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's 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 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
If your vehicle is a front-wheel-drive with a manual transaxle, it can be dinghy towed.
When dinghy towing, be sure to follow the posted legal speed limit.
- Put the shift lever in NEUTRAL.
- Turn the ignition to ACC to avoid locking the steering wheel. Make sure the audio system is turned off and that nothing is plugged into the power outlets.
- Release the parking brake.
After dinghy towing, let the engine idle for more than three minutes before driving the vehicle.
Do not tow your vehicle from the rear. Your vehicle could be badly damaged and the repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Notice: Towing an all-wheel-drive vehicle with all four wheels on the ground, or even with only two of its wheels on the ground, will damage drivetrain components. Do not tow an all-wheel-drive vehicle with any of its wheels on the ground.
Dolly Towing
If your vehicle is a front-wheel drive vehicle it can be towed using a dolly. To tow your vehicle using a dolly, follow these steps:
- Put the front wheels on a dolly.
- Put the vehicle in PARK (P) for an automatic transaxle and in NEUTRAL for a manual transaxle.
- Set the parking brake and then remove the key.
- Clamp the steering wheel in a straight-ahead position with a clamping device designed for towing.
- Release the parking brake.
Notice: Towing an all-wheel-drive vehicle with all four wheels on the ground, or even with only two of its wheels on the ground, will damage drivetrain components. Do not tow an all-wheel-drive vehicle with any of its wheels on the ground.
