Start with knowing the hitch rating of the RV to determine the weight restriction of the tow vehicle. There are certain types of pickups, vans and automobiles that cannot be towed using a motor home. Discuss your transportation needs with the RV dealer to insure the proper selection.

A trailer, tow dolly, or tow bar are three common ways used to tow a vehicle with an RV. The trailer, open or enclosed, will remove all four wheels of the tow vehicle off the ground. If using a trailer, factor in the weight of the trailer along with the weight of the vehicle when determining hitch rating.

Tow dollies are similar to a trailer, but designed to transport with two wheels of the towed vehicle on the ground. Tow dollies can be used to raise either the front or rear end tires of the vehicle off the ground – the preference is left up to the vehicle operator.

Trailers and tow dollies offer the RV operator the convenience of backing up the motor home with the tow vehicle still attached. Back up with care. To avoid confusion, place your hand on the bottom of the steering wheel and the trailer will move in the direction of your hand. Once the trailer is moving in the preferred direction, go slow and resist sharp movements of the steering wheel. If possible, have someone outside of the vehicle provide assistance to help you avoid unseen obstacles.

A tow bar is the most popular choice of RV towing today. Tow bars and the attached vehicle should never be backed up while still attached to the RV, even a short distance. Putting the tow bar in a back up situation will create a jack-knife situation that can cause the axle and the tires of the towed vehicle to travel sideways down the road.

Tow bars offer the convenience of minimal equipment, with no need for extra space to park a trailer or tow dolly. A variety of tow bar designs are available on the market today. Rigid A-Frame tow bars, which are generally the least expensive, are a solid welded bar that requires two people to line up the vehicle in the correct position. Self-Aligning tow bars, mounted to the car or to the RV, are designed to align the tow bar to the vehicle position.

Consult an authorized tow bar specialist when selecting a type for your needs. Purchase a quality product backed by a sound warranty, and sold by a reputable dealer willing to take the time to properly teach you how to use the tow bar.
In addition to the tow bar, it will be necessary to mount a base plate to attach the tow bar. Enlist assistance from the tow bar seller, or a qualified RV technician, to insure that the base plate is properly mounted.

Once the towing assembly is installed, and the towed vehicle has been attached, it may then be necessary to adjust the tow car for travel. Select a tow vehicle that will require minimal modification when preparing for travel. Vehicles with rear wheel drive and automatic transmissions usually require disconnecting of the drive shaft to tow using a tow bar. It may be necessary to use a lube pump, or another device, to tow a front wheel drive vehicle with an automatic transmission using a tow bar.

Many front wheel drive manual transmission vehicles can be towed using a tow bar with no modification. Consult with the automobile manufacturer regarding the necessary adjustments to tow your particular vehicle using a tow bar.

In many instances it will be necessary to leave place ignition key in the tow vehicle to the first position in order to unlock the steering wheel. When leaving the motor home and tow vehicle for extended periods, remove the ignition key from the tow vehicle, and remember to replace the key prior to driving down the road. To guard against theft, always lock the doors of the tow vehicle, and keep a spare key to the vehicle in a designated location inside the motor home for easy access.

Detecting a problem with the tow vehicle is difficult when the motor home is driving down the road. During drive time, use the back up camera to occasionally check the tow vehicle. At each stop, include the tow vehicle in your walk around inspection. Monitor tire air pressures on the tow vehicle and look for any signs of an oil leak. Have all problems promptly repaired.

Frequently inspect the tow bar, tow dolly or trailer for loose or worn parts. Lubricate moving parts on an annual basis. Prior to starting out, confirm that the tow bar, base plate, safety chains and all cables are properly attached. Perform a light check to insure that all lights are operating correctly. When using a tow bar, store extra security pins for the tow bar and the hitch in the RV’s on board toolbox.

Connect the tow vehicle to the motor home when both vehicles are parked on a level surface. Drive with caution. Keep in mind that the vehicle length is longer, and that excess stopping distance is required. Engrave your name and security password onto the tow bar, tow dolly or trailer for identification purposes in the event of theft.