Recreational Vehicle Towing

Recreational vehicle towing means towing the vehicle behind another vehicle, such as behind a motor home. The two most common types of recreational vehicle towing are known as dinghy towing and dolly towing. Dinghy towing is towing the vehicle with all four wheels on the ground. Dolly towing is towing the vehicle with two wheels on the ground and two wheels up on a device known as a dolly.

Here are some important things to consider before recreational vehicle towing:

► What is the towing capacity of the towing vehicle? Be sure to read the tow vehicle manufacturer's recommendations.

► What is the distance that will be traveled? Some vehicles have restrictions on how far and how long they can tow.

► Is the proper towing equipment going to be used? See your dealer or trailering professional for additional advice and equipment recommendations.

► Is the vehicle ready to be towed? Just as preparing the vehicle for a long trip, make sure the vehicle is prepared to be towed.

Dinghy Towing from the Front (With 2.0L Engine and Automatic Transmission)

Notice: If the vehicle is towed with all four wheels on the ground, the drivetrain components could be damaged.

The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not tow the vehicle with all four wheels on the ground.

Vehicles with the 2.0L engine and an automatic transmission should not be towed with all four wheels on the ground.

Dinghy Towing from the Front (All Except 2.0L Engine and Automatic Transmission)

When dinghy towing a vehicle with an automatic transmission, the vehicle should be run at the beginning of each day and at each RV fuel stop for about five minutes.

This will ensure proper lubrication of transmission components.

Use the following procedure to dinghy tow the vehicle from the front with all four wheels on the ground:

Use the following procedure to dinghy tow the vehicle from the front with all four wheels on the ground:

1. Position the vehicle being towed behind the tow vehicle.
2. Shift the automatic transmission to P (Park) or a manual transmission into 1 (First) gear and turn the engine off.
3. Set the parking brake.
4. Following the manufacturer's instructions, attach the vehicle being towed to the tow vehicle.
5. Shift the automatic transmission to N (Neutral) or a manual transmission to Neutral.
6. Release the parking brake.

When towing the vehicle for extended periods of time, start the vehicle as often as possible to prevent battery drain. This should be done when the tow vehicle is parked.

Dinghy Towing from the Rear

The vehicle was not designed to be towed from the rear with all four wheels on the ground.

The vehicle was not designed to be towed from the rear with all four wheels on the ground.

Dolly Towing from the Front

Vehicles with front-wheel drive can be dolly towed from the front.

Vehicles with front-wheel drive can be dolly towed from the front.

Use the following procedure to dolly tow the vehicle from the front:

1. Attach the dolly to the tow vehicle following the dolly manufacturer's instructions.
2. Drive the front wheels onto the dolly.
3. Shift the automatic transmission into P (Park) or a manual transmission into 1 (First) gear.
4. Firmly set the parking brake.
5. Use an adequate clamping device designed for towing to ensure that the front wheels are locked into the straight-ahead position.
6. Secure the vehicle to the dolly following the manufacturer's instructions.
7. Release the parking brake only after the vehicle being towed is firmly attached to the towing vehicle.
8. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.

Dolly Towing from the Rear

The vehicle cannot be dolly towed from the rear.

The vehicle cannot be dolly towed from the rear.

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