How to Tow a Car Behind a Motorhome RV?

To tow a car behind a motorhome RV, connect the car using a flat tow bar, tow dolly, or trailer, depending on the vehicle’s compatibility and the RV’s towing capacity. Campers tow a car behind a motorhome for added convenience and flexibility during travel. Towing a car behind a motorhome is popular among full-time RVers and long-distance travelers who want freedom without sacrificing comfort.

Consider safety and compatibility factors before towing a car behind an RV. The RV’s Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) must be high enough to support the combined weight of the motorhome, the towed vehicle, and all towing equipment. Use a high-quality tow bar, a base plate for the specific vehicle, safety cables, a supplemental braking system, and a lighting harness that links the towed car’s brake and turn signals to the RV. Braking and lighting laws vary by U.S. state, so following local regulations is essential for safe and legal towing.

The main RV types capable of motorhome towing include Class A, Class C, Super C, and Class B motorhomes. The steps for how to tow a car behind an RV begin with selecting a properly rated tow bar that matches the car and motorhome specifications. The next step is to install a base plate on the towed vehicle, allowing a secure connection to the tow bar. An electrical wiring kit is needed to link the car’s brake and turn signals to the RV’s system. The car’s transmission must be appropriately set by placing the transfer case in neutral or following specific flat-tow procedures in the owner’s manual. Tire pressure must be checked and kept at recommended levels, and all braking systems must be verified for operation. 

To tow a car behind a motorhome RV, follow the nine steps listed below.

1. Choose the Right Tow Bar. Use a tow bar rated for the car’s weight and compatible with the motorhome hitch.
2. Install the Base Plate. Attach a model-specific baseplate to the car’s frame for a secure tow bar connection.
3. Connect the Tow Bar. Secure the tow bar arms between the base plate and the RV’s hitch receiver.
4. Hook up Safety Chains. Connect chains in an X-pattern for backup security in case of hitch failure.
5. Attach the Electrical Wiring. Install a wiring kit to link the car’s turn signals and brake lights to the RV for synchronized lighting.
6. Check the Car Transmission. Follow the owner’s manual to prepare the car’s transmission and ignition for flat towing.
7. Inspect the Tire Pressure. Ensure tires are properly inflated and the braking system is functional.
8. Test the Setup. Conduct a walk-around inspection, test lights, and confirm tow bar and cable connections.
9. Monitor the Car while Driving. Use a rear camera or towing mirrors to monitor the vehicle while driving and check connections during stops.

1. Choose the Right Tow Bar

Choosing the right tow bar for towing a car behind a motorhome RV means selecting a device that connects the RV to the towed vehicle safely and securely, allowing for smooth towing on highways, inclines, and campgrounds. Tow bars for RV towing are A-frame designs that attach to the towed vehicle’s baseplate and the motorhome’s rear.

The right tow bar must match the towing capacity of the RV and be compatible with the baseplate installed on the towed car. Car’s weight, ground clearance, and braking system influence the type of tow bar needed. Tow bars come in various types, such as tow bars mounted on the motorhome or the towed vehicle, and feature folding or telescoping arms to simplify the hookup process. A supplemental braking system and correct safety cables are required to ensure compliance with towing laws and improve stopping power during emergencies.

Choosing the correct tow bar ensures safe, legal, and hassle-free flat towing of a vehicle behind an RV. An incorrect tow bar causes dangerous handling, wear on the towed vehicle, or failure under load. The right tow bar improves stability on the road, reduces sway, and allows quick attachment and detachment at campsites or rest stops. It protects the RV and towed vehicle’s drivetrain and ensures peace of mind when traveling long distances. Proper selection supports long-term use, ease of setup, and road safety.

2. Install the Base Plate

Installing the base plate involves attaching a custom-fit mounting bracket to the frame of the towed vehicle, which serves as the secure connection point for the tow bar. Installing the base plate is essential for flat towing a car behind a motorhome, providing structural support to handle towing forces safely.

The vehicle-specific base plate bolts directly to existing frame points without welding. It includes mounting tabs that align with the tow bar arms and integrates connection points for safety cables and electrical wiring. The installation process requires removing the front bumper, reinforcing connection points, and ensuring precise alignment for proper towing geometry.

Installing the base plate correctly is critical for safe and legal towing. A secure base plate ensures that the tow bar stays firmly attached during travel, prevents vehicle damage, and maintains alignment between the motorhome and the towed vehicle. Poor installation or using the wrong base plate results in detachment, front-end stress, or compromised control while towing. Proper installation supports towing stability, protects vehicle integrity, and ensures compatibility with braking systems and wiring harnesses.

3. Connect the Tow Bar

Connecting the tow bar involves attaching the tow bar arms between the motorhome and the towed vehicle’s base plate, creating a secure mechanical link that allows the vehicle to be safely towed behind the RV.

The process includes aligning the towed vehicle with the motorhome, locking the tow bar arms into the base plate tabs, and securing safety pins or latches to ensure a firm connection. The tow bars have adjustable or self-aligning arms that make it easier to connect on uneven ground. Safety cables and electrical wires must be attached to provide lighting and braking signals from the motorhome to the towed vehicle after connecting the main bar. Proper tensioning and locking of the arms are essential to prevent movement during travel.

Properly connecting the tow bar is crucial for towing safety and stability. A loose, misaligned, or insecure connection leads to sway, premature wear, or complete detachment, risking vehicle damage and creating road hazards. Ensuring all components, such as the tow bar, safety cables, and electrical connectors, are securely attached provides reliable control, compliance with road regulations, and peace of mind during long-distance towing.

4. Hook up Safety Chains

Hooking up safety chains involves attaching steel cables or chains between the motorhome and the towed vehicle as a backup safety measure in case the tow bar disconnects while driving.

Safety chains are crossed underneath the tow bar and connected to the designated mounting points on both the RV and the towed vehicle’s base plate. The crisscross pattern helps cradle the tow bar if it fails, preventing the towed vehicle from swerving out of control. Chains must be rated for the towing weight and have enough slack to allow turns without dragging on the ground or binding.

Safety chains are a legal requirement in most regions and serve as a critical fail-safe. Properly connected safety chains align the towed vehicle behind the motorhome, reducing the risk of accidents or roadside damage in the event of tow bar failure or accidental detachment. Using strong, correctly installed chains improves towing safety and ensures compliance with towing regulations.

5. Connect the Electrical Wiring

Connecting the electrical wiring involves linking the motorhome’s lighting and signaling system to the towed vehicle so that brake lights, turn signals, and tail lights operate in sync during towing.

The connection is made using a coiled or straight cable plugged into a socket on the motorhome and a corresponding plug on the towed vehicle. The system uses a wiring harness that taps into the vehicle’s existing light circuits or a separate bulb and socket kit. A diode kit or converter is needed to prevent electrical feedback between the two systems. Proper installation ensures the towed vehicle mirrors the motorhome’s lighting commands during braking, turning, or nighttime driving.

Electrical wiring is essential for safety, visibility, and legal compliance while towing. The towed vehicle becomes a hazard to other drivers during lane changes, stops, or nighttime travel without synchronized lighting. Proper wiring helps ensure that additional systems like auxiliary braking or reverse lights function correctly. A reliable electrical connection ensures smooth vehicle communication, improves road safety, and prevents ticketing or towing violations.

6. Check the Car Transmission

Checking the car transmission involves reviewing the vehicle’s drivetrain configuration and manufacturer guidelines to determine whether flat towing behind a motorhome is safe without causing mechanical damage.

Vehicles are designed for flat towing with the transmission in neutral, while others require modifications such as transmission pumps or driveshaft disconnects. Automatic transmissions in front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive vehicles are damaged if towed improperly due to a lack of lubrication while the engine is off. Consult the owner’s manual or dealer service department to confirm if the transmission supports flat towing, and follow any specific instructions provided.

Checking the transmission is critical to prevent severe internal damage from towing the vehicle incorrectly. Not verifying towing compatibility leads to overheating, gear wear, or complete transmission failure. Ensuring the correct transmission setup protects the vehicle’s mechanical integrity, reduces repair costs, and supports a smooth and safe towing experience.

7. Check Tire Pressure

Checking tire pressure involves measuring the air pressure in each tire of the towed vehicle to ensure it meets the manufacturer’s recommended pounds per square inch (PSI) before towing behind a motorhome.

Use a tire pressure gauge to compare current pressure levels with the recommended values on the vehicle’s door frame or in the owner’s manual. Properly inflated tires maintain optimal contact with the road, support vehicle weight, and ensure smooth rolling resistance. Underinflation and overinflation lead to uneven tire wear, reduced stability, or blowouts during travel.

Correct tire pressure is essential for safe, efficient, and damage-free towing. Incorrect tire pressure affects handling, increases rolling resistance, and compromises braking performance. Consistent pressure helps prevent tire failures, extends tread life, and improves towing stability at highway speeds. Ensuring RV maintenance and proper inflation supports fuel efficiency for the towing motorhome.

8. Test the Setup

Testing the setup involves checking all towing connections, components, and systems to confirm everything is securely attached and functioning properly before driving the motorhome with the towed vehicle.

The process includes walking around vehicles to inspect the tow bar, base plate, safety chains, and electrical wiring. Verify that the tow bar is locked, safety chains are crossed and secured, and brake lights, turn signals, and running lights are working on the towed vehicle. Ensure the car is in the correct gear, the parking brake is off, and any auxiliary braking system is active and calibrated. Slowly pull forward to observe how the setup behaves and check for unusual resistance or misalignment.

Testing the setup is crucial for safety and prevents issues during travel. Catching a loose pin, faulty light connection, or misconfigured braking system before hitting the road reduces the risk of accidents, mechanical damage, or traffic violations. A thorough test ensures towing stability, protects vehicles, and provides peace of mind before beginning a trip.

9. Monitor the Car While Driving

Monitoring the car while driving involves regularly checking the towed vehicle’s position, stability, and condition throughout the journey to ensure safe and consistent towing behind the motorhome.

Use side mirrors or a rear-view camera system to observe the towed vehicle while on the road. Look for signs of swaying, tire issues, brake light functionality, or abnormal movement. Pay attention to handling changes, noise, or vibration that indicate a towing problem. Periodically stop to inspect the tow bar, safety chains, wiring, and tire pressure to confirm everything remains secure and intact during travel.

Ongoing monitoring helps detect issues early, such as loose connections, dragging components, or failing lights, reducing the risk of accidents or mechanical failures. It ensures the towed vehicle remains aligned and stable on highways, slopes, or rough terrain. Regular observation protects vehicles, supports road safety, and provides immediate awareness of any towing malfunction.

What are the Safety Measures for Towing a Car Behind an RV?

The safety measures for towing a car behind an RV ensure the security of both vehicles, prevent accidents, and comply with legal regulations before towing a car behind an RV. Proper setup, inspection, and equipment usage reduce the risk of mechanical failure, loss of control, or towing-related damage during travel. Towing a car behind an RV requires attention to detail and manufacturer-approved systems for safe and reliable performance.

The safety measures for towing a car behind an RV are listed below.

• Equipment Compatibility: Confirm that the tow bar, base plate, braking system, and wiring are compatible with the RV and the towed vehicle.
• Base Plate Installation: Ensure the base plate is correctly and securely installed on the towed vehicle, matching the tow bar model and load rating.
• Transmission Settings: Check the towed car’s owner’s manual for correct transmission and gear positioning to avoid drivetrain damage.
• Tire Pressure: Verify that all tires on the towed vehicle are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure for stability and control.
• Tow Bar Connection: Lock the tow bar arms securely and ensure all pins, clips, and latches are tightened.
• Safety Chains: Cross and hook up safety chains correctly beneath the tow bar as a fail-safe against disconnection.
• Electrical Wiring: Connect the lighting and signaling system properly, ensuring all brake lights, turn signals, and running lights function in sync.
• Brake System: Use an auxiliary braking system approved for the towed vehicle’s weight to support safe stopping and meet legal requirements.
• Mirror and Camera Visibility: Use extended side mirrors or a rear-view camera system to keep visual contact with the towed car during driving.
• Test the Setup: Perform a slow test drive to check for abnormal movements, resistance, or alignment issues before entering main roads for RV safety.

What is the Importance of Safety Cable when Towing a Car Behind an RV?

The importance of a safety cable when towing a car behind an RV is that it prevents the towed car from becoming a road hazard if the tow bar detaches. Safety cables are strong, flexible connectors between the motorhome and the towed vehicle, crossing beneath the tow bar. The cable’s primary purpose is to maintain a physical link between the two vehicles in case of a tow bar failure or accidental disconnection. The cables form a cradle that helps guide and control the towed car, keeping it aligned with the RV and preventing it from drifting into traffic when crossed. Safety cables are legally required in many regions and must be rated to handle the weight of the towed vehicle. The cables reduce the risk of collision, property damage, and injury by maintaining emergency control. A detached vehicle becomes uncontrollable, posing a danger to others on the road without safety cables. Properly installed safety cables are vital to any secure towing setup behind an RV.

What Vehicles can be Flat Towed Behind an RV?

The vehicles that can be flat towed behind an RV are listed below.

• Jeep Wrangler: A compact SUV known for its rugged 4WD system and flat-tow capability. Place the transfer case in neutral and follow Jeep’s procedure for flat towing behind RV.
• Ford F-150 (4WD): A full-size pickup truck with select 4WD models that support flat towing. Install Ford’s neutral tow kit, and shift the transfer case into neutral before towing.
• Chevrolet Equinox or GMC Terrain: Compact crossover SUVs offers flat tow capability on select drivetrains. Run the engine for 5 minutes every 6 hours while towing to protect the transmission.
• Honda CR-V: A small SUV with earlier models compatible with flat towing. Shift through all gears before placing in neutral, and run the engine every 8 hours while towing.
• Chevrolet Colorado or GMC Canyon (4WD): Midsize trucks with 4WD and certain trims are suitable for flat towing. Ensure the transfer case has a neutral position, and follow the owner’s manual setup procedure for RV flat tow.
• Ram 1500 (4WD): A large pickup truck with specific 4WD trims that support flat towing. Confirm the transfer case is in neutral and the vehicle rolls freely.
• Ford Escape Hybrid (2020+): A hybrid SUV with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is one of the vehicles you can flat tow. Follow official Ford procedure, and keep the key in accessory mode while towing.

Do you need a Special Tire to Tow a Car Behind a Motorhome RV?

No, you do not need a special tire to tow a car behind a motorhome RV, provided the towed vehicle is in good condition and factory-approved for flat towing. Standard tires that meet the vehicle’s manufacturer specifications are sufficient for dinghy towing. Tire condition, pressure, and load ratings must be maintained to ensure safety during long-distance towing. Uneven wear, underinflated tires, or tires not rated for sustained highway speeds lead to blowouts or reduced control. Regular tire inspection and proper maintenance are essential when towing behind an RV, while special “tow-specific” tires are unnecessary.

Is the Car Mileage affected when Towing a Car Behind an RV?

No, the car mileage is not affected when towing a car behind an RV, provided the vehicle’s engine is off during flat towing. The odometer in most modern vehicles is electronically linked to the drivetrain or wheel sensors and only records mileage when the engine is running. The car’s wheels turn in flat towing, but the engine remains off, so no mileage is recorded. It varies in older mechanical odometers or specific vehicle designs, so checking the owner’s manual is recommended.

Can you Tow a Car Trailer Behind an RV?

Yes, a car trailer can be towed behind an RV, provided the RV is rated to handle the trailer’s weight and the vehicle being carried. The RV towing car trailer refers to the setup where a motorhome pulls a full car hauler or flatbed trailer, offering secure transport for vehicles that are not flat-towable. RV car trailer configurations are standard among RV users who prefer more vehicle protection or need to tow heavier cars. Confirm the RV’s Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR), ensure the trailer has proper brakes, and verify legal requirements like trailer brake controllers and safety chains before towing. A hitch rated for the load and a weight-distribution system are required for balance and control.

What Types of RVs Can Tow a Car?

The types of RVs that can tow a car are listed below.

• Class A Motorhome: A large, bus-type RV built on a heavy-duty chassis with powerful gas or diesel engines. 
• Class C Motorhome: A mid-sized RV with a van or truck chassis and a sleeping area over the cab.
• Super C Motorhome: A larger and more powerful version of the Class C built on a commercial truck chassis RV type.
• Class B Motorhome (Camper Van): A compact van-style RV built on a standard van chassis.
• Towable RV (Fifth Wheels and Travel Trailers): RVs that do not drive themselves but are towed by pickup trucks.

Can you Tow a Car with a Class A Motorhome RV?

Yes, you can tow a car with a Class A motorhome RV, as the vehicles are built on heavy-duty frames with powerful engines for towing. The Class A motorhome towing capacity typically ranges from 5,000 to 10,000 pounds, depending on the engine type (gas or diesel) and chassis strength. It makes them ideal for pulling most sedans, SUVs, and light trucks. Verify the Class A RV towing capacity listed in the owner’s manual and ensure that the towed vehicle is flat-towable or suited for use with a dolly or trailer before towing. Proper hitch setup, braking systems, and tow lights must be installed for safety and legal compliance. Towing a car is efficient and reliable with a Class A RV with the correct equipment.

Can you Tow a Car with a Class B Motorhome RV?

Yes, you can tow a car with a Class B motorhome RV, but only if the car is lightweight and the towing setup stays within its towing capacity, ranging from 3,500 to 5,000 pounds. Class B RVs are compact van-style motorhomes with smaller engines and lighter chassis, so they are best suited for towing compact cars, motorcycles, or small utility trailers. Check the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) and ensure the hitch, tow bar, and braking system are properly installed and rated before towing. Flat towing is possible if the towed car is approved and all safety equipment is in place. Towing heavier vehicles is not recommended due to limited power and drivetrain stress in a Class B RV.

Can a Class C Motorhome RV Tow a Car?

Yes, a Class C motorhome RV can tow a car, provided the combined weight of the car and towing equipment stays within the motorhome’s towing capacity, ranging from 3,500 to 8,000 pounds. Models are equipped with a factory-installed hitch and wiring harness, making setups like Class C RV towing car configurations practical for travel. Towing a car with a Class C motorhome is common among RVers who need a secondary vehicle for errands or local sightseeing. Confirm the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR), hitch rating, and if the car being towed is flat-towable. Towing with a Class C RV is safe and efficient with the right gear and precautions.

Does Towing a Car take RV Battery?

Yes, towing a car takes power from the RV battery if the towed vehicle’s lighting system, supplemental braking system, or charge line is powered through the RV’s electrical connection. Brake assist systems and tow lights rely on the RV’s 12-volt system, which places a small but continuous load on the RV battery during travel. RV setups include a charge line that maintains battery levels or use power regulators to balance electrical usage to prevent battery drain. Proper wiring and equipment installation are essential to manage energy consumption and protect the RV battery.