Quick Answer
There are three ways to tow a car behind your RV: flat towing (all four wheels down), tow dolly (front wheels up), and car trailer (all four wheels off the ground). Flat towing offers the easiest setup but requires specific vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler or Ford F-150 4×4. Tow dollies work for most front-wheel-drive cars and cost less upfront, while car trailers can haul any vehicle but add the most weight and storage hassles. All three methods require supplemental braking systems in most states, safety chains, and proper wiring. Your best choice depends on your vehicle type, budget, and how often you’ll tow—frequent travelers typically prefer flat towing for convenience, while occasional RVers may opt for dollies or trailers.
RVs for Rent That Can Tow a Car Behind Them
Confirm with the RV owner that they allow tow behinds before renting.
What is flat towing (four-down) and how does it work?
Flat towing—also called dinghy towing or four-down—pulls your vehicle behind the RV with all four wheels on the ground using a tow bar, offering the easiest hookup and disconnect, but only works with specific transmission-compatible vehicles.
Imagine arriving at your campsite in your Class A motorhome, unhitching your car in under two minutes, and heading straight into town for groceries. That’s the magic of flat towing.
Flat towing is the most popular method among full-time RVers for one simple reason: convenience. There’s no bulky equipment to store at the campsite. When you’re done exploring, you hook back up, and you’re ready to roll. The setup involves a tow bar that connects to a base plate mounted on your car’s frame, creating a semi-permanent connection that takes seconds to engage.
But here’s the catch: not every vehicle can handle it. According to Lippert’s 2025 flat towing guide, the list of flat-towable vehicles has shrunk significantly in recent years as manufacturers simplify their lineups and move toward automatic transmissions that can’t safely be towed four-down. Where you once had dozens of options, the 2024-2025 model year offers fewer than 50 vehicles (Lippert, 2025).
Popular 2024-2025 flat-towable vehicles include:
• Jeep Wrangler (all trims) – The gold standard for flat towing
• Jeep Gladiator – Perfect if you need a truck bed
• Ford Bronco – Modern classic with off-road capability
• Ford F-150 4×4 – Full-size truck versatility
• Chevy Colorado 4WD – Midsize truck option
• Ford Maverick Hybrid FWD – Surprisingly towable and fuel-efficient
• GMC Canyon 4WD – Colorado’s cousin with similar specs
The critical requirement? Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual under “Recreational Towing.” If that section doesn’t exist, your vehicle can’t be flat towed. Period. According to Four Mavericks’ comprehensive 2024-2025 guide, many vehicles have specific requirements like starting the engine every six hours or disconnecting the battery to prevent damage (Four Mavericks, 2025).
Essential flat towing equipment:
• Base plate ($300-600) – Vehicle-specific mounting bracket
• Tow bar ($400-1,200) – Connects car to RV
• Supplemental braking system ($600-2,000) – Required by law in most states
• Wiring harness ($75-300) – Links brake lights, turn signals
• Safety cables ($30-100) – Backup connection
Total cost: $1,500-$2,500 for a complete setup
If you’re renting an RV from Outdoorsy and planning to flat tow, confirm with the owner that their hitch is rated for the additional weight and that they’re comfortable with you towing. Most Class A motorhomes and larger Class C motorhomes can handle flat towing 3,000-6,000 pounds without issue.
When should I use a tow dolly instead of flat towing?
Use a tow dolly when your vehicle can’t be flat towed—typically front-wheel-drive cars without manual transmission disconnects—or when you want lower upfront costs than a full flat-tow setup, with equipment running $2,000-4,000.
A tow dolly is essentially a small two-wheeled trailer designed to lift your car’s front wheels off the ground while the rear wheels roll. Think of it as the middle ground between flat towing and a full trailer.
Tow dollies shine for front-wheel-drive vehicles. Since the drive wheels (front) are elevated and the transmission isn’t engaged, you can tow cars like Honda Civics, Toyota Corollas, and Chevy Equinoxes that would otherwise destroy their transmissions with flat towing. According to eTrailer’s comprehensive dolly guide, this method works for the vast majority of passenger vehicles on the road today (eTrailer, 2025).
Tow dolly pros:
✓ Works with most front-wheel-drive cars
✓ Less wear on your car’s tires
✓ No permanent modifications to your vehicle
✓ Can rent for $50-100/day for occasional trips
✓ Lighter than a full car trailer
Tow dolly cons:
✗ Requires storage space at campsites (foldable models help)
✗ Can’t back up with it attached
✗ Loading/unloading takes 10-15 minutes
✗ Most states require separate license/registration
✗ Your car must have a steering wheel lock feature
The steering wheel lock is critical. Newer cars often lack this feature, which means the wheels can drift during turns, potentially damaging your car’s body panels. Always verify your vehicle has this before buying or renting a dolly.
Popular tow dollies include the Master Tow (around $2,000), Demco Kar Kaddy ($2,500-3,000), and Stehl Tow Dolly ($2,800-3,500). Some newer models fold up for easier storage—a game-changer if you’re staying in crowded campgrounds.
One often-overlooked advantage: if you’re towing between destinations frequently (like month-to-month RV travel), a dolly lets you switch between different vehicles without installing base plates and wiring on each one. Perfect for RV owners who might tow their sedan one month and their SUV the next.
What are the advantages of using a car trailer (hauler)?
Car trailers (haulers) can tow any vehicle regardless of drivetrain—including AWD/4WD—and save transmission wear entirely, but they’re the heaviest option (adding 1,500-2,500 pounds) and require the most storage space at campsites.
If you drive an all-wheel-drive SUV or 4×4 truck that can’t be flat towed or dolly towed, a car trailer is your only option. But beyond necessity, trailers offer some compelling advantages that make them worth considering even when other methods work.
The biggest benefit? Zero transmission wear. Your car’s wheels never turn, the engine never runs, and there’s no risk of drivetrain damage. You’re essentially preserving your vehicle in the exact state you loaded it. For those towing classic cars, expensive vehicles, or just wanting to minimize maintenance, this is huge.
Modern car trailers typically feature two axles rated for 3,500+ pounds each, giving you 7,000-pound total capacity—enough for virtually any passenger vehicle. They come in two brake configurations: surge brakes (hydraulic, no controller needed) or electric brakes (require a brake controller in your RV).
Car trailer benefits:
✓ Can tow any vehicle—no drivetrain restrictions
✓ Can back up (with skill and patience)
✓ Zero wear on your towed vehicle’s components
✓ Built-in ramps for easy loading
✓ Some models have storage compartments for gear
Car trailer drawbacks:
✗ Heaviest option—adds 1,500-2,500 pounds empty weight
✗ Most expensive ($3,000-6,000 new, $1,500-3,000 used)
✗ Storage hassle at campsites
✗ Requires separate registration and insurance
✗ Four extra tires to maintain
✗ Loading/unloading takes the longest (15-20 minutes)
According to National Indoor RV Centers, the weight consideration is critical—you need to ensure your RV’s towing capacity can handle your car PLUS the trailer weight. A 3,500-pound sedan on a 2,000-pound trailer means you’re pulling 5,500 pounds total. Many smaller Class C motorhomes max out around 5,000-7,500 pounds of towing capacity, so do the math carefully (NIRVC, 2023).
The storage challenge is real. Unlike a tow bar that folds up or even a dolly that can be collapsed, an 18-20 foot trailer takes up serious space. Look for pull-through campsites or campgrounds with trailer parking areas. Some RVers solve this by renting trailers only when needed rather than owning—companies like U-Haul offer one-way trailer rentals for $100-600 depending on distance.
One pro tip from Outdoorsy’s towing guide: If your RV didn’t come with a brake controller, budget about $300 for purchase and installation. It’s legally required for electric brake trailers and dramatically improves safety on downgrades.
What supplemental braking equipment do I need for RV towing?
Direct Answer: Most states legally require supplemental braking systems for towed vehicles over 1,000-3,000 pounds (varies by state), plus breakaway switches, safety cables, and proper lighting—with portable systems starting at $600 and permanently installed options costing $1,500-2,500.
Here’s the reality: your RV’s brakes were designed to stop your RV, not your RV plus a 3,500-pound car pushing from behind. Without a supplemental braking system, your stopping distance could increase by 20-40% in emergency situations. That’s the difference between a close call and a collision.
According to NSA RV Products’ state law guide, most states require supplemental brakes on towed vehicles exceeding specific weight thresholds—typically 1,000-3,000 pounds. Some states, like Alaska, California, and Washington, mandate them regardless of weight. Canada has similar requirements, so cross-border travelers need to comply (NSA RV Products, 2025).
Types of supplemental braking systems:
1. Progressive systems slowly increase brake pressure the longer you brake. They’re simple but can over-brake in light traffic situations. Popular models include Brake Buddy Classic ($800-1,000).
2. Proportional systems use sensors to match your RV’s braking force exactly. They feel more natural and prevent jerky stops. The Blue Ox Patriot 3 ($650-850) is a top choice according to Blue Ox’s supplemental brake guide (Blue Ox, 2025).
3. Direct systems wire directly into your RV’s brake system for the most accurate response. Demco’s Air Force One ($2,000-2,500) is the gold standard for air-brake motorhomes, offering proportional braking that matches your coach exactly (Demco, 2025).
4. Surge brake systems like NSA’s ReadyBrake ($600-800) mount to your tow bar and use mechanical pressure—no electricity needed, making them ultra-reliable but less sophisticated. The 2025 version no longer requires drilling through the firewall, making installation much simpler (NSA RV Products, 2025).
Essential safety equipment beyond brakes:
• Breakaway switch ($30-100) – Activates brakes if tow bar fails
• Safety cables ($30-100) – Backup connection rated for your vehicle’s weight
• Wiring harness/wireless system ($75-300) – Syncs brake lights and signals
• Base plate ($300-600 for flat towing) – Frame-mounted attachment point
According to The RV Geeks’ brake system comparison, the most common mistake is skipping the breakaway system. If your tow bar fails, the breakaway cable pulls a pin that engages the supplemental brakes, bringing your car to a controlled stop instead of becoming a 3,500-pound projectile (The RV Geeks, 2025).
Installation varies: portable systems like the Patriot 3 take about 2 hours to install yourself, while permanent systems often require professional installation ($200-500 labor). The upside of permanent systems? Once installed, they’re always ready—just turn them on and tow.
Which towing method is best for my RV and travel style?
Direct Answer: Choose flat towing for frequent use and maximum convenience (if your vehicle qualifies), tow dollies for occasional trips with front-wheel-drive cars, and car trailers when towing AWD/4WD vehicles or wanting zero drivetrain wear—each method suits different budgets and RV lifestyles.
The answer depends on three factors: your vehicle, your budget, and how often you tow. Let’s break it down:
Choose FLAT TOWING if:
✓ You own a flat-towable vehicle (Jeep Wrangler, Ford Bronco, etc.)
✓ You’re a full-time RVer or travel 3+ months per year
✓ You want the fastest setup/breakdown (under 2 minutes)
✓ Storage space at campsites is limited
✓ You’re willing to invest $1,500-2,500 upfront for long-term convenience
Flat towing is the RVer’s favorite for good reason. According to RV Life’s 2024 dinghy guide, approximately 60% of motorhome owners who tow choose this method because unhooking takes literally seconds—perfect when you want to run into town without breaking camp (RV Life, 2024).
Choose a TOW DOLLY if:
✓ You drive a front-wheel-drive car (Honda Civic, Toyota Camry, etc.)
✓ You tow occasionally (2-4 weeks per year)
✓ You might tow different vehicles over time
✓ Your RV has limited towing capacity (under 5,000 pounds)
✓ You’re okay with 10-15 minute setup time
Dollies hit the sweet spot for occasional RVers. You can rent them for $50-100 per day through U-Haul or Budget, making them cost-effective for short trips. Plus, you avoid modifying your car with permanent base plates.
Choose a CAR TRAILER if:
✓ You drive an AWD or 4WD vehicle that can’t be flat towed
✓ You’re towing a classic, luxury, or high-value vehicle
✓ Your RV has 7,000+ pound towing capacity
✓ You can secure pull-through campsites with trailer parking
✓ You want to completely eliminate transmission/drivetrain wear
Trailers give you maximum flexibility. According to Motor Axle’s 2025 flat tow vehicles guide, they’re the only option for popular SUVs like the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, or Subaru Outback that feature permanent AWD systems incompatible with dolly or flat towing (Motor Axle, 2025).
Cost comparison (initial investment):
• Flat towing setup: $1,500-2,500
• Tow dolly (new): $2,000-4,000 (or rent for $50-100/day)
• Car trailer (new): $3,000-6,000 (or rent for $100-600/trip)
Remember: these costs don’t include maintenance, storage, registration, or insurance. Factor in ongoing expenses when making your decision. For those renting an RV from Outdoorsy, you might explore stationary rental options where the RV is delivered to your campsite, eliminating towing concerns altogether.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tow any car behind my RV?
A: No. Flat towing requires specific vehicles with manual transmission options or automatic transmissions designed for recreational towing—check your owner’s manual under “Recreational Towing.” Front-wheel-drive cars work with tow dollies, while AWD/4WD vehicles often require car trailers. The most versatile vehicles for flat towing in 2024-2025 include the Jeep Wrangler, Ford Bronco, and select 4×4 pickup trucks.
Do I need a supplemental braking system, and which states require it?
Yes, most states require supplemental brakes for towed vehicles over 1,000-3,000 pounds. States like Alaska, California, Oregon, Washington, and Vermont mandate them regardless of weight. Canadian provinces have similar requirements. Beyond legal compliance, supplemental brakes dramatically reduce stopping distance and strain on your RV’s braking system. Expect to invest $600-2,500 depending on whether you choose portable or permanently installed systems.
What’s the easiest towing method for beginners?
If you own a flat-towable vehicle, that’s the easiest option—hookup takes under 2 minutes once installed. For beginners without flat-towable cars, renting a tow dolly for your first few trips lets you learn the process without major investment. Many new RVers start with dollies, then upgrade to flat-tow setups once they commit to regular RV travel. Consider taking your RV to an empty parking lot to practice hooking, unhooking, and maneuvering before your first trip.
Can I back up while towing with any of these methods?
Backing up capabilities vary. You CANNOT back up with a tow dolly—it will damage the dolly and potentially your car. With flat towing, very short distances (a few feet for parking adjustments) are sometimes possible but not recommended. Car trailers allow backing up, though it requires skill and practice. The best approach: plan campsites and routes where backing up isn’t necessary, and unhook your towed vehicle before complex maneuvers.
How much does towing affect my RV’s fuel economy and towing capacity?
Expect 1-3 mpg reduction when towing a car, regardless of method. Flat towing creates the most aerodynamic drag but the least weight. Tow dollies add 300-400 pounds plus your car’s weight. Car trailers add the most (1,500-2,500 pounds empty). Always verify your motorhome’s towing capacity—typically listed in the owner’s manual as GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating). Most Class A motorhomes handle 5,000-8,000 pounds, while smaller Class C motorhomes range from 3,500-5,000 pounds.
Ready to Hit the Road With Your Toad?
Whether you choose flat towing for its convenience, a tow dolly for versatility, or a car trailer for maximum protection, towing a car behind your RV opens up incredible freedom. No more breaking camp to grab groceries. No more navigating your 35-foot motorhome through narrow downtown streets. Just park, unhook, and explore.
Need an RV to get started? Browse Outdoorsy’s RV rentals from coast to coast. We’ve got everything from nimble Class B campervans perfect for solo adventurers to spacious Class A motorhomes built for family trips. Every rental includes 24/7 roadside assistance and $1M liability coverage.
Already have your setup? Share your towing tips in the comments below. And if you’re headed out this weekend, check out our guides on finding the best RV camping spots and essential RV travel hacks.
The open road—and all the hidden gems you can only reach by car—awaits. Pack light, tow smart, and let the adventure begin.
RVs for Rent That Can Tow a Car Behind Them
Confirm with the RV owner that they allow tow behinds before renting.
