Recreational vehicle towing means towing the vehicle behind another vehicle - such as behind a motorhome. The two most common types of recreational vehicle towing are known as "dinghy towing" (towing the vehicle with all four wheels on the ground) and "dolly towing" (towing the vehicle with two wheels on the ground and two wheels up on a device known as a "dolly").
Here are some important things to consider before recreational vehicle towing:
| • | What is the towing capacity of the towing vehicle? Be sure to read the tow vehicle manufacturer's recommendations. |
| • | What is the distance that will be travelled? Some vehicles have restrictions on how far and how long they can tow. |
| • | Is the proper towing equipment going to be used? See your dealer/retailer or trailering professional for additional advice and equipment recommendations. |
| • | Is the vehicle ready to be towed? Just as preparing the vehicle for a long trip, make sure the vehicle is prepared to be towed. See Before Leaving on a Long Trip. |
All-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
Dinghy and Dolly Towing
Notice: Towing an all-wheel-drive vehicle with all four wheels on the ground, or even with only two of its wheels on the ground, will damage drivetrain components. Do not tow an all-wheel-drive vehicle with any of its wheels on the ground.
All-wheel-drive vehicles are not designed to be towed with any wheels on the ground. If the vehicle must be towed, see Towing Your Vehicle previously.
Two-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
Dinghy Towing
Notice: If a two-wheel-drive vehicle is towed with all four wheels on the ground, the transmission could be damaged. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not tow a two-wheel-drive vehicle with all four wheels on the ground.
Two-wheel-drive vehicles should not be towed with all four wheels on the ground. Two-wheel-drive transmissions have no provisions for internal lubrication while being towed.
To dolly tow a two-wheel-drive vehicle, the vehicle must be towed with the rear wheels on the dolly. See "Dolly Towing (Rear Wheels Off the Ground)" following.
Dolly Towing (Front Wheels Off the Ground)
Notice: If a two-wheel-drive vehicle is towed with the rear wheels on the ground, the transmission could be damaged. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Never tow the vehicle with the rear wheels on the ground.
Two-wheel-drive vehicles should not be towed with the rear wheels on the ground. Two-wheel-drive transmissions have no provisions for internal lubrication while being towed.
Dolly Towing (Rear Wheels Off the Ground)
Use the following procedure to dinghy tow a two-wheel-drive vehicle from the rear:
- Attach the dolly to the tow vehicle following the dolly manufacturer's instructions.
- Drive the rear wheels onto the dolly.
- Firmly set the parking brake. See Parking Brake.
- Put the transmission in P (Park).
- Secure the vehicle to the dolly following the manufacturer's instructions.
- Use an adequate clamping device designed for towing to ensure that the front wheels are locked into the straight position.
- Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
