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Have you seen a beautiful Dutch Star come rolling into the campground towing a GMC Acadia? Perhaps you’ve wondered how to tow a car behind an RV. They make it look so easy! If you’re considering the RV lifestyle and prefer a motorized RV, you’ll likely want to know the ins and outs of towing a second vehicle. Let’s dive in and learn more about this process and the pros and cons of various methods!
What Is A Toad Car?
A towed car is often referred to as a “toad car” by RVers. It’s also known as “dinghy towing.” A toad car attaches to the rear hitch of a motorhome and provides a second vehicle for RVers to explore once they reach a destination. RVers have a few different methods to choose from when towing this vehicle: using a tow dolly, a trailer, or flat towing.
Pro Tip: Check out …The Best Vehicle to Tow Behind an RV for more on toad vehicles!
Can All RVs Tow A Second Vehicle?
Generally, we see “toads” pulled by Class As, larger Class Cs, and Super Cs. These motorhomes have the largest towing capacity, ranging from 5,000 to 25,000 pounds. Class B camper vans only have a towing capacity of 3,500-5,00 pounds.
You must also consider the combined vehicle weight once you add the equipment and toad car. You don’t want to exceed any state laws or the manufacturer’s set capacities.
We don’t suggest triple towing. In some states, it’s unlawful. Regardless, we think it’s too dangerous to attempt. Triple towing is when a truck tows a camper that pulls a trailer or second vehicle. This setup makes your combined length and weight challenging to control.
If you want a toad car, stick to a motorhome. Otherwise, have a second driver to follow behind.
How Do You Know If Your RV Can Tow Your Vehicle?
We’ve discussed before how important it is to know your capacities. The first number you need to know is how much your vehicle weighs. The second number you need to know is the towing capacity of your motorhome. The third number you need to know is the weight of the additional equipment required to tow your car.
Look for a sticker on the inside of the driver’s side door. You should find the curb weight and GVWR of your vehicle. We suggest using the GVWR just to be safe. You might use the trunk as extra cargo storage, so use the GVWR.
Compare that number to the towing capacity of your motorhome. You’ll find the towing capacity and GCWR in the chassis specs. The GVWR of your vehicle should be under the towing capacity of your motorhome. The combined weight of your motorhome – fully loaded – plus the attached toad car should be under the GCWR.
Let’s look at an example. Your Honda CR-V weighs 4,000 pounds. The towing capacity of your Forest River Berkshire is 10,000 pounds. Therefore, this diesel pusher is more than capable of towing your vehicle.
The GCWR is 42,400 pounds. The maximum weight of your Berkshire fully loaded is 32,000 pounds. Add the weight of your Honda CR-V, and the combined weight is 36,000 pounds – well within the 42,400-pound GCWR maximum.
How To Tow A Car Behind An RV
So, now to the logistics: how to tow a car behind an RV. As we mentioned, there are a few methods. RVers choose which one best suits their travel style, budget, and vehicle capabilities. Let’s look at all three options.
Use A Tow Dolly
A tow dolly attaches to the rear hitch of a motorhome. The two front wheels of your toad car go on the dolly, and the two rear wheels travel on the road. You can’t tow a rear-wheel drive vehicle unless you disconnect the driveshaft because of this.
Pros:
A tow dolly is much smaller than a trailer, so it’s easier to store when unused. Also, you don’t need modifications like you do when flat towing. If you switch out vehicles often, a tow dolly is ideal. Bring your Jeep Wrangler on one camping trip and your Honda CR-V on another.
Cons:
Even though it’s smaller than a trailer, a tow dolly still takes up valuable campsite space. It’s also more challenging to hitch and unhitch than flat towing equipment.
It’s also another chore you have to do on a travel day. Finally, depending on how much you spend on a tow dolly, this method can be more expensive than flat towing.
Use A Trailer
A trailer is the best option if you don’t want any tires to travel on the road. Like a tow dolly, a trailer attaches to the rear hitch of a motorhome.
Trailers come in all shapes and sizes. You can use a flatbed trailer or spend more on a fully enclosed option. Your entire toad car will be raised off the road using this method.
Pros:
You don’t add miles to your toad car when towing with a trailer. You also avoid any wear and tear on your tires. In the long run, this can save you money because you won’t have to replace your tires as often as someone who flat tows. A fully enclosed trailer will also provide the ultimate protection for your vehicle from the weather.
Cons:
However, the money saved in the long run may equal or surpass how much it costs upfront. Trailers can cost thousands of dollars. In addition, trailers take up a lot of space.
Once you’re at the campsite, where will you put it? If it remains in your campsite, you’ve lost valuable outdoor space. When you’re at home, where will it go? Finally, like using a tow dolly, the hitching and unhitching process is more time-consuming than flat towing.
Flat Tow
Flat towing is also called four-wheels-down towing because all four wheels of the toad car travel on the road. Because of this setup, you can only flat tow certain vehicles due to the damage it can do to the transmission with all four wheels rolling on the road.
Pros:
Flat towing requires less equipment than using a tow dolly or trailer. You’ll still have to purchase a base plate kit, a tow bar, two safety cables, a light wiring kit, and a supplemental braking system.
Nevertheless, these are smaller products. It’s also easy to set up. Even one person can do it. Third, the towing experience is easier. Your turning radius isn’t as restricted because it’s easier to maneuver a tow bar than a dolly or trailer.
Cons:
If you have an older vehicle with a mechanical odometer, flat towing can add miles because the cable that runs the odometer is attached to a gear in the transmission. In addition, flat towing causes the most wear and tear out of all three towing methods because all four tires are rolling on the road.
The initial equipment and professional installation cost, plus any modifications, will be high. You don’t pay much after this, but setting up is expensive.
Finally, only certain vehicles can be flat towed. All-wheel-drive and four-by-four vehicles are preferred for flat towing. Although, always check your owner’s manual for instructions about your particular car.
Which Method of Towing Is Best?
Now that we’ve discussed how to tow a car behind an RV, the real question is, which one is better? As you can see, there are pros and cons to all three methods. It comes down to personal preference, budget, and travel style.
If you want the flexibility to bring different vehicles on different camping trips, it makes more sense to use a tow dolly. If you have a car that can be flat towed and don’t want the hassle of storing large equipment, flat towing is your answer. You’ll have to decide what’s best for you.
Allow More Freedom To Explore With A Toad Car This Camping Season
A toad car will provide more freedom to venture into big cities, get closer to trailheads, and regularly visit the grocery store. You don’t have to call an Uber whenever you want to go somewhere. You don’t have to spend more money on a car rental. Bring along a second car and fully embrace each destination!
Which method of towing works best for you?
