Recreational vehicles are a fun way to get to know the country. Many people use their motor homes for long trips and stay on the road for weeks or months. When you park at a campground, you need a way to see the sights. To do this towing a car behind an RV is a common practice. This is our guide on How to tow a car behind an RV.
That’s why when you travel in your RV you need to tow a car behind a motor home safely. The towed vehicle allows you to have transportation for errands and sightseeing during your travels. This allows you to keep your RV hooked up at the campsite and enjoy the trip. Let’s check out How to pull a car behind an RV.
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What Types of Vehicles Can Be Towed Behind an RV?
What Types of Vehicles Can Be Towed Behind an RV? Any vehicle or boat can be towed behind an RV as long as it does not exceed the weight capacity (towing capacity) depending on the towing method you are using.
When selecting a towing method, consider the weight of the vehicle or boat you are towing to stay within safe weight ranges. Pickup trucks, SUVs, Jeeps, and other on- and off-road vehicles can be towed by any RV larger than a Class C motor home.
Best Way to Tow a Car Behind an RV
3 Ways to Tow a Car Behind Your RV
Let’s review Pros and Cons to figure it out the Best Way to Tow a Car Behind an RV. There are 3 Ways to Tow a Car Behind Your RV. There are different options for towing a vehicle behind an RV: using a flatbed or enclosed trailer, using a tow bar, or a dolly.
Tow a Car Behind Your RV – Flatbed or Enclosed Trailer
Tow a Car Behind Your RV – Flatbed or Enclosed Trailer. A flatbed or enclosed trailer is one of the easiest ways to tow behind larger motor homes and fifth-wheeled recreational vehicles. This offers a larger space to carry a car, off-road vehicle, or even add more storage space to your existing equipment. This method will provide complete support for your vehicle, along with its braking and lighting system.
You can bring in a variety of vehicles in this way that you would not be able to tow behind you with a tow bar or dolly. Being able to take any vehicle will slow you down financially, as investing in a flatbed or enclosed trailer will be more expensive.
What is the difference between Flatbed Trailers and Enclosed Trailer?
Open-air trailers include flatbed trailers. For loading and unloading, these trailers feature no sides and a flat deck.
There are a variety of lengths and widths available for a variety of applications. These car hauler trailers come in a variety of sizes that can carry numerous vehicles. Smaller ones are used to transport hay bails and boxes from one site to another.
Enclosed trailers are watertight and have the appearance of a cargo box. The exterior is made of aluminum, which protects your items from the elements.
Enclosed trailers have the capacity to transport an automobile. Some are set up as a mobile office or emergency command workstation.
Professional tip: One of the biggest advantages of using an enclosed trailer or dolly is that you can use it to tow more than your car, help a friend get around, or store items that won’t fit anywhere else when not in use.
Towing a Vehicle Behind Your RV – Tow Bar Method
Tow a Car Behind Your RV – Method: Tow Bar. A tow bar allows you to tow a vehicle behind you while keeping all four wheels on the road. This is one of the most affordable and common ways to tow a vehicle behind a dolly.
Tow bars are easy to install, affordable and a safe way to tow a vehicle behind an RV when properly installed.
Chains and safety cables are used to provide more stability between the tow bar and the vehicle, and you’ll want to invest in a supplemental braking system or lights to warn those on the road when you turn and brake.
The tow bar is an economical way to tow a vehicle behind an RV, but it only works for much smaller vehicles. The major disadvantage of this system is that backing up is almost impossible; it will disconnect your vehicle, drive it to the side, then maneuver your RV into position when you arrive at your destination.
Professional tip: not all vehicles can be towed on all four wheels. Always check with the manufacturer. Be sure you can safely tow with a tow bar before investing in this solution.
Dolly Trailer – Towing a Car Behind an RV
Dolly Trailer – A dolly tows a vehicle behind its RV by placing two of its wheels on the road and the front wheels on the dolly. This is perfect for those who do not want to invest in a closed or flat trailer but cannot tow their vehicle with a tow bar.
Some dollies accompany surges or electric brakes; some even accompany lights, so you do not need a supplemental system to let other drivers know if you switch or a brake. As with the other methods of towing a car behind your RV, a dolly may not accommodate the weight of the chassis of the vehicle you are towing.
Professional tip: A dolly is often the cheapest but not the most beneficial method of towing a car behind an RV. If you have a larger car or vehicle, invest in a more convenient towing solution for your trips.
Towing a Car Behind Your RV
Towing a Car Behind Your RV. Many RV owners forget that just because you have an RV doesn’t mean you can tow anything. Observe the weight guidelines for your RV, and the weight of the vehicle, and use the right solution for safe towing. This information is critical to understand what is the Best Way to Tow a Car Behind an RV.
Keep in mind the length that a car tows behind your RV. When you turn, merge into traffic, and stop that extra length you will need to react differently. You may not be used to the difference. I recommend practicing before hitting the road for your next trip.
Should You Tow a Car Behind Your RV?
Should You Tow a Car Behind Your RV? It depends. There are advantages and disadvantages to towing a car behind your RV that you will have to determine are right for you.
Some of the advantages include not renting a car and being able to get in and out when you want; some of the disadvantages include increased fuel consumption, spending money on a towing package, and overcoming the learning curve of towing behind your rig.
Keep in mind that you can tow other things besides a car, such as ATVs, a boat, and more.
Depending on the types of RVs you have and the trips you love to take, towing a car behind your RV may or may not be right for you.
Look at the trips you take, what type of RV sites you park at, and where you drive to determine if towing a car behind your RV is the right setup for your trips.
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