Recreational vehicle towing means towing the vehicle behind another vehicle - such as behind a motorhome. The two most common types of recreational vehicle towing are known as "dinghy towing" (towing the vehicle with all four wheels on the ground) and "dolly towing" (towing the vehicle with two wheels on the ground and two wheels up on a device known as a "dolly").
Here are some important things to consider before recreational vehicle towing:
| • | What is the towing capacity of the towing vehicle? Be sure to read the tow vehicle manufacturer's recommendations. |
| • | What is the distance that will be travelled? Some vehicles have restrictions on how far and how long they can tow. |
| • | Is the proper towing equipment going to be used? See your dealer/retailer or trailering professional for additional advice and equipment recommendations. |
| • | Is the vehicle ready to be towed? Just as preparing the vehicle for a long trip, make sure the vehicle is prepared to be towed. See Before Leaving on a Long Trip . |
Dinghy Towing
Notice: If the vehicle is towed with all four wheels on the ground, the drivetrain components could be damaged. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not tow the vehicle with all four wheels on the ground.
The vehicle was not designed to be towed with all four wheels on the ground. If a rear-wheel-drive vehicle must be towed, a dolly or a trailer should be used. If an all-wheel-drive vehicle must be towed, a trailer should be used. See "Dolly Towing" following for more information.
Dolly Towing (Rear-Wheel-Drive Vehicles)
Use the following procedure to dolly tow a rear-wheel-drive vehicle from the rear:
- Attach the dolly to the tow vehicle following the dolly manufacturer's instructions.
- Put the rear wheels on the dolly.
- Firmly set the parking brake. See Parking Brake .
- Put the vehicle in P (Park) for an automatic transmission or in 1 (First) for a manual transmission.
- Securely attach the vehicle being towed to the dolly.
- Clamp the steering wheel in a straight-ahead position with a clamping device designed for towing.
- Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
Dolly Towing (All-Wheel-Drive Vehicles)
Notice: Towing an all-wheel-drive vehicle with all four wheels on the ground, or even with only two of its wheels on the ground, will damage drivetrain components. Do not tow an all-wheel-drive vehicle with any of its wheels on the ground.
All-wheel-drive vehicles can only be towed with all four wheels on a trailer.
