In today’s blog post, we will answer the following question: What type of RV can pull a car? We will tell you how to safely pull a car with your RV and discuss the various methods you can do so.

What type of RV can pull a car?

The types of RVs that can pull a car are Class A, Class B and Class C motorhomes. The vehicles from this RV category can tow a caravan, trailer, boat, car or truck, as long as the pulled vehicle doesn’t exceed the maximum towing capacity of the motorhome. Thus:

A Class A motorhome can tow up to 4500 kgs (10,000 lbs);
A Class B motorhome can tow up to 2250 kgs (5,000 lbs);
A Class C motorhome can tow up to4500 kgs (10,000 lbs).

Even though a motorhome can tow any type of trailer, caravan, car, scooter, luggage rack, boat, etc., it is still necessary that it be equipped with towing equipment, and that its characteristics correspond to the weight of the vehicle.

Advice for pulling a car behind an RV

For obvious reasons, pulling a car with your RV is not as easy and can pose danger if you do not take some basic precautions. Here is our advice:

Consider a trailer hitch to tow a car behind an RV. Mount a trailer hitch on the front bumper and frame of the car. It is in a V shape with a couple on the end. The coupler normally takes a 2-inch ball in the RV. It also has safety chains that attach to the RV. Make sure that when towing a vehicle that the towed vehicle’s gear is in the neutral position so that the wheels will turn freely.

Know that safety chains and lights are very important when towing a car behind an RV. Safety chains must be traversed when towing a car behind a motorhome. If the trailer hitch coupler comes loose from the RV and the chains are intersecting, this allows the car to follow behind the vehicle directly rather than side-to-side. Check all brake and turn signals on your motorhome and towed vehicle before hitting the road.

Use a Dolly car as an alternative when towing a car behind a motorhome. A car has two wheelbarrow wheels, a single bar that is attached to the RV and safety chains. Pull the towed vehicle up onto the Dolly car and lay down between the wheels. You have straps that go over the wheels. The straps hold the mobile platform.

Why would you pull a car with an RV?

When you travel in a motorhome, you will notice that it is not always easy to get around with the RV. Some villages are not very suitable and do not have parking that can accommodate recreational vehicles. In addition, stowing your motorhome every time you need to move is very restrictive.

It is very convenient to have a means of transport other than the motorhome when you go on a trip or road trip. If you are going on a trip for several months, it is almost essential to have a more practical means of transport than a motorhome, van or campervan. It makes you more independent and makes your life easier.

To get around during your vacation in a motorhome, campervan or van, you can take with you: a car, a scooter, a motorbike or bicycles.

How to tow a car with an RV?

To tow a car with a motorhome, there are several solutions that suit your needs and your recreational vehicle. Be careful to check the regulations in force in the country where you are travelling before choosing your traction system.

Towing a car with a trailer frame or tow bar

To tow a car with a motorhome, it is possible to use a towing frame or a tow bar. It is a proven efficient hitch system. It fits on the motorhome hitch ball and tows the car from the front as if for a breakdown service. You will have to remember to check the compatibility of your car with the towing system.

This system works well with the following car models: Renault Twingo, Peugeot 107, Citroën C1, Smart, Fiat 500, KIA Picanto, Fiat Panda. This system can be adapted to other cars, it will be necessary to specify it at the time of the purchase.

The price is quite high. It takes between $ 2000 and $ 3000 to install the complete system by a professional.

The overall GVWR must not exceed 3.5 tonnes otherwise it will be necessary to pass the heavy goods vehicle license. Small cars should therefore be favoured.

Be careful, keep in mind that this system is not legal in all states!

Towing a car with a car trailer (dolly)

The legal solution to towing a car with a motorhome is to use a motorhome car carrier trailer. The car will be placed on a trailer and the trailer will be hitched to the motorhome.

If the trailer is an unbraked trailer (which does not have its own braking system), the GVWR of the trailer must not be greater than half of the Empty Weight of the campsite.

If the GVW of the car carrier trailer is less than 750kg then the trailer does not need to be equipped with a braking system. If the weight of the trailer is more than 750kg (or more than 50% of the weight of the motorhome), then it must have a braking system.

For a car carrier trailer with a GVWR of 750k, it will cost you around $1,500. To tow a car with a motorhome, it is better to opt for a small car. When choosing, opt for a light motorhome car.

What hitch do you need to pull a car with an RV?

The first thing to do before towing a car with a motorhome is to check that the motorhome has a hitch. If the motorhome does not have a hitch, check whether it is possible to install one. It is therefore necessary to check that the vehicle frame is strong enough to withstand traction.

There are several types of hitches:

Fixed hitches
removable hitches
swivel hitches.

The bottom line

We remind you that a motorhome can tow a caravan, trailer, boat, car or truck, as long as the tow doesn’t exceed the maximum towing capacity of the motorhome.

A Class A motorhome can tow up to 4500 kgs (10000 lbs);
A Class B motorhome can tow up to 2250 kgs (5000 lbs);
A Class C motorhome can tow up to4500 kgs (10000 lbs).

Thus, a motorhome can tow any type of trailer, caravan, car, scooter, luggage rack, boat, etc. Yet it is still necessary that it be equipped with a coupling, and that its characteristics correspond to the weight of the vehicle.

FAQ on What type of RV can pull a car?

Can a Class B motorhome tow a car?

Yes, a Class B motorhome can tow a car, as long as the GVWR of the car is anywhere between 3500 and 5000 lbs. This is the average towing capacity of a Class B motorhome, and we do not recommend you to exceed it as it can be dangerous and can also damage your vehicle.

Can a motorhome tow a caravan?

A motorhome can tow a caravan, trailer, boat, car or truck, as long as the tow doesn’t exceed the maximum towing capacity of the motorhome.

Can you tow a Smart car behind an RV?

Yes, a Smart car can be easily towed behind an RV, as it weighs as little as 1,800 pounds. Still, Smart cars require special consideration when trying to tow them. Due to their small size and low weight, smart cars have to be towed flat – that is, on all four wheels.

Does towing a car behind an RV put miles on it?

No, towing a car behind an RV does not put miles on it, considering that the engine of the car is off. Most cars have an electric system that registers miles on the odometer, which is usually off while the car is being towed.

References

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

RVs

Others

Homes

What type of RV can pull a car?