Recreational vehicle towing means towing your vehicle behind another vehicle -- such as behind a motorhome. The two most common types of recreational vehicle towing are known as "dinghy towing" (towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground) and "dolly towing" (towing your vehicle with two wheels on the ground and two wheels up on a device known as a "dolly").
With the proper preparation and equipment, many vehicles can be towed in these ways. See "Dinghy Towing" and "Dolly Towing," following.
Here are some important things to consider before you do recreational vehicle towing:
| • | What is the towing capacity of the towing vehicle? Be sure you read the tow vehicle manufacturer's recommendations. |
| • | How far will you tow? Some vehicles have restrictions on how far and how long they can tow. |
| • | Do you have the proper towing equipment? See your dealer/retailer or trailering professional for additional advice and equipment recommendations. |
| • | Is your vehicle ready to be towed? Just as you would prepare your vehicle for a long trip, you will want to make sure your vehicle is prepared to be towed. See Before Leaving on a Long Trip . |
Dinghy Towing
To dinghy tow the vehicle from the front with four wheels on the ground:
- Set the parking brake.
- Turn the ignition key to ACC/ACCESSORY to unlock the steering wheel.
- Shift an automatic transmission to N (NEUTRAL) or a manual transmission to NEUTRAL.
- Release the parking brake.
To prevent the battery from draining while the vehicle is being towed, remove the following fuse from the floor console fuse block: 8 (Ignition Switch, PASS-Key® III+). See Floor Console Fuse Block for more information.
Remember to reinstall the fuse once you have reached your destination.
Notice: If 65 mph (105 km/h) is exceeded while towing the vehicle, it could be damaged. Never exceed 65 mph (105 km/h) while towing the vehicle.
Notice: Towing the vehicle from the rear could damage it. Also, repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Never have the vehicle towed from the rear.
Dolly Towing (Vehicles with 2.2L engine)
To dolly tow the vehicle from the front with two wheels on the ground:
- Put the front wheels on a dolly.
- Move the shift lever to P (Park) for an automatic transmission and in NEUTRAL for a manual transmission.
- Set the parking brake.
- Clamp the steering wheel in a straight-ahead position with a clamping device designed for towing.
- Remove the key from the ignition.
- Secure the vehicle to the dolly.
- Release the parking brake.
Dolly Towing (Vehicles with 2.4L engine)
Your vehicle cannot be dolly towed, but can be dinghy towed. See "Dinghy Towing" earlier in this section.
Notice: Dolly towing your vehicle may cause damage because of reduced ground clearance. Always tow your vehicle using the dinghy towing procedure listed in this section or put your vehicle on a flatbed truck.
