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With so much convenience of having a second vehicle, always research the roadways you’ll be travelling for a stress-free drive.
Article Courtesy J.D. Power
Among the number of questions we hear about towing a car (or dinghy as it's referred to) behind a motorhome, the most common has to be: is it worthwhile? If you drive a large rig, you may find the added length and weight intimidating. However, bringing a second vehicle to any destination has several advantages, and a few disadvantages, to consider before making your decision.
Aside from owning a travel trailer or fifth wheel and the convenience of a tow vehicle, it’s nice to have the added freedom to explore the destination you’re visiting. So, is towing a car with your motorhome worth considering?
Why Should You Tow a Car?
The obvious answer is you’re provided with mobility and the convenience of enjoying day trips or running weekly errands. The last thing you want to do at a destination is break down your site every time you need to visit a local attraction or the local grocery store. Re-connecting power and water, backing into your site again, and levelling your unit can be a daunting task.
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There are many ways to tow a vehicle but do some research to find which way is the easiest for you.
You also have to consider gas mileage. Driving a dinghy at a destination is less expensive than a motorhome of any size. Should you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing, a second vehicle can easily offset fuel costs in a short period. A dinghy is also worth considering if local communities and services are far from the RV park.
Another benefit is it offers added storage for extra gear, which will free up some space in your RV. Gear like additional coolers, extra clothing, and other accessories can all be conveniently stowed in a towed vehicle.
When You Should You Leave Your Car at Home
On the other hand, there are a variety of reasons not to bring a towed vehicle on an RV trip. Some campground sites may not have enough space or there may be certain regulations. Also, driving at higher elevations, in inclement weather and through busy city centres may be too stressful or difficult. So, it’s best to do some research on the RV parks you’ll be visiting and the major and rural routes you’ll be driving.
Additionally, many RV parks have bicycle or scooter rentals available for a few hours or during the length of your stay. You can also bring your own. You just might be surprised by the options. Taxi, rideshare programs and car rentals are other ideal alternatives depending on the length of your RV trip on your travel budget.
How Do You Set Up a Motorhome for Towing?
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Contact the RV park before your visit to determine if there is enough space to accommodate a second vehicle - there often is.
There are three options for towing a vehicle with a motorhome. The simplest and least expensive is flat towing on all four tires with a tow bar or tow hitch. They are widely available, easy to mount on your RV and can be conveniently stowed when not in use. This doesn’t mean you can put your vehicle in neutral and drive into the sunset. There are some factors to consider.
In addition to not being able to back up at all, specific highway regulations are established throughout the U.S. and Canada and not all vehicles are designed to be flat-towed. You’ll also have to install a baseplate. This semi-permanent bracket is installed on the front of a dinghy where the tow bar is connected and transfers the stress of towing and braking evenly to prevent any damage.
Another option is using a tow dolly, which is a dual-axle design that mounts the front wheels of the vehicle with the rear wheels on the ground. Among its many benefits, a tow dolly doesn’t require the installation of a baseplate or other vehicle modifications. It can also accommodate a variety of cars and small SUVs, and a number of models are available.
Before you purchase a tow dolly, remember it needs to be registered and licensed in many parts of Canada and the U.S. It also requires routine maintenance and increases weight to your hitch setup. They are also heavy to load and unload and even store when not in use.
The third - and most expensive - option is a flatbed trailer. While a safer choice, the downside is they are large, heavy and can significantly increase the towing weight. Space for this type of trailer may also be limited or not available at RV parks.
Always Stay Safe When Towing
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Slow and steady wins the race. Always take your time and adhere to all highway traffic laws and regulations per province and U.S. State.
It just makes sense to be as safe as possible when towing a dinghy. Given the added length of the vehicle, hitch signals and brake lights with proper wiring are absolute requirements for your safety and others on the road.
Additionally, brake-away kits, which are mandatory by law in Canada and the U.S., are designed to stop a vehicle if it accidentally becomes detached. It should always be inspected and well-maintained. Should you see any sign of wear or damage, have it repaired or replaced immediately.
Many new coaches are equipped with rearview camera systems. While they are designed to assist when backing into a site and monitoring traffic during travel, they are a great way to keep a close eye on your dinghy throughout a trip. Another sound tool is a tire pressure monitoring system to maintain proper PSi. The stress of towing can cause your tires to heat, which risks a flat.
Can You Tow A Vehicle with any Motorhome?
All motorhomes are rated for tongue load, gross vehicle weight, and towing capacity. So, it’s vital that the vehicle you want to tow is well within these ratings and should never be exceeded. You’ll also need to know the gross vehicle weight of your car. Be sure to follow recommendations set by the manufacturer of your RV and car to the exact specifications.
Towing a vehicle behind your rig should be as stress-free as possible. Do your homework by determining the costs of the trailer, modifications and functions to see if it’s the right choice for you. RVing is all about having fun and If having a vehicle makes your lifestyle more enjoyable, it’s the way to go.