What is Dinghy Towing?
Dinghy towing, sometimes known as flat towing or four-down towing, is a popular method for RV enthusiasts who want to bring a secondary vehicle along for their travels. Whether for quick trips into town or exploring off-the-beaten-path areas, having a smaller car available while your motorhome is parked can add flexibility and convenience to your journey. I’ve spent years traveling the country in my RV, and dinghy towing has been a game-changer, allowing me to enjoy the best of both worlds—comfortable RV living and the mobility of a smaller car.
As an RV parts specialist, I’ve helped many customers configure complete dinghy towing systems. In this article, I will explain dinghy towing, covering the different types of towing methods, essential components, and safety considerations. Whether you’re a seasoned RVer or just starting, understanding dinghy towing can significantly enhance your travel experience.
Types of Dinghy Towing
Two main methods are widely used for dinghy towing: flat towing (four wheels down) and a tow dolly. Each has its advantages and drawbacks, and the right choice depends on your specific needs, the type of vehicle you’re towing, and your comfort level with the equipment. With some vehicles, you may not be able to flat tow. This is usually true with front wheel drive vehicles.
Flat Towing (Four Wheels Down)
Flat towing involves pulling a vehicle with all four wheels on the ground, connected to the RV by a tow bar. This method is often favored for its simplicity and ease of setup. I remember the first time I set up my Jeep for flat towing; I was amazed at how quickly I could hook it up and be ready to hit the road.
Pros of Flat Towing:
- Ease of Use: After the initial setup, connecting and disconnecting the vehicle is straightforward and quick.
- Minimal Equipment: A trailer or dolly is not needed; just a tow bar and a base plate installed on the towed vehicle are all that you need.
- Maneuverability: The towed vehicle tracks directly behind the RV, making maneuvering in tight spaces and on winding roads easier.
Cons of Flat Towing:
- Vehicle Compatibility: Not all vehicles can be flat towed; checking the manufacturer’s guidelines is crucial to ensure compatibility. Incompatible vehicles might suffer damage to their transmission or drivetrain.
- Wear and Tear: Even though the vehicle is in neutral, the tires and some mechanical parts are still subjected to wear.
Tow Dolly Towing
A tow dolly lifts the towed vehicle’s front wheels off the ground, allowing the rear wheels to roll along. I’ve found tow dollies particularly useful when I wanted to pull a front-wheel-drive sedan that wasn’t compatible with flat towing.
Pros of Tow Dollies:
- Broader Compatibility: Many vehicles that can’t be flat towed can be dolly towed, especially front-wheel-drive cars.
- Less Wear on the Towed Vehicle: The drivetrain and front tires wear less since the front wheels are lifted.
Cons of Tow Dollies:
- More Equipment: A tow dolly is an additional piece of equipment to purchase, store, and maintain.
- Setup and Storage: Hooking up and disconnecting a tow dolly can be more time-consuming, and finding a place to store the dolly at your campsite can be challenging.
Comparison of Dinghy Towing Methods
Choosing between flat towing and using a tow dolly depends on several factors, including the type of vehicle, your budget, and how frequently you plan to tow. When deciding, consider the ease of setup, the kind of vehicle you own, and your comfort with towing equipment.
Essential Components of Dinghy Towing
Understanding the critical components of dinghy towing can help you assemble a complete system to ensure a safe and effective towing experience. Let’s break down the essential parts you’ll need.
Tow Bars
A tow bar is the critical link between your RV and the towed vehicle. It connects the base plate on the towed vehicle to the hitch on the RV, creating the vital link for towing your dinghy vehicle.
Types of Tow Bars:
Rigid Tow Bars: These are simple, fixed-length bars that are less expensive but require precise hook-up alignment.
Adjustable Tow Bars: These provide more flexibility in connecting the RV and towed vehicle, accommodating slight misalignments.
Self-Aligning Tow Bars: These automatically center the towed vehicle behind the RV, making them the easiest to use. I’ve personally found self-aligning tow bars to be worth the extra cost for their ease of use, especially when setting up in less-than-ideal conditions.
Base Plates
Base plates are custom-fit brackets installed on the frame of the towed vehicle, providing attachment points for the tow bar. They are specific to each vehicle model and must be installed correctly to ensure safe towing.
Installation Tips:
Professional Installation Recommended: Due to the importance of a secure attachment, having a professional install the base plate is often the best choice.
Check for Obstructions: Ensure the base plate doesn’t interfere with vehicle sensors or the cooling system.
Tow Dollies
A tow dolly is a two-wheeled trailer that supports the towed vehicle’s front wheels.
Key Features:
Loading Ramps: Ramps help you drive the vehicle onto the dolly.
Wheel Straps: These secure the front wheels to the dolly, preventing movement during transit.
Lights and Brakes: Many states require tow dollies to have lights and brakes, so ensure your dolly complies with local laws.
Usage Tips:
Check Tire Pressure: The dolly and the towed vehicle should have properly inflated tires for safe towing.
Secure Everything: Double-check that all straps and connections are tight before starting your journey.
Supplemental Braking Systems
Supplemental braking systems are critical for safe dinghy towing. They help stop the towed vehicle when the RV brakes are applied, preventing excess strain on the RV’s brakes and enhancing overall safety.
Why Supplemental Braking is Important
Supplemental braking is a safety and legal requirement in many states and provinces. I’ve found that having a reliable braking system provides peace of mind, knowing that the RV and towed vehicle will stop safely together.
Types of Supplemental Braking Systems
Proportional Braking Systems: These systems apply the same braking force in the towed vehicle as you use in the RV. This makes for smoother stops and less wear on both vehicles’ braking systems. Brands like Blue Ox and Roadmaster offer popular models such as the Patriot and InvisiBrake, which are well-regarded for their reliability and ease of installation.
Time-Delayed Braking Systems: These systems apply braking force to the towed vehicle after a delay, based on a preset time after the RV brakes are engaged. They are generally more affordable but can result in rougher stops. Brake Buddy’s Classic model is a popular choice in this category.
Legal Requirements
Laws regarding supplemental braking systems vary, so you must check the regulations for each state or province you’ll travel through. Most jurisdictions have weight thresholds, above which a braking system is mandatory. I always recommend carrying a printed copy of relevant laws in case of questions from law enforcement.
Electrical Systems for Towed Vehicle Lights
When towing, the towed vehicle’s lights must be synchronized with the RV’s lights to ensure safety on the road. Several options exist for setting up the electrical system to achieve this.
Importance of Towing Lights
Having functional towing lights isn’t just about legality—it’s about ensuring you’re visible to other drivers. On more than one occasion, having a well-lit setup has prevented potential accidents when I’ve had to make sudden stops or turns.
Types of Dinghy Towing Lighting Systems
- Wiring Kits: These kits allow you to connect the RV’s electrical system to the towed vehicle’s lights. They are the most integrated solution but require more installation effort. For example, the CoolTech dinghy towing harness is known for its plug-and-play design, minimizing installation hassles.
- Wireless Light Systems: These systems eliminate the need for wiring by using a wireless transmitter. They’re easy to set up and perfect for those who tow infrequently. The RVi2 Wireless Towing Light System is a favorite among RVers for its reliability and straightforward installation.
- Magnetic Towing Lights: These temporary lights attach to the towed vehicle with magnets and are connected to the RV’s wiring. They’re a good option if you don’t want to alter the towed vehicle, but they can be less secure in rough conditions.
Installation Tips:
Test All Lights Before Departing: Ensure that the towed vehicle’s turn signals, brake lights, and running lights function correctly and are in sync with the RV.
Carry Spare Bulbs and Fuses: It’s always a good idea to have extras on hand if a bulb burns out or a fuse blows during your trip.
Choosing the Right Dinghy Towing Setup
Selecting the appropriate dinghy towing setup involves considering several factors, including vehicle compatibility, weight ratings, and equipment quality.
Vehicle Compatibility
Before towing, it is vital to confirm that your vehicle is designed to be flat towable, whether it can only be towed with a tow dolly or if it is only transportable on a trailer with none of its wheels touching the ground. All vehicles are not flat or dolly-towable. You can initially refer to the owner’s manual and consult the manufacturer if necessary if you already have a vehicle you want to tow. I’ve always made it a habit to double-check this, especially when changing vehicles or upgrading my towing equipment.
RV Magazine (previously Motorhome Magazine) produces an annual list of vehicles that can be flat towed. The documents also include the conditions and procedures that must be followed to flat tow your vehicle without damaging it or the motorhome. If the vehicle you want to tow is not on the year list, you cannot flat tow it. You must determine from the owner’s manual whether you can use a tow dolly with the vehicle or consider purchasing another vehicle.
Download the Dinghy Towing Guides Here
Courtesy: RV Magazine
Note on Transmission Types: Most manual transmission vehicles can be flat towed, but many automatic transmissions cannot unless designed for flat towing. Some vehicles may require modifications, such as a transmission lube pump or driveshaft disconnect to be safely flat towed.
Weight Considerations
Understanding the weight limits of both your RV and the towed vehicle is crucial to avoid damaging your equipment or causing accidents.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): This rating indicates the maximum weight your RV can safely handle, including passengers, cargo, and the towed vehicle. Always ensure that the combined weight of your RV and towed vehicle doesn’t exceed this rating.
Equipment Quality and Maintenance
Investing in high-quality towing equipment can save you a lot of trouble. Cheap components may fail when needed most, leading to dangerous situations.
- Regular Inspections: I always perform a thorough inspection of all towing equipment before hitting the road. This includes checking for rust, wear and tear, and ensuring all connections are secure.
- Recommended Brands: Choose reputable brands known for durability and reliability. Blue Ox and Roadmaster are well-regarded for their sturdy tow bars and base plates.
Setting Up for Your First Tow
Getting ready for your first dinghy towing experience can be daunting, but with the right preparation, it can go smoothly.
Pre-Towing Checklist
Before you set out, go through a pre-towing checklist to ensure everything is in order.
- Equipment Check: Inspect all towing components, including tow bars, base plates, and braking systems, to ensure they are in good condition.
- Safety Chains and Cables: Cross the safety chains under the tow bar to prevent the towed vehicle from drifting in case of a disconnect. Also, make sure the breakaway cable is connected securely.
Connecting the Tow Setup
Here’s a step-by-step guide to connecting your towing setup:
- Align the Towed Vehicle: Position the towed vehicle behind the RV, ensuring it’s centered and straight.
- Attach the Tow Bar: Connect the tow bar to the towed vehicle’s base plate and the RV’s hitch receiver.
- Secure Safety Chains: Cross the safety chains under the tow bar and attach them to both vehicles.
- Connect the Electrical Wiring: Attach the wiring harness from the RV to the towed vehicle’s light system.
- Engage Supplemental Braking System: If using a supplemental braking system, set it up according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Test Everything: Before hitting the road, test all lights and the braking system to ensure they work correctly.
First-Time Towing Tips
For those new to dinghy towing, here are a few tips to make your first trip more manageable:
- Practice Runs: Find a quiet parking lot or open space to practice driving with the towed vehicle. This will help you get a feel for the extra length and weight.
- Driving Techniques: Remember that your stopping distance will be longer, and turning will require more room. Always give yourself plenty of space and time to maneuver.
FAQs
What does dinghy towing mean?
Dinghy towing refers to the practice of towing a small car or truck, known as a dinghy, behind a motorhome while underway. The purpose is to have a smaller vehicle to run about when you reach your destination and the RV is parked in a campground.
In the marine world, dinghy towing also refers to towing a smaller boat behind a large yacht or sailboat so that the larger boat can anchor offshore and still transport people and goods to and from shore.
What vehicles cannot be flat towed?
Vehicles with automatic transmissions, front-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive cannot be safely flat towed.
In Conclusion…
Dinghy towing offers RV enthusiasts a practical and convenient way to explore their surroundings without the hassle of driving a large motorhome everywhere. By understanding the different towing methods, essential components, and safety requirements, you can make an informed decision that best suits your needs.
Remember, preparation is vital. Whether you choose flat towing or a tow dolly, invest in quality equipment, adhere to legal requirements, and always perform regular checks to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.
From my own experiences, I can say that having a reliable setup makes all the difference on the road. With the proper setup and a bit of practice, you’ll be ready to hit the road confidently for the next great adventure.
