How to Tow a Car Behind an RV: A Beginner’s Guide
Towing a car behind your RV—often called a "toad"—is a game-changer for exploring destinations without the hassle of moving your entire rig. Whether you're running errands, sightseeing, or just grabbing dinner, having a toad adds flexibility to your travels. After recently purchasing my first toad, I learned some hard lessons, and I’m here to share everything you need to know about how to tow a car behind an RV—from equipment to safety tips and the things I wish someone had told me.
Why Is It Called a Toad?
The term "toad" is a playful nickname derived from the word "towed," describing a vehicle pulled behind an RV. Over time, RVers have embraced the term, and it’s become a staple in the RV community. You might also hear other acronyms and terms, such as "dinghy," which refers to the same concept of a towed vehicle. Here are a few commonly used terms and their meanings:
TOAD (Towed Vehicle): A straightforward play on the word "towed."
Dinghy: Borrowed from boating terminology, it refers to a smaller "companion" vehicle pulled by a larger one.
Four Down (Flat Towing): Indicates towing a vehicle with all four wheels on the ground.
Tow Dolly: A method of towing where the car’s front two wheels are lifted onto a dolly.
Each term reflects the variety of ways to tow a vehicle behind an RV, adding a touch of personality to what might otherwise be a purely technical topic. Whether you call it a toad or a dinghy, the goal is the same—having a smaller, more maneuverable vehicle to enhance your travels!
Understanding Towing Methods
When towing a car behind your RV, you have three main methods to choose from. Each has its pros and cons, depending on your vehicle and travel needs.
Flat Towing (Dinghy Towing)
Flat towing is the most popular method for RVers because it’s simple and requires minimal equipment. This method involves attaching your car to the RV with a tow bar, allowing all four wheels to roll on the ground. However, not all vehicles are compatible. Always check your vehicle's manual to confirm it can be safely flat-towed.
Using a Tow Dolly
A tow dolly lifts the front two wheels of your car off the ground, making it suitable for front-wheel-drive vehicles. While it’s a great option if your car isn’t compatible with flat towing, it requires more storage space for the dolly when not in use.
Trailer Towing
Using a flatbed or enclosed trailer allows you to tow nearly any vehicle. While this method offers the most flexibility, it’s also the most expensive and requires significant storage space.
Equipment Needed to Tow a Car Behind an RV
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No matter which method you choose, certain equipment is essential to ensure safe and legal towing:
Tow Bars and Base Plates: Connect your car to the RV. The base plate is specific to your car and must be professionally installed.
Supplemental Braking System: Helps the towed vehicle brake in sync with the RV.
Safety Chains: Provide backup security if the tow bar fails.
Lighting/Wiring Kit: Ensures your toad's brake lights and turn signals function properly while being towed.
When I purchased my toad, it luckily came with the base plate already installed. If it hadn’t, I was quoted around $5,000 CAD to have the necessary equipment installed. It’s a significant investment, so be sure to budget accordingly when planning to tow a car.
Choosing the Right Vehicle for Towing
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Not every vehicle can be safely towed behind an RV. Popular choices include:
Jeep Wrangler: Known for its flat-towing compatibility and off-road capabilities.
Honda CR-V: A versatile option that combines comfort with ease of towing.
If you’re considering a vehicle, check the manufacturer’s guidelines to confirm it can be towed with your preferred method.
Lessons from My First Toad
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Let me share a few hard-earned lessons I wish I’d known before hitting the road with my toad:
Start the Vehicle Daily
Not one person mentioned this to me during the purchase or setup process. If your toad’s battery dies, the power steering will lock up, causing the car to drag. Unfortunately, I learned this the hard way, resulting in two destroyed front tires.
Check the Battery Regularly
A dead battery while towing can lead to costly consequences, as I found out. So here I am, sitting in Big O Tires, writing this post while paying for replacement tires—a no-small-expense lesson I’ll never forget.
Double-Check Connections
Before you hit the road, ensure all connections are secure and functioning properly. Skipping this step could cost you time, money, and safety.
Tips for Safe and Efficient Towing
Know Your RV’s Towing Capacity: Overloading your RV can damage the engine or transmission.
Practice Driving: Handling an RV with a toad requires practice to account for the extra length and weight.
Perform Regular Maintenance: Keep both your RV and towed vehicle in good condition to avoid unexpected issues.
Use Safety Chains: Always have a backup connection in case of tow bar failure.
FAQs: How to Tow a Car Behind an RV
What is the best way to tow a car with an RV?
Flat towing is often the most convenient option, provided your vehicle is compatible.
Is towing a car behind an RV worth it?
Absolutely! Having a toad makes exploring destinations much easier without needing to move your RV.
Can you tow an automatic car behind a motorhome?
Some automatic vehicles can be flat-towed, but it depends on the make and model. Check the owner’s manual for towing instructions.
What is the easiest vehicle to tow behind a motorhome?
Vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler are popular due to their compatibility with flat towing and ease of setup.
Conclusion
Towing a car behind your RV can transform your travel experience, offering flexibility and convenience. By understanding the towing methods, investing in the right equipment, and learning from experiences like mine, you can avoid costly mistakes and make the most of your toad.
If you’re ready to explore your next destination with ease, towing a car behind your RV might be the best travel decision you’ll make.