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 and dolly towing. Dinghy towing is towing the vehicle with all four wheels on the ground. Dolly towing is 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. |
Dinghy Towing
Two-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
Notice: If the vehicle is towed with all four wheels on the ground, the drivetrain components could be damaged. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not tow the 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.
All-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
The vehicle was not designed to be towed with all four wheels on the ground. To properly tow these vehicles, they should be placed on a platform trailer with all four wheels off the ground.
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.
Dolly Towing
Rear Towing (Rear Wheels Off the Ground)
Two-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
Use the following procedure to tow the 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 for more information.
- 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.
If the tow vehicle will not be started or driven for six weeks or more, remove the battery cable from the negative terminal (post) of the battery to prevent the battery from draining while towing.
All-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
The vehicle was not designed to be towed with two wheels on the ground. To properly tow these vehicles, they should be placed on a platform trailer with all four wheels off the ground.
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.
