GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

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 and dolly towing. Dinghy towing is towing the vehicle with all four wheels on the ground. Dolly towing is 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


Object Number: 2073549  Size: B3

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 the vehicle must be towed, a dolly should be used. See "Dolly Towing" that follows for more information.

Dolly Towing


Object Number: 2073550  Size: B3

The vehicle can be towed with its front wheels on a dolly. To tow the vehicle using a dolly:

  1. Attach the dolly to the tow vehicle following the dolly manufacturer's instructions.
  2. Drive the front wheels onto the dolly.
  3. Shift the transmission to P (Park).
  4. Firmly set the parking brake.
  5. Clamp the steering wheel in a straight-ahead position with a clamping device designed for towing.
  6. Remove the key from the ignition.
  7. Secure the vehicle to the dolly following the manufacturer's instructions.
  8. Release the parking brake only after the vehicle being towed is firmly attached to the dolly.

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.

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

    • What's 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 dealer 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'll want to make sure your vehicle is prepared to be towed. See Before Leaving on a Long Trip .

Dinghy Towing

To tow your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground, follow these steps:


    Object Number: 807908  Size: B3
  1. Position the vehicle to tow and then secure it.
  2. Turn the ignition to OFF.
  3. Set the parking brake.
  4. Turn the ignition to ACC.
  5. Shift your transaxle to Neutral (N).
  6. Release the parking brake.

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.


Object Number: 810286  Size: B3

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.

Dolly Towing

To tow your vehicle with two wheels on the ground and a dolly, do the following:


    Object Number: 810288  Size: B3
  1. Put the front wheels on a dolly.
  2. Put the vehicle in PARK (P).
  3. Set the parking brake and then remove the key.
  4. Clamp the steering wheel in a straight-ahead position with a clamping device designed for towing.
  5. Release the parking brake.