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 in this section.
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 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 (All Transaxles)
Notice: Dolly towing or dinghy towing the vehicle may cause damage because of reduced ground clearance. Always tow the vehicle using the towing procedures listed in this section or put the vehicle on a flatbed truck or trailer.
To tow your vehicle from the front with all four wheels on the ground, do the following:
- Set the parking brake.
- Turn the ignition key to ACC (Accessory) to unlock the steering wheel.
- Shift your transaxle to NEUTRAL.
- Release the parking brake.
To prevent battery rundown on long trips, remove the IP BATT 2 fuse (#41) from the engine compartment fuse block. See Engine Compartment Fuse Block for more information.
Once you have reached your destination, be sure to replace this fuse back into its original location.
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.
Notice: Do not tow a vehicle with the front drive wheels on the ground if one of the front tires is a compact spare tire. Towing with two different tire sizes on the front of the vehicle can cause severe damage to the transmission.
Dolly Towing (All Transaxles)
Notice: Dolly towing or dinghy towing the vehicle may cause damage because of reduced ground clearance. Always tow the vehicle using the towing procedures listed in this section or put the vehicle on a flatbed truck or trailer.
To tow your vehicle from the front with two wheels on the ground, do the following:
- Put the front wheels on a dolly.
- If you have an automatic transaxle, shift the transaxle to PARK (P). If you have a manual transaxle, shift the vehicle to SECOND (2).
- Set the parking brake and then remove the key.
- Clamp the steering wheel in a straight-ahead position with a clamping device designed for towing.
- Release the parking brake.
