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.
What is the Safest Way to Tow a Car Behind an RV?
Now that you know your car is properly prepared for towing, it’s time to hit the road! But what is the safest way to tow a car behind an RV? Here are a few key things to keep in mind:
- Use a hitch and tow bar that are rated for the weight of your car and the towing capacity of your RV. This will help to ensure a secure connection and prevent any accidental disconnects while driving.
- Use a sway control device to help stabilize the car while it’s being towed. This can help to prevent the car from swaying or fishtailing, which can be dangerous and potentially cause accidents.
- Make sure the car is properly secured to the RV using the appropriate hitch and tow bar. It’s also a good idea to use safety chains as 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.
- Be mindful of the added length and weight of the RV and car combination. This may require longer stopping distances and extra caution on winding roads or in inclement weather.
FAQ
Can I tow any car behind an RV?
Not all cars are suitable for towing behind an RV. It’s important to consult the owner’s manual for both the RV and the car to determine the towing capacity and any specific towing guidelines.
Some cars are not designed to be towed and can be damaged if they are, so it’s important to do your research before attempting to tow a car behind an RV.
Do I need a special license to tow a car behind an RV?
In most cases, you do not need a special license to tow a car behind an RV as long as the combined weight of the RV and car does not exceed the towing capacity of the RV.
However, it’s always a good idea to check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to be sure. In some states, there may be additional requirements or restrictions on towing a car behind an RV.
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.
Conclusion: Towing a Car Behind an RV Can be Safe and Convenient
In conclusion, towing a car behind an RV can be a safe and convenient option as long as you take the necessary precautions and follow the proper guidelines.
By using the right equipment, securing the car and RV properly, and being mindful of the added length and weight of the combination, 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!