To Tow or Not to Tow? That Is the Question

When you think about hitting the open road with your RV, the thought of flat towing your vehicle behind it might seem like a simple solution. Imagine effortlessly having a car ready to explore local attractions as soon as you arrive at your destination. However, the reality is often more complex than it first appears.

Deciding whether or not to tow your vehicle involves several key considerations. These can include the compatibility of your car for towing, the costs you'll incur to set it up, and your personal travel style. Let’s explore the details of towing more closely to help you determine if it's the best option for your adventures.

Understanding Flat Towing

Flat towing means connecting your vehicle directly to your RV without using a trailer. It’s generally viewed as one of the most convenient ways to carry a car along for the ride. However, not all vehicles are designed for flat towing.

To flat tow a vehicle safely, it must be “dinghy-towable,” meaning it can be towed without risking damage to its transmission. For instance, many manual or automatic transmission cars like the Jeep Wrangler or Ford Focus are great options. If you tow a car that isn’t suitable, you could face significant repair costs. Check your owner’s manual for specific flat towing instructions. For example, the Honda CR-V can be flat towed with minimal modifications, whereas some SUVs may need more extensive setups.

The Expense of Setting Up for Towing

The financial aspect is crucial when deciding whether to tow your vehicle. Setting a car up for flat towing can be costly.

Costs can include:

• Tow Bars: These can range from $500 to $1,500 depending on the brand and model.

• Braking Systems: The installation can add between $1,000 and $2,000, ensuring your towed vehicle stops safely.

• Wiring and Installation Fees: These flaps can cost you another few hundred dollars each.

• Labor Cost: Installation is 10hrs of labor which can drive the cost up

  
  

Given the investment you've made in your Class A RV, the additional expenses for setup can feel overwhelming. If towing appears too pricey, consider renting vehicles or using services like golf carts at your destination instead. While this may provide a temporary solution, these costs can accumulate quickly, potentially straining your travel budget.

Options for Towing: Weighing the Pros and Cons

When it comes to transporting a vehicle alongside your RV, you have several choices: flat towing, dolly towing, or using a trailer. Each method comes with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Flat Towing

• Pros:

- Instant access to your car for local adventures.

- Easier to maneuver at campsites.

- Generally lighter than towing a trailer.

• Cons:

- Not all vehicles can be flat towed.

- Initial setup costs can be significant.

Dolly Towing

• Pros:

- Can work with cars that are not flat towable.

- Generally involves lower setup costs than a full trailer.

• Cons:

- More challenging to maneuver and store when not in use.

- Limited speed and distance capabilities compared to flat towing.

Trailer Towing

• Pros:

- Almost any vehicle can be transported this way.

- Offers protection for the vehicle being towed.

• Cons:

- Higher overall costs due to the price of trailers.

- Heavier and bulkier, making it tougher to park or navigate.

Your individual needs and lifestyle will ultimately determine the best towing option. For some RV owners, renting a vehicle may be preferable, while others may find that investing in a towing setup pays off in the long run.

The Personal Dilemma: What Works for Us

In our situation, we own two different vehicles: a Nissan Pathfinder and a Chevy Trail Blazer. After reviewing the owner’s manuals and researching, we found that the Pathfinder is only suitable for dolly towing, while the Trail Blazer can be flat towed—huge win for us!

This finding streamlined our decision-making process. We chose to invest in the necessary equipment to set up our Trail Blazer for flat towing. While the upfront costs were significant, we knew this choice would enhance our travel experience, allowing us the freedom to explore without hassle.

Making the Final Call

After extensive research and consideration, it became clear that for us, paying for flat towing setup was the best decision. The convenience of having a car allows us to feel more at home on our travels. It also opens up new local adventure opportunities by simplifying exploration.

As we gear up for our first outing to Hilton Head tomorrow, we are excited. We look forward to enjoying the freedom that comes with towing our vehicle.

Wrapping Up

Deciding whether to tow or not can be challenging. While flat towing is often seen as a straightforward option, it presents specific challenges, including vehicle compatibility and setup costs.

However, with careful research and planning, you can find a solution that aligns with your travel preferences. Whether you lean towards flat towing, dolly towing, or using a trailer, the goal is to make a choice that complements your adventures.

As you prepare for your RV travels, keep these factors in mind for a fulfilling experience. Enjoy the journey, and happy travels!

Our Chevy hooked up to the RV