What kind of car can you pull behind an RV?
Consumers are always asking us questions about towing, whether for work or leisure. The Car Guide also has several columns on the subject, including 5 used vehicles with surprising towing capacity and 9 tips for backing up a trailer like a pro.
Recently, a camping and travel enthusiast asked us about the type of vehicle that can be towed behind an RV, for shopping or smaller escapades once you've reached your destination. Here's what you need to know...
First of all, the most important thing is to know the RV's maximum towing capacity and the weight of the vehicle to be towed. Otherwise, you run the risk of causing serious damage and compromising your own safety, as well as that of other road users. It's also a good idea to consult all the towing regulations and guidelines on the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec website.
Three methods
There are three ways to safely tow a vehicle behind an RV. With bar towing, all four wheels of the towed vehicle remain on the ground. This is the method of choice for people who travel alone in an RV, or who plan to use said vehicle every day, since it's quick and easy to connect and disconnect. On the other hand, some cars and trucks need to be modified and fitted with a custom-made base plate to allow connection of a tow bar. With others, this is downright impossible.
Towing with a dolly is generally used to pull vehicles. The front wheels are mounted on the dolly and the rear wheels are on the road. Warning: these dollies can be heavy, and their weight must be taken into account when calculating the RV's towing capacity. Also, when not in use, the cart must be stored, which is not always easy when camping.
Finally, the vehicle can be transported on a trailer or tow bar, securely attached to the RV. This method is generally recommended for four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicles, to avoid damaging the gearbox. Here again, you need to think about the total weight to be towed and the storage space once you've reached your destination.
Which vehicles can be pulled?
The best advice here is to refer to the vehicle owner's manual to find out if towing behind an RV is possible, and what instructions need to be followed.
With the towbar method, it's not enough to engage the towed vehicle in neutral. Ideally, the transmission should be disconnected (i.e. an automatic gearbox) and the steering wheel lock bypassed so that the wheels are free to move. Otherwise, mechanical and vehicle damage may result, and safety may be compromised.
For this reason, a 4x4 SUV will help - the Jeep Wrangler is one of the most popular choices. Otherwise, it's wiser to use a dolly or trailer. In the case of a vehicle with a manual transmission, there's no problem.
Finally, when it comes to an electric vehicle, towing by a bar is not possible. You'll need either a dolly (if the model is front-wheel drive) or a trailer/platform.
