Owning an RV is akin to unlocking the gates to a realm of boundless opportunities! There’s truly nothing like hitting the road, feeling the wind in your hair, and the open highway beckoning you forth.
You become the commander of your destiny, journeying far and wide, bearing witness to the most awe-inspiring landscapes that Mother Nature has to offer. From the undulating hills and majestic mountains to tranquil riversides, you’ll find yourself entranced by the beauty enveloping you.
And let’s not forget the liberty of setting up camp wherever your heart desires. No need to fret about lodgings or reservations. Your snug little home-on-wheels is all you require to fully embrace the spirit of exploration.
Yet, even the most adventurous travelers encounter their fair share of challenges. One predicament that frequently vexes RV enthusiasts is the spontaneous need to venture into town for a quick shopping spree or to explore the heart of a bustling city. Now, let’s be honest—navigating a colossal motorhome through those narrow, winding streets can be a real headache!
So, what’s the savvy adventurer’s solution? How can you keep the good times rolling without succumbing to the frustration of map-wrestling?
Well, this is where your personal vehicle enters the picture. Indeed, a smaller car might seem like an afterthought, but believe me, it’s a game-changer. Need to dash out for groceries or explore the charming nearby town? Not a problem! Just hop into your compact vehicle, and you’re as free as a bird. But I can hear you asking, “Can a car even fit behind an RV?” An excellent question!
Now, the solution comes in the form of towing! It’s simpler than you might think—simply attach your car to the back of your RV, and you’ve got your trusty companion right there with you. Just picture the convenience! You’re towing your home-on-wheels while bringing your handy little car along for those short trips and explorations.
You’ve probably spotted those RVs on the road, elegantly towing their companion cars. It’s a sight to behold! However, and this is crucial, you need to be well-versed in the rules of the road when towing another vehicle. Safety always takes precedence. Following these guidelines will ensure a smooth journey and prevent any bothersome mishaps along the way.
What Are the Motorhome Towing Options?
There exist two potential choices for towing a vehicle behind your RV. As you’d expect, both have their pros and cons, but you’ll find both to be rather effective.
- Trailering: Trailering, in this context, entails towing a car behind your RV using two dollies and four-wheeled trailers. This method has been in use for a while and is quite efficient as long as the car’s weight and towing equipment do not exceed the recommended RV towing capacity. Typically, this is not a significant concern as RVs have high towing capacities. Nevertheless, the primary challenge with this towing option is finding sufficient space at campsites for the relatively large towing equipment. Additionally, the cost of purchasing and maintaining two dollies can be substantial.
- Flat Towing: Also known as dinghy towing, this option stands as the direct alternative to the trailer towing system. It involves attaching the smaller vehicle to the back of the RV using a tow bar and towing it along. Unlike trailering, where the vehicle is placed on a trailer, this method allows the car to roll along on its own. This RV towing option eliminates the concerns associated with the other method since it doesn’t necessitate the use of dollies. However, it’s crucial to note that not all vehicles are suitable for flat towing; flat towing an unsuitable vehicle can result in significant damage.
Which Cars Can Be Flat Towed Behind an RV?
If you’ve done your homework, you likely know that flat towing is the preferred method for bringing your car along on this epic journey. However, there’s a catch—not all cars are well-suited for this type of towing, and here’s the scoop on why.
You see, flat towing is like a match made in heaven for manual transmission vehicles and a select few with rare wheel drives. In the past, when most cars were manually controlled, flat towing was the undisputed champion for RV adventures. But times have changed significantly. Nowadays, there’s been a significant increase in cars equipped with continuously variable transmissions (CVT) and front-wheel drives, which has unfortunately narrowed down the list of flat-towable cars.
Here’s the deal: CVT vehicles simply can’t handle flat towing without experiencing issues. It’s a no-go, trust me. Doing so would likely result in damage to their delicate controllers or transmissions, and that’s a hassle no one wants on a dream road trip.
Now, hold your horses! Not all automatic vehicles are entirely excluded from dinghy towing. Some can handle it without a hitch. The catch is, determining which ones are suitable can be a bit of a puzzle. Take the formidable Toyota Land Cruiser, for instance. At first glance, it might seem like the perfect candidate for flat towing, but the truth is, it won’t hold up well being dragged around in that manner. It’s not just Toyota’s automatics; vehicles from Lexus and a few other brands share the same fate—they’re simply not eligible for flat towing behind an RV.
Why Can’t You Tow CVT Vehicles?
You might think the straightforward answer is that they are automatically controlled, but there’s more to this story than meets the eye.
CVT vehicles, like your Toyota, are well-oiled machines, quite literally! Inside them, there’s a continuous pump action at play. Why, you ask? Well, it’s not just for show; it’s all about keeping those vital transmission parts well-lubricated. Just as you need a sip of water to stay refreshed on a hot day, these vehicles require their lubricating goodness to stay in top-notch condition.
Here’s where it gets interesting. This pump action isn’t your run-of-the-mill party trick—it requires a little nudge. And when does it come to life? You guessed it! When the engine is running. Makes sense, right? But what happens when you’re flat towing and the engine decides to take a well-deserved break?
Well, that’s when things can get a tad dicey. You see, flat towing means your drive wheels are turning and rotating the driveshaft, but the engine is taking a nap, enjoying some downtime. Unfortunately, without the engine running, the transmission pump is like, “Hey, where’s the action? I need some juice!” And that’s when trouble might strike.
Without proper lubrication, the transmission parts start to suffer. We’re talking potential damage here, and that’s not something you want to deal with after an otherwise fantastic road trip, right?
So, the ingenious minds at Toyota made sure to design their continuously variable transmission vehicles to sidestep this sticky situation. When flat towing, it’s safer to use a dolly or a trailer. That way, you keep that pump action going, and your transmission can remain well-lubricated, ready for the next adventure!
How to Determine If Your Car Can Be Flat Towed
Picture this: you’re all set for an exciting road trip, and your trusty car is ready to roll. But hold on, you’re contemplating towing it “dinghy style” behind your RV. Naturally, you want to ensure you’re doing it correctly and not causing any harm to your cherished vehicle, right?
Well, the golden ticket to confirming that your car is suitable for dinghy towing lies in none other than the manufacturer’s manual. Yes, that little booklet of wisdom holds the answers to all your towing queries. It’s like a treasure map, guiding you away from potential pitfalls.
Of course, we’ve all found ourselves in situations where that mystical manual appears to vanish into thin air. Don’t fret; we’ve got your back! Keep this in mind: dinghy towing is most suitable for cars with rare wheel drives, four-wheel drives, or good old manual transmissions. These vehicles are the real MVPs when it comes to dinghy towing, without a doubt.
But here’s the kicker—not just any car can handle dinghy towing. If you go rogue and tow the wrong set of wheels, you might encounter some unwelcome surprises. No one wants their car to throw a fit halfway through the journey, right?
Unless you’ve equipped yourself with some fancy aftermarket add-ons, that is. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill accessories; think of them as enhancements that modify your car’s functionality to handle towing with finesse. The heroes of this story are the driveshaft decoupler and the external transmission pump. They work in harmony, ensuring everything remains lubricated and smooth for automatic components.
But here’s the catch—these add-ons might dig a little deeper into your pockets compared to regular car accessories. While they’re worth their weight in gold for the dinghy towing experience, they may demand a bit more attention and maintenance.
Expert Tips for Flat Towing
Flat towing is a considerably easier method for bringing your car along on an RV adventure. However, it can only be effective when executed correctly. Here are some expert tips to ensure you’re flat towing your car in the right manner:
- When flat towing a car for long distances, make sure to stop at intervals to run the engine. This action ensures the transmission system remains well-lubricated.
- For vehicles with a steering lock, switch the ignition on before flat towing to release the steering and allow the front wheels to turn freely.
- Depending on local regulations and the specific setup, you might be required to equip the towed car with an auxiliary brake system that works in tandem with the RV’s brake system to prevent collisions.
- Never assume; always consult the manufacturer’s manual when in doubt about whether your car can be flat towed or the proper procedures.
In Conclusion
Flat towing simplifies the process of bringing a car along for errands and excursions during your RV vacation. However, understanding how the process works is crucial to prevent any damage to either vehicle.