GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Recreational vehicle towing means towing your vehicle behind another vehicle - such as behind a motorhome. The two most common types of recreational vehicle towing are known as "dinghy towing" (towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground) and "dolly towing" (towing your vehicle with two wheels on the ground and two wheels up on a device known as a "dolly").

With the proper preparation and equipment, many vehicles can be towed in these ways. See "Dinghy Towing" and "Dolly Towing," following.

Here are some important things to consider before you do recreational vehicle towing:

    • What is the towing capacity of the towing vehicle? Be sure you read the tow vehicle manufacturer's recommendations.
    • How far will you tow? Some vehicles have restrictions on how far and how long they can tow.
    • Do you have the proper towing equipment? See your dealer/retailer or trailering professional for additional advice and equipment recommendations.
    • Is your vehicle ready to be towed? Just as you would prepare your vehicle for a long trip, you'll want to make sure your vehicle is prepared to be towed. See Before Leaving on a Long Trip .

Dinghy Towing

Notice: If the vehicle is towed with all four wheels on the ground, the drivetrain components could be damaged. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not tow the vehicle with all four wheels on the ground.

Your vehicle was not designed to be towed with all four wheels on the ground. If your vehicle must be towed, you should use a dolly. See "Dolly Towing" following for more information.

Dolly Towing


Object Number: 829442  Size: B4

Your vehicle can be towed using a dolly. To tow your vehicle using a dolly:

  1. Put the rear wheels on the dolly.
  2. Securely attach the vehicle being towed to the tow vehicle.
  3. Put the vehicle in PARK (P) for an automatic transmission or in NEUTRAL for a manual transmission.
  4. Set the parking brake and then remove the key.
  5. Clamp the steering wheel in a straight-ahead position with a clamping device designed for towing.
  6. Release the parking brake.