How to Tow a Car Behind an RV: Complete Setup Guide

Quick Answer: You can tow a car behind your RV if you choose the right towing method and follow the rules for your specific vehicle. Flat towing, tow dollies, and trailers each work for different setups. Always check your owner’s manual, use the right gear, and follow safety steps to protect your RV and your car.

Setting up camp in your RV shouldn’t mean moving your entire home every time you need groceries or want to hit a trailhead. Bringing a car along gives you true mobility once you park. No repacking. No breaking camp. Just grab the keys and go.

Whether you're towing a Jeep Wrangler across state lines or planning your first toad setup, this guide explains the essentials, from choosing the right towing method to preventing costly transmission damage.

Key Takeaways

Towing a car behind an RV depends on choosing the right method, using the correct equipment, and following detailed steps to protect your vehicle.
Flat towing is the fastest option but only works for manufacturer approved models with the right transmission and transfer case features.
Tow dollies help with front wheel drive vehicles, but they add weight and need storage at home and at campsites.
Trailers work for almost any vehicle, including AWD and EVs, but they cost more and require more space and towing capacity.
Shop RV Trader Accessories for hitches, wiring kits, safety gear, and everything needed for a safe and legal towing setup.

Three Ways to Tow a Car Behind an RV

You have three op t ions for bringing a vehicle along on your RV trip. Each method has trade-offs in cost, convenience, and which vehicles qualify.

Flat Towing (Four-Down)

Flat towing - also called dinghy towing or four-down towing - means all four wheels stay on the ground while your vehicle rolls behind the RV. A tow bar connects directly to a baseplate mounted on the towed vehicle's front end.

Pros: Quick connect and disconnect (typically 5-10 minutes), minimal storage at campsites, lower fuel impact than hauling a trailer, vehicle tracks naturally behind the RV.
Cons: Only specific vehicles with proper transmission setups can be flat towed, initial setup costs run $1,500-$2,500 for tow bar, baseplate, wiring, and auxiliary brakes, cannot back up while connected.

Tow Dolly (Two-Wheel)

A tow dolly lifts the front wheels onto a small trailer while the rear wheels roll on the ground. This works well for front-wheel-drive vehicles that can't be flat towed.

Pros: Expands your vehicle options beyond flat-towable models, generally lower upfront cost than flat towing equipment, protects front drivetrain components from wear.
Cons: The dolly itself weighs 500-1,500 pounds, eating into your towing capacity, requires storage space at home and at campsites, loading and unloading takes extra time.

Car Hauler (Trailer)

A flatbed or enclosed trailer carries your entire vehicle with all four wheels off the ground. This method works for any vehicle, including all-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive cars that can't be flat towed.

Pros: Tow literally any vehicle, zero miles added to odometer, no transmission wear during transport, additional storage space.
Cons: Significant added weight (trailers weigh 2,000+ pounds before you add the car), most expensive option, requires substantial storage space, harder to maneuver.

Can You Flat Tow Your Car? Check These Requirements

Not every vehicle can be safely flat towed. Modern automatic transmissions need the engine running to lubricate internal parts - without that lubrication, you'll cook your transmission in a few hundred miles.

What Makes a Car Flat-Towable?

Your vehicle needs these three features:

Transmission Disconnect: The transmission must have a true neutral position where the drivetrain fully disengages from the wheels. Simply putting an automatic transmission in neutral isn't enough - the manufacturer must specifically approve the vehicle for recreational towing.
Transfer Case (for 4WD/AWD): Four-wheel-drive vehicles need a transfer case that shifts to neutral, disconnecting the driveshaft. Some modern AWD systems lack this capability.
Steering Unlock Override: The steering wheel must stay unlocked during towing so the front wheels can turn. This typically requires leaving the key in the ignition in the accessory position.

How to Tow an AWD Car Behind an RV

AWD vehicles present special challenges for flat towing. Unlike 4x4 trucks with manual transfer cases, most AWD cars use computer-controlled systems that can't fully disconnect the drivetrain.

Most modern AWD systems are tied into ABS and traction control, and the computer will likely throw errors or enter limp mode if you try to modify the driveshaft. If your AWD vehicle isn't manufacturer-approved for flat towing, your options are:

Use a tow dolly (front wheels up) if the owner's manual allows rear-wheel towing
Haul it on a trailer with all four wheels off the ground
Choose a different vehicle - some AWD models like select years of the Ford Escape Hybrid are flat-towable, but you must verify in the owner's manual

Never try to modify an AWD vehicle by removing driveshafts unless you want to void your warranty and risk serious mechanical damage.

How to Tow an Automatic Car Behind an RV

Automatic transmissions are tricky because they need the engine running to circulate transmission fluid. Most automatic transmissions require lubrication while the car is moving, done by a pump that depends on the engine for operation.

However, some automatic vehicles are specifically designed for flat towing:

Jeep Wrangler (various years with automatic transmission)
Ford F-150 (4WD models with electronic shift transfer case)
Chevy Colorado (4WD models, certain years)
Ford Escape Hybrid (current generation only)

Key Point: Some four-wheel-drive trucks with automatic transmissions must be towed with their transmissions in park and transfer cases in neutral. This counterintuitive setup protects the transmission - always follow your specific vehicle's manual.

Owner's Manual: Your Reference

Before you spend a dime on towing equipment, crack open your owner's manual. Look for sections titled "Recreational Towing" or "Dinghy Towing" (usually under "R" in the index).

Don't assume that because previous model years were towable, newer models will be as well. The 2007 Honda CR-V was flat-towable; current models are not. The second-generation Ford Escape was popular with RVers; the current fourth-generation Escape only allows flat towing for hybrid and plug-in hybrid models.

Your manual will specify which transmission positions to use, any fuses to remove before towing, speed and distance limits, how often to run the engine for lubrication, and required maintenance intervals.

Essential Equipment for Flat Towing

Once you've confirmed your vehicle can be flat towed, you need the right gear to connect it safely to your RV.

Core Equipment

Here are the most important pieces of equipment you’ll need for flat towing your car behind your RV.

Receiver Hitch

Your RV needs a receiver hitch mounted to the frame or bumper. When flat towing, the receiver hitch height must be within 3 inches of the tow bar baseplate height. Check out quality receiver hitches at RV Trader Accessories' hitch collection.

Tow Bar

Connects your RV's receiver to the baseplate on your towed vehicle. Look for non-binding latches and high extension capacity. Self-aligning models make hookup easier.

Baseplate

Bolts to your vehicle's frame and provides attachment points for the tow bar arms. Baseplates are vehicle-specific - you need one designed for your exact make, model, and year.

Safety Cables

Your backup connection if the tow bar fails. They connect from the baseplate to loops on your RV's receiver.

Auxiliary Braking System

The vast majority of states require flat-towed vehicles to be equipped with auxiliary brake systems that work in tandem with the motorhome's brakes. Even where not legally required, supplemental brakes are essential for safety.

Electrical Wiring

Your towed vehicle's brake lights, turn signals, and running lights must sync with your RV's lights using a dinghy tow wiring harness.

Useful Accessories

Aside from the basics, here are some other useful accessories that can make life easier when towing a car behind an RV.

Backup Camera

When your towed vehicle is 20+ feet behind you, a backup camera helps monitor the connection. The Dakota Digital backup cameras mount flush or on a license plate bracket.

Breakaway Cable

If the tow bar disconnects, a breakaway cable activates the auxiliary brakes automatically. The Zip 6-foot breakaway cable provides this crucial safety backup.

Coupler Locks

Keyed-alike trailer coupler locks prevent theft of your tow bar and accessories.

Step-by-Step: How to Set Up Flat Towing

Setting up your vehicle for flat towing the first time takes patience. Once you've done it a few times, the process becomes routine.

Daily Setup Procedure

Position Vehicles: Line up your RV and towed vehicle with tow bar arms fully extended.
Attach Tow Bar to RV: Insert tow bar into receiver hitch and secure with pins.
Connect Tow Bar Arms to Vehicle: Insert attachment tabs into baseplate receivers and secure with lynch pins.
Attach Safety Cables: Cross the cables in an X pattern and connect to RV hitch loops.
Connect Electrical Wiring: Plug in the wiring harness for lights.
Connect Breakaway Cable: Attach from the towed vehicle to the RV frame (not the hitch).
Prepare the Vehicle for Towing: Start the engine, set transmission/transfer case per owner's manual, pull specific fuses if required, turn key to accessory position, disconnect battery if specified, release parking brake.
Activate Auxiliary Brakes: Turn on your supplemental braking system and test operation.
Walk Around Check: Verify all connections are secure and lights work.

Common Mistakes That Damage Your Vehicle

These errors can cost thousands in repairs.

Towing a Non-Approved Vehicle: If you try towing a vehicle that isn't suited for flat towing, you are likely to cause significant damage to the transmission. A new transmission costs $3,000-$6,000 plus labor.
Wrong Transmission Position: Some vehicles tow in neutral. Others must be in park with the transfer case in neutral. Getting this wrong means transmission damage.
Steering Wheel Locked: If your steering column locks during towing, your front wheels can't turn - dangerous at highway speeds. The key must stay in the ignition in the accessory position.
Skipping Auxiliary Brakes: Not only is it illegal in most states, it's genuinely dangerous. Your RV wasn't engineered to stop itself plus 3,000 additional pounds without help.
Exceeding Speed Limits: Most manufacturers recommend a maximum speed of 65 mph when flat towing. Some vehicles also have distance limits requiring you to run the engine every 200 miles.
Backing Up While Connected: Never, ever back up with a vehicle flat towed behind you. Backing up can damage the tow bar and jackknife the vehicles. If you need to back up, disconnect first.

Best Vehicles for Flat Towing

While your owner's manual is the final word, these vehicles are historically popular with RVers for flat towing.

Jeep Wrangler

The number one most popular flat tow vehicle. Wranglers from TJ, JK, and JL generations have no speed or distance restrictions, and both manual and automatic transmissions can be towed. Curb weight runs 2,800-3,300 pounds.

Ford F-150

One of the most popular trucks for flat towing. F-150 models with 4WD and electronic shift transfer cases can be flat towed (2012 and newer models). You get a full-size truck bed for gear plus the ability to explore town or go off-road.

Chevy Colorado / GMC Canyon

The midsize truck sweet spot with 4WD and a neutral-transfer case. Easier to maneuver than an F-150 but still has decent cargo space.

Jeep Gladiator

Combines Wrangler's off-road capability with a pickup truck bed. Easy flat towing setup with no special procedures required.

Ford Bronco

The reborn Bronco offers flat-tow capability on most trims. Excellent for off-road adventures once you reach your destination.

Electric Vehicles

Almost no electric vehicles can be flat towed. The wheels spinning would generate electricity without proper battery management, potentially causing electrical system damage. If you want to tow an EV, you must use a trailer with all four wheels off the ground.

Checking Your RV's Towing Capacity

Before you buy equipment or choose a vehicle, verify your RV can safely tow the additional weight.

Your RV has a towing capacity specified by the manufacturer. Find this in your owner's manual, door jamb sticker, or manufacturer's website. This includes weight of the towed vehicle, towing equipment, and anything inside the towed vehicle.

Your motorhome also has a GCWR (Gross Combination Weight Rating) - the maximum combined weight of the loaded RV plus whatever you're towing. When flat towing, consider both towing laws for each state if a braking system is required and the GCWR for your motorhome.

Maintenance and Safety Tips

Check Connections at Every Stop: A quick walk-around at fuel stops catches loose pins, dragging cables, or lighting issues before they become problems.

After Each Trip: Check baseplate bolts for tightness, inspect tow bar for cracks or damage, test auxiliary brake operation.

Watch Your Speed: Most flat-towed vehicles have a 65 mph maximum recommended speed. Exceeding this wears components faster.

Document Your Procedure: Take photos or video of your hookup process. After a few months between trips, it's easy to forget specific steps.

Quality trailer parts and maintenance items keep your towing system reliable. The trailer hub assemblies and drum brake actuators available through RV Trader Accessories ensure your equipment stays road-ready.

Ready to Hit the Road?

Towing a car behind your RV transforms your travel experience. You maintain the freedom to explore towns, trailheads, and restaurants without breaking camp or driving a massive motorhome through narrow streets.

Whether you choose flat towing, a tow dolly, or a trailer, the key is matching your method to your vehicle's capabilities and following manufacturer procedures exactly. Check your owner's manual first, invest in quality equipment, and never skip the auxiliary brakes.

For more tips on maximizing your RV adventures, check out our guides on maintaining your dirt bike exhaust, choosing ATV storage solutions for long rides, and selecting the right ATV vs UTV tires for your outdoor gear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Tow a Hybrid Behind My RV?

Some hybrids can be flat towed, but most cannot. Many hybrid systems depend on electric pumps or sensors that only run when the car is on. If the wheels turn without those systems active, the drivetrain can overheat. Always check the recreational towing section of the manual for your exact model.

How Often Should I Stop To Check My Tow Setup?

Plan to stop every two to three hours. Look at the tow bar pins, cables, wiring, and safety chains. Make sure the tires on both vehicles look normal. A short walk around can prevent problems that develop slowly while driving.

Do I Need to Leave the Battery Connected When Flat Towing?

Some vehicles require the battery to stay connected so the steering stays unlocked and the electronics stay active. Others need the battery disconnected to protect systems during long trips. Your owner’s manual will tell you which method your vehicle uses.

Will Flat Towing Wear Out My Tires Faster?

Flat towing causes some wear because the wheels turn the entire trip. The wear rate depends on alignment, weight, and road conditions. Rotate your tires more often if you flat tow often. A trailer prevents any tire wear on the towed car if that is a concern.

What Happens If My Tow Bar Disconnects While Driving?

A breakaway cable should activate the towed vehicle’s auxiliary brakes and bring it to a stop. This is why breakaway systems are required in many states. You should also pull over safely and inspect the entire tow setup before continuing.

Can I Keep Gear Inside the Towed Vehicle?

Yes, but keep it light. Heavy cargo adds to the total tow weight, which affects your RV’s towing limits. Loose items can also shift during travel. Secure anything that might move and avoid packing heavy tools or large storage bins.

by RV Trader Team

Towing a Car Behind Your RV: Complete Setup Guide