Do I have options?
Every time you see an RV roll past you on the highway it is towing a Jeep of some kind. At least that is the perception people have when researching a TOAD (tow vehicle) for their travels. There are many opinions we get on the topic of “Best RV tow Vehicles”.
I am sure this will open a can of worms because everyone thinks they have the best vehicle for the job. Truth is there are more than jeeps and honestly, you can tow anything if done correctly. So, what are the best RV tow vehicles? Jeep of course, but let’s dig in more as to why!
What is a tow (TOAD if an RV enthusiast) vehicle?
Simply put, it is a car, SUV, or any vehicle that you tow behind your RV to make it easier to get around once you arrive at your destination. An RV can be a bulky and large vehicle to maneuver around tight spaces, city streets, and National Parks. So, having a tow vehicle is much easier and less expensive to make a quick trip to town, do some sightseeing, or hit the shops.
How do I know if my vehicle can be towed?
Tow vehicle HOT points (optimal but not all are deal-breakers)
- Lubricating transmission
- Manual transmission (some automatic car options available)
- Rear-wheel drive
- Transmission disconnect
- Steering wheel lockout override
The biggest reason that some vehicles can’t be flat-towed behind a motorhome is that their transmission is only lubricated when its engine is running. To address that, some companies offer aftermarket lubrication pumps to circulate fluid through the transmission.
Vehicles that have a manual transmission and rear-wheel drive make for a great option when searching for your towed vehicle. You may be lucky enough to have the perfect candidate sitting outside in your driveway.
Just throwing your car into neutral is not sufficient for it to be flat towed, you need the option for a transmission disconnect.
Lastly, you will need to option to override the steering wheel lockout. Flat-towed vehicles need to option to have front tires move freely as you travel down the road.
- Check the owner’s manual before deciding if your car is safe to tow behind a motorhome.
Does towing a car behind an RV damage it?
If carried out properly, towing your car behind an RV should not damage your car in any significant way. Tens of thousands of travelers tow their cars each year and only a small fraction will experience any sort of significant damage.
Aside from cosmetic damage, improper towing methods could result in more serious issues such as mechanical and transmission damage. In most cases, a vehicle with a manual transmission is fairly easy to tow, even long distances.
What do I need to flat-tow a car?
Well, I found my TOAD vehicle, now what do I need?
- Motor home hitch properly installed and rated for the weight you will be towing
- A tow bar
- A tow bar wiring kit (for taillights to function)
- A base plate kit is to be installed on the tow vehicle
- Safety cables
- Tow vehicle supplemental braking system
Best RV Tow Vehicles-To Flat Tow Behind Your Motorhome
- Jeep Wrangler (1997-2022)
- Ram 1500 (2010-2021)
- Ford Edge ST (2019 or newer)
- Jeep Grand Cherokee (2011-2022)
- Ford F-150 (2009-2022)
- Ford Ranger (2019-2022)
- GMC Sierra (2016-2022)
Small Compact, Crossovers, and SUVs for Best RV Tow Vehicles
- Honda CR-V (1995-2014)
- GMC Terrain (2010-2021)
- Ford Focus (2016-2018)
- Volkswagen Beetle (1949-1979)
- Mini Cooper (2010-2021)
- Chevy Spark (2013-2021)
- Toyota RAV4 (FWD only)
The reason Jeep is such a good choice, are its size, weight, and easy process to set it up for flat towing.
Can you tow an electric car?
Manufacturers say NO, you should never attempt to flat tow any type of electric car. The main reason for this is their electric car motors, which are vastly different from regular cars. These cars lack true neutral gear, and since the motors are directly attached to the wheels, towing is disastrous for EVs. So, an electric car in no way makes our list of Best RV Tow Vehicles.
If you are googling this question, then you may be considering a full-time lifestyle. If that is the case, may I suggest our article on how much it cost to RV full-time in an RV?
Three Ways to Tow Your Car Behind Your RV:
There are three main ways to tow your car: four down, with a tow dolly, or with a car hauler. Deciding which to use comes down to two main factors: whether or not your car model is designed for towing and personal preference.
Can you reverse when flat towing?
When flat towing a vehicle you cannot reverse the setup at all. You’d have to disconnect the towed vehicle and reverse it by itself before reversing the motorhome. If you attempted to do this you’d most likely damage the tow bar and vehicle.
Is it hard to flat tow?
To do a flat tow, you only need a smaller set of equipment to hitch another car to your vehicle or RV. The time and effort needed to set up a flat tow are also minimal compared to the other towing methods.
Do I need a braking system for flat towing?
By law, most states now require supplemental braking in the vehicle being flat towed. The easiest system to set up and use is the Blue Ox Patriot # BRK2016, which applies the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the tow vehicle is braking. This is the safest way to stop and it reduces the wear and tear on both vehicles.
What is needed to flat tow safely?
To flat tow a vehicle, you’ll need a hitch on the motor home, a tow bar, a base plate kit installed on the tow vehicle, a tow bar wiring kit so that the taillights on the vehicle work along with those on the motor home, safety cables, and a supplemental braking system.
Is it harder using a tow dolly?
It does take more time and is a little more work to load the car onto the dolly than simply hooking up directly to the coach with four down. But it is not a difficult process.
Do Towing dollies need brakes?
To become compliant when driving with a tow dolly, you will need a dolly with brakes. If you are going to tow anything at or over 3,000 GVWR, you will be required to have brakes on your tow dolly in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada.
Is a flat tow trailer/car hauler more work?
You can tow almost any type of vehicle you want with a flat tow trailer. The primary downside of the flat towing method is that it will take longer and require more work to load up. Flat trailers are more cumbersome than dollies and will require significant towing capacity.
So, what is the best way to tow a vehicle?
You will get many different answers when you ask this
A popular method for towing a car with another vehicle is to use a tow dolly, which is essentially a small trailer. Using a tow dolly keeps the towed vehicle’s front tires up off the ground, which helps to reduce both tire and driveline wear on the car being towed.
Using a tow dolly for a long distance is not a good option. It will put your car through a lot of wear and tear, especially the vehicle’s rear wheels. Towing an elevated vehicle long distances may also undermine the structural integrity of your car.
It’s best to operate your tow dolly at speeds you feel most comfortable with, but do not exceed 55 miles per hour on regular highways.
Does towing a car behind an RV Add Miles?
No, towing a car behind an RV does not add mileage. Since most modern vehicles utilize an electric system to register miles on the odometer, a car being towed while the motor is off will not rack up the numbers.
Should I invest in a tow car shield?
Absolutely. A tow car shield can prevent damage to tow vehicles that mother nature has no problem dealing out. Depending on the terrain, your tow vehicle can take a lot of abuse following behind you. Anything that your RV kicks up, your tow vehicle will most likely be the catcher’s mitt for. When the trip is over, all that is left will be cracks on your windshields, scratches, chips, dings, etc.
The shield will also prevent physical damage as well as prevent exhaust residue from getting all over the front of your car and windshield. You will want to preserve your vehicle’s resale value, and this is how you do it.
Protect-a-Tow, Towed Vehicle Protection for Vehicles
Camco Vinyl Tow Car Windshield Protector
SMART SOLUTIONS – 94″ x 20″ Rock Solid Ultra Guard
Final Thoughts
Any vehicle or boat can be towed behind an RV so long as it doesn’t exceed the weight capacity of the towing method you’re using. Many RVers choose to tow their car behind the motorhome. This way, once the RV is parked, you don’t have to worry about breaking down camp every time you want to go out to explore parks, get food, and more. Bringing a car along gives campers greater freedom when on the road.
Towing a car behind an RV lets you explore so many more places while you’re on the road. It’s also a great way to save money on gas while you’re taking day trips. With three options to choose from, you’ll be able to tow almost any vehicle so nothing can hold you back!
The world is your oyster so get out there and enjoy it, just be smart and safe!
