Hey there! My name is Matthew Taylor and I’ve got a pretty funny story about towing a car behind an RV.
So, my buddy and I decided to take a cross-country road trip in his RV and we thought it would be a good idea to bring my car along so we could have some extra transportation when we reached our destination.
We hitched up the car and hit the road, but about halfway through the trip we started noticing some strange noises and vibrations coming from my car.
Turns out, we had forgotten to put the car in neutral before towing it and it had been in drive the entire time! We felt like a couple of real goofballs, but luckily my car was still in one piece despite our mistake.
Table of Contents
Is Towing a Car Behind an RV Safe?
Safety is always a top concern when it comes to towing a vehicle, and there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind to ensure a smooth and safe journey.
First and foremost, it’s important to make sure your car is properly prepared for towing. This includes checking the towing capacity of both your RV and your car, and making sure you have the right equipment such as a hitch, tow bar, and wiring harness.
It’s also a good idea to consult your car’s owner’s manual for any specific towing guidelines or requirements.
Does Towing a Car Behind an RV Damage It?
Now, on to the million dollar question: does towing a car behind an RV damage it? The short answer is no, towing a car behind an RV should not cause any damage as long as it is done properly.
However, there are a few factors that can contribute to potential wear and tear on your car while it’s being towed. Here are a few things to consider:
- The weight of the car: If your car is being overloaded or if the weight distribution is off, it can put extra strain on the suspension and other components. Make sure to distribute the weight evenly and follow the recommended towing capacity for your RV and car.
- The distance of the trip: The longer the trip, the more wear and tear your car may experience. This is simply due to the increased amount of time it spends being towed.
- The road conditions: Potholes, rough terrain, and other uneven road surfaces can all contribute to added wear and tear on your car while it’s being towed. This is especially true if the car is not properly secured or if the hitch is not adjusted properly.
Overall, as long as you take the necessary precautions and follow the proper guidelines for towing a car behind an RV, you shouldn’t have any issues.
FAQ
What is the best way to tow a car behind an RV?
There are a few key things you’ll want to do to ensure the safest and most efficient way to tow a car behind an RV:
- Make sure the car is properly prepared for towing. This includes checking the towing capacity of both the RV and the car, and making sure you have the necessary equipment such as a hitch, tow bar, and wiring harness.
- Consult the owner’s manuals for both the RV and the car for specific towing guidelines and requirements.
- Properly secure the car to the RV using the appropriate hitch and tow bar. It’s also a good idea to use a sway control device to help stabilize the car while it’s being towed.
- Make sure the car is in neutral and the emergency brake is disengaged before towing.
- Use a safety chain to provide an extra layer of protection in case the hitch fails.
- Monitor the car and the RV regularly while driving to make sure everything is functioning properly and there are no issues with the hitch or tow bar.
Is it better to tow a car behind an RV or to drive it separately?
There are pros and cons to both options, so it really comes down to your specific needs and preferences.
Here are a few things to consider:
| Towing a Car Behind an RV | Driving a Car Separately |
|---|---|
| Saves on fuel costs | Can use the car for local transportation |
| Can be more convenient | Gives you more flexibility |
| Possible wear and tear on the car | Extra cost for rental car or additional fuel |
Ultimately, the best option will depend on your specific needs and circumstances.
If you’re planning to use the car for local transportation or if you have a long distance to travel, it may be more convenient and cost-effective to drive the car separately.
However, if you’re only taking a short trip and don’t plan on using the car much, towing it behind the RV can save on fuel costs and be more convenient.
What is the maximum speed I can travel while towing a car behind an RV?
The maximum speed you can travel while towing a car behind an RV will depend on a few factors such as the weight of the car, the towing capacity of the RV, and the specific speed limit for the road you’re on.
In general, it’s recommended to stay within 10-15 mph of the posted speed limit while towing a car behind an RV.
This will allow you to maintain a safe speed while also taking into account the added weight and length of the RV and car combination.
It’s also a good idea to allow for extra stopping distance and to be extra cautious in inclement weather or on winding roads.
So, Can You Tow a Car Behind an RV Without Damaging It?
In conclusion, towing a car behind an RV should not cause any damage as long as it is done properly.
By following the proper guidelines, securing the car and RV properly, and taking the necessary precautions, you can safely and effectively tow your car behind your RV without any issues.
Just don’t forget to put the car in neutral like my buddy and I did, or you might have a funny story of your own to tell!