So you’re getting ready for that big RV trip but there’s one question that keeps popping up:
Should you tow a vehicle behind the RV?
Is it worth the extra setup, the added weight, and the planning?
Well if you’ve never do it before, here are a few things to consider so you can decide what’s best for your trip.
Why Do RVers Tow a Vehicle?
Towing a small car, truck, or SUV (often called a “toad” or “dinghy vehicle”) behind your RV gives you something super valuable: freedom and flexibility to explore or make grocery runs once you’re parked.
Here’s what makes towing appealing:
- Easy exploring – Once your camp is setup you don’t want to put everything away each time you want to leave the campground and drive your rig into a crowded downtown can sometimes be a hassle.
- Fuel savings – Smaller vehicles typically get better gas mileage than your RV.
- Parking made simple – Quick trips to the grocery store, beach, or trailhead are way easier in a car.
- Small Repairs – If you happen to need to buy some extra fuses or other replacement parts, it’s easier to get there in a car
Downsides of Towing
Of course, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Towing comes with a few challenges you should be aware of.
What you’ll have to deal with:
- Initial setup cost –Tow bars, base plates, brake systems are all required to be road ready and meet safety requirements and many systems are vehicle specific requiring
professional installation which means more money spent. And if you choose to rent tow equipment there is an additional daily fee that can really add up. - Learning curve – You’ll need to practice towing and backing up (or avoiding backing up entirely). For example, many tow bars will sustain damage and become ruined if used in reverse.
- More to maintain – Two vehicles means double the fluids, tires, and checklists and the extra mental stress and worry of the towed vehicle(Tire blowout, equipment failure, etc..)
- Legal stuff – Towing laws vary by state, especially regarding braking systems which can potentially create violations.
- Gas Mileage – With the added tow weight a drop in MPG can occur
What Are Your Options for Towing?
If you’re leaning toward towing, there are three main methods to choose from:
1. Flat Towing (4-Down)
- Car rolls on all four tires
- Quick hookup and disconnect
- Only certain cars can be flat towed(4WD, manual transmission, vehicles with neutral tow mode)
2. Tow Dolly (2-Down)
- Front wheels sit on a dolly, rear wheels roll
- Works with front-wheel-drive vehicles
- Dolly adds weight and needs storage space at camp
3. Trailer (All-Whe
els-Up)
- Entire car rides on a trailer
- Works with almost any car
- Heaviest option and more complex to park/store
When Towing Makes the Most Sense
- You’re planning long stays at RV parks or campgrounds
- You want to explore nearby towns, parks, or attractions
- You don’t want to keep packing up and driving the RV for every errand
When Towing Doesn’t Make Sense
- You’re in a Class B or CamperVan
- Your trip is mostly point-to-point travel with few day trips
- You have access to bikes, scooters, or ride-shares for getting around
- For trips 7 days or less
The Bottom Line
Towing a vehicle with your RV isn’t for everyone, but for many RVers, it’s a total game-changer.
It gives you the freedom to roam without having to move your home every time you need additional groceries or a bottle of propane.
But the best and most cost effective way to have additional transportation at your campsite is to rent a car from a nearby rental company once you arrive at your destination.
