Recreational Vehicle Towing

Recreational vehicle towing is towing the vehicle behind another vehicle, such as a motorhome. The two most common types of recreational vehicle towing are known as dinghy towing and dolly towing. Dinghy towing tows the vehicle with all four wheels on the ground. Dolly towing tows the vehicle with two wheels on the ground and two wheels on a device known as a dolly.

Here are some important things to consider before recreational vehicle towing:

• Before towing the vehicle, become familiar with local laws that apply to recreational vehicle towing. These laws may vary by region.
• Towing capacity of the tow vehicle. Be sure to read the tow vehicle manufacturer's recommendations.
• How far the vehicle will be towed. Some vehicles have limitations on how far and how long they can be towed.
• Proper towing equipment. Consult a dealer or trailer specialist for additional advice and equipment recommendations.
• Whether the vehicle is ready to be towed. Just as with preparing the vehicle for a long trip, make sure the vehicle is prepared for towing.

Dinghy Towing

The vehicle is not designed to be towed with all four wheels on the ground. The vehicle must be transported on a flatbed.

Use a dolly with all four wheels off the ground. Some vehicles can be towed this way. See the following information on dolly towing.

Dolly Towing (All-Wheel Drive Vehicles)

All-wheel drive vehicles cannot be towed with two wheels on the ground. To tow these vehicles correctly, they must be placed on a dolly with all four wheels off the ground.

Dolly Towing (Front-Wheel Drive Vehicles)

Tow the vehicle with the rear wheels on the ground and the front wheels on a dolly.

To tow the vehicle forward with the rear wheels on the ground:

1. 1
   Place the front wheels on the dolly.
2. 2
   Shift the transmission to P (Park). Refer to Shifting into Park.
3. 3
   Apply the parking brake.
4. 4
   Secure the vehicle to the dolly.
5. 5
   Follow the dolly manufacturer's instructions for preparing the vehicle and dolly for towing.
6. 6
   Open the driver's door and leave it open.
7. 7
   Shift to N (Neutral).
8. 8
   Make sure the parking brake is released.
9. 9
   Turn off the vehicle and release the brake pedal.
10. 10
    The vehicle must remain in N (Neutral). If it does not, restart the engine and repeat Steps 6-8.
11. 11
    Release the hood.
12. 12
    Lock the vehicle doors with the driver's door still open.
13. 13
    Exit the vehicle using the RKE transmitter.
14. 14
    Open the hood.
15. 15
    Disconnect the negative (–) terminal from the 12-volt battery.
16. 16
    Close and latch the hood.
17. 17
    Close the driver's door.

Towing the Vehicle Backward