MotorHome Tech Tips

Key Steps to Safe Vehicle Towing | RV Towing & Tow Bar Safety

Towing Safety

1. Tow bar must be level with the ball hitch on the motorhome. Do not tow if the tow bar is over 6 inches off level in either direction. Towing with an upward or downward slope of the tow bar puts undue strain on the tow bar and mounting brackets.

2. Steering must be unlocked and free to turn when towing.

3. Driver must not back up motorhome with vehicle attached. Backing up with towed vehicle attached easily causes the vehicle to "jack-knife" and will damage the tow bar, mounting bracket, hitch, the towed vehicle front end and/or rear of the motorhome. This is the primary cause of tow bar damage.

4. Tow bar must be secured with linch pins and/or padlocks before towing. Unless the tow bar is secured to both vehicles with all designated pins and/or anchors, you will lose your towed vehicle.

5. Owner must keep the tow bar clean and well lubricated. As with most precision equipment, frequent cleaning and care results in prolonged service.

6. Owner must inspect all mounts, brackets and fasteners. Visually inspect all bolts, wiring, cables and metal components each time before you tow to avoid problems on the road. Check brackets every 3,000 miles. Inspect for any fractures or cracks in the steel or any visible damage. Do not tow if damaged. Check torque on all bolts.

7. Owner must check manufacturer's instructions for towing. Some vehicles require a transmission lube pump, axle disconnect, driveline disconnect or free-wheeling hubs to tow without damaging equipment. Failure to properly equip vehicle will result in severe damage to the transmission. Check manufacturer's specifications for the proper procedure to prepare vehicle for towing.. Be sure your vehicle is towable before taking it on the road.

8. Owner must never tow a vehicle with a comparable weight vehicle. the towed vehicle should never exceed 40% of the weight of the towing vehicle. Towing a vehicle equipped with a tow bar using a vehicle of similar weight will cause the rear vehicle to over-ride the front vehicle, resulting in "jack-knifing", "leap-frogging", fish-tailing" or other unsafe towing situation. Serious damage to both vehicles and the towing system equipment could result.

9. Owner must always check that the tow vehicle braking system is hooked up correctly and is in working order.

10. Owner must always use safety cables or chains when towing. A frame to frame safety cable hookup is legal in all states that require them.

11. Owner must check motorhome turning radius. Some motorhome chassis have a tight turning radius that can damage your motorhome, towed vehicle or the tow bar while turning sharply. Before getting on the road with your towed vehicle, you should test your turning radius in an empty parking lot. With the towed vehicle attached, have someone watch you as you slowly turn sharply to see if you have this potential problem. Bent fuse plates indicate that vehicle has been turned too sharply or jackknifed.

Warning: The towing recommendations on this page are meant as general guidelines only. Always consult with a professional RV mechanic, your owner's manual, and/or your authorized RV dealer BEFORE performing any towing procedures. See 'Legal Disclaimer' below.

Legal Disclaimer & Caution: Before using any advice, and/or performing any maintenance procedures recommended on this website you should consult with your RV dealer, and/or a professional Motorhome or RV mechanic. The recommendations and advice given on this website are intended as general guidelines ONLY, and may not pertain to your particular make and/or model of RV or Motorhome. Use these suggestions, repair tips, and/or maintenance advice AT YOUR OWN RISK. Under no circumstances will this website, or any of its officers or employees be liable for any consequential, incidental, special or exemplary damages even if appraised of the likelihood of such damages occurring. The owners of this website do not warrant the information against errors, omissions or deficiencies of any kind.

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