towing weight ratings.
The Three Towing Methods: Flat Tow vs Tow Dolly vs Trailer
Flat towing (four-wheels-down dinghy towing) is favored by experienced RVers for its quick 5-minute hookup and disconnect speed. A custom baseplate is bolted to the car's frame, connecting to a motorhome-mounted tow bar. However, not all vehicles can be flat towed; automatic transmissions without internal auxiliary lubrication pumps will overheat and suffer catastrophic gear damage if towed with drive wheels turning.
A two-wheel tow dolly elevates the vehicle's front drive wheels off the ground, making it ideal for front-wheel-drive (FWD) passenger sedans that cannot be flat towed. The third method—a full four-wheel car hauler trailer—elevates the entire vehicle, allowing you to tow any all-wheel-drive (AWD), four-wheel-drive (4WD), or rear-wheel-drive (RWD) vehicle without mechanical driveline wear, albeit requiring space to park a heavy trailer at campgrounds.
Compare equipment costs, hookup speeds, and drivetrain compatibilities across RV vehicle towing setups:
| Towing Methodology | Drivetrain Compatibility | Typical Equipment Cost | Hookup / Disconnect Time | Campground Storage Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flat Towing (Four-Down Dinghy) | Manual or specific 4WD/transfer case | $2,000 to $4,500 (Turnkey) | 3 to 5 minutes | None (Car parks in RV campsite) |
| Two-Wheel Tow Dolly | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) cars only | $1,500 to $3,500 | 10 to 15 minutes | Moderate (Dolly must be stored) |
| Enclosed / Open Flatbed Trailer | 100% of vehicles (AWD/4WD/RWD/EV) | $3,000 to $8,000+ | 15 to 25 minutes | High (Requires extra-long trailer site) |
| Driveshaft Disconnect Conversion | Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) trucks/SUVs | $1,200 to $1,800 + baseplate | 5 minutes (Cable pull in cab) | None (Enables flat towing for RWD) |
| Lube Pump Transmission Kit | Certain FWD/AWD automatics | $1,500 to $2,200 + baseplate | 5 minutes (12V monitor check) | None (Maintains fluid circulation) |
Mandatory Safety Systems: Baseplates, Tow Bars, and Brakes
A complete flat-towing setup requires five engineered components: a custom vehicle baseplate hidden behind the car bumper, a motorhome-rated tow bar (rated for 6,000 to 10,000 lbs), safety cables crisscrossed beneath the hitch, an electrical wiring harness operating tail and turn signals, and a supplemental braking system.
A supplemental braking system (such as Blue Ox Patriot or Roadmaster InvisiBrake) is legally required in 49 states and all Canadian provinces for towed vehicles weighing over 1,500 to 3,000 pounds. In a sudden highway stop, the supplemental brake depresses the car's brake pedal proportionally, preventing the 4,000-pound towed car from pushing the motorhome and dramatically reducing stopping distance.
Review itemized component costs and safety functions for a complete motorhome flat-tow installation:
| Equipment Component | Average Hardware Cost | Professional Install Labor | Mandatory Safety Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Frame Baseplate | $450 - $650 | $400 - $700 | Bolts to vehicle chassis; provides tow bar attachment points |
| Motorhome Tow Bar (All-Terrain) | $700 - $1,300 | $0 (Slides into RV receiver) | Articulating arms link motorhome hitch to car baseplate |
| Supplemental Braking System | $1,100 - $1,800 | $300 - $600 | Proportionally applies car brakes; mandatory by law |
| Emergency Breakaway System | Included with brake system | $100 - $150 | Instantly locks car brakes if tow bar separates on highway |
| Towed Vehicle Wiring Harness | $120 - $250 | $200 - $350 | Illuminates car tail, brake, and turn lights with RV signals |
| Battery Maintainer / Charge Line | $50 - $100 | $100 - $150 | Supplies 12V power from RV to keep car battery charged |
Weight Ratings, Backing-Up Restrictions, and Pre-Trip Checks
Before purchasing towing hardware, verify your motorhome's Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) and hitch receiver tongue weight rating. Exceeding hitch capacity can fracture the RV frame on highway dips. Always weigh your motorhome and toad at a certified CAT truck scale to verify safety margins.
The cardinal rule of flat towing: *Never back up with a vehicle flat towed on a tow bar.* The front caster wheels of the towed car will violently turn sideways within two feet, bending the heavy steel tow bar arms and causing thousands in damage. If you make a wrong turn into a dead-end street, you must unhook the car completely before reversing.
How to Hook Up a Car to an RV for Flat Towing in 5 Steps
Follow these five RV safety steps to connect, wire, and test a flat-towed vehicle.
Align Vehicle and Connect Tow Bar Arms
Drive the car to within 3 feet behind the RV hitch, sliding tow bar arms into baseplate tabs and securing pins.
Attach Heavy-Duty Safety Cables Crisscrossed
Connect safety cables from the RV hitch to the car baseplate, crisscrossing cables underneath to catch the tongue if uncoupled.
Plug In 6-Pin Wiring Umbilical and Breakaway Cable
Connect the electrical lighting cable and clip the emergency breakaway cable securely to the RV frame.
Set Up Supplemental Braking System in Footwell
Position the proportional braking unit in the driver floorboard, attach clamp to brake pedal, and plug into 12V power.
Configure Transmission for Flat Towing and Test Lights
Shift transfer case to Neutral (or follow manufacturer manual steps), release emergency brake, and verify all tail lights.
Frequently Asked Questions (8 Questions Answered)
Q1: What is the best way to tow a car behind an RV?
Flat towing (four wheels down) is the preferred method for simplicity and rapid 5-minute hookup, provided the vehicle is certified dinghy-towable.
Q2: Can all vehicles be flat towed behind an RV?
No, many automatic transmission and AWD cars cannot be flat towed without severe transmission damage; consult your owner manual dinghy towing section.
Q3: Can you back up a motorhome with a car attached?
No, you should never back up an RV while flat towing; the towed car front wheels will jackknife and bend the tow bar within feet.
Q4: Are supplemental brakes required when towing behind an RV?
Yes, virtually all states and Canadian provinces require auxiliary braking systems for towed vehicles weighing over 1,500 to 3,000 pounds.
Q5: Does towing a car four wheels down add mileage to the odometer?
No, modern vehicles record mileage electronically through the transmission speed sensor, which is inactive when the ignition is in tow mode.
Q6: Can an electric vehicle (EV) be flat towed behind an RV?
Most EVs (Tesla, Rivian, Mustang Mach-E) cannot be flat towed because electric drive motors generate permanent resistance; they must be transported on trailers.
Q7: How much does a complete flat tow setup cost?
A turnkey professional flat-tow setup (baseplate, tow bar, wiring, and supplemental braking system) costs between $2,500 and $4,500 installed.
Q8: What is a tow dolly and when should you use it?
A tow dolly is a two-wheel trailer that elevates front drive wheels, used primarily for front-wheel-drive vehicles that cannot be flat towed.
Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways
In conclusion, understanding how do you tow a vehicle behind an rv? provides essential clarity, practical strategies, and actionable advice. By incorporating these foundational insights, adhering to verified safety guidelines, and following structured best practices, you ensure reliable, long-term outcomes while preventing common mistakes. Stay informed, consult certified professionals when needed, and maintain consistent quality care.