You’ve got your RV and you’re getting ready for your first road trip, but you know you also want to bring a car to drive around in while the RV is parked. So how do you bring along your car? You tow it behind your RV. Here’s what you need to get started towing with your RV.

There are three ways to tow a vehicle with your RV

1. 4 Down

This refers to all four wheels being on the ground. A base plate is installed on the front of your vehicle, which in turn connects to your RV’s tow hitch via a tow bar. Whether you can tow 4 down depends on your drive train- our 2006 CR-V has to be towed four down, but our 2007 Camry Hybrid can’t be. Consult your owner’s manual for the preferred towing method for your vehicle.

2. Tow Dolly

You drive the front two wheels of your vehicle up on the dolly (this is the brand we have) then securely strap the front wheels down. The rear wheels are in contact with the road the entire time. There’s no installation on your vehicle needed, so it can be a bit more flexible, though it is a bit more of a hassle to get your vehicle loaded and unloaded and securely strapped down.

Just as your ability to tow 4 down depends on your drive train, so does your ability to tow using a tow dolly. Be sure to consult your owner’s manual for the preferred towing method.

3. Trailer

You can also put your entire vehicle on a trailer, which could be open or enclosed. Whether this is a good option depends on the size and weight of your vehicle and the trailer and the power of the RV doing the towing. Weight is an issue, but wear and tear on the vehicle being towed is drastically reduced.

8 things to consider while towing with your RV

1. Make sure your RV’s engine can handle the weight.

Add up the weight of the vehicle, the tow dolly or trailer, plus all the stuff you’re bringing along. Overloading the engine is a great way to kill the engine and end up with expensive repairs.

2. Towing a vehicle means your mileage will be worse.

RVs don’t get great mileage to begin with, and towing will further decrease that mileage. Tow the smallest vehicle you can (this is part of why we kept the tow dolly and towed our Camry instead of the larger CR-V) and plan to spend more money on gas.

3. Take extra time adjusting your side mirrors.

Be aware that blind spots are larger and mirrors may not help entirely, and be more cautious when turning and changing lanes. If you have a backup camera that can be left on, use it when appropriate to keep an eye on what’s going on behind you.

4. Be sure that you have the appropriate tow brake installed.

You should not be towing a vehicle without a way to slow it down.

5. Take your time while traveling.

Drive below the speed limit (most tow dollies and trailers carry 55 mph speed recommendations) and be aware of what other drivers are doing. Many people driving smaller vehicles don’t understand how long it takes to brake or to change lanes and will often make sudden moves that require you to react quickly, even if you don’t really have the space to do so.

6. Watch your turning radius, especially in gas stations or other tight spots.

If you’re not careful, you can easily get stuck in tight quarters in a gas station or even an awkwardly tight turn on the road. Fuel up at a truck stop if possible (so much more room!) and be sure you can make any tight turns before you commit to them.

7. Speaking of tight turns, do not back up while towing.

It is too easy to jackknife your trailer or vehicle, damaging it and/or your RV. If you end up in a spot where you need to back up, take a deep breath. Then take the time to unload, unhitch, move, and load it all back. It takes time and is frustrating, but it can be done.

8. Be aware of your surroundings and your route.

If you’re in unfamiliar territory, make sure you don’t go down narrow roads that dead end without enough room to turn around. If you need to, stop and walk ahead to check your route (or use a drone if you have one and it’s legal where you are) before driving any further. This is an especially helpful tactic when you’re boondocking.

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If you’re looking for more information, I shared some tips for towing with a tow dolly here. Most of what I shared applies regardless of the method you are using to tow.

You may hear a towed vehicle referred to as a “toad” or a “dinghy”, but regardless of what you call it, you can tow your passenger vehicle behind your RV. With some planning and preparation, you can have a safe, enjoyable, mishap-free trip!

I shared some of our towing mishaps learning experiences, do you have any to share?