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: Towing an all-wheel-drive vehicle with all four wheels or even only two wheels on the ground will damage drivetrain or transmission components. Towing a front-wheel-drive vehicle with all four wheels on the ground will damage drivetrain or transmission components. Do not tow an all-wheel-drive vehicle with two or four wheels on the ground or a front-wheel-drive vehicle if all four wheels will be on the ground.
If the vehicle is all-wheel-drive or front-wheel-drive, it was not designed to be towed with all of its wheels on the ground. It can be towed with car carrier equipment. If the vehicle is front-wheel-drive, it can be towed with its two front wheels off the ground. See "Dolly Towing" following.
Dolly Towing
Use the following procedure to dolly tow a front-wheel-drive vehicle from the front:
- Attach the dolly to the tow vehicle following the dolly manufacturer's instructions.
- Drive the front wheels onto the dolly.
- Shift the transmission to P (Park).
- Firmly set the parking brake.
- Secure the vehicle to the dolly following the manufacturer's instructions.
- Release the parking brake only after the vehicle being towed is firmly attached to the dolly.
- Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
