RV Towing Guide: What You Should Know Before You Travel

An SUV hauling an RV with a mountain in the background.

Planning an RV adventure this summer? Before you hit the road, there are certain essentials you should take into consideration to ensure your trip is a success. Towing with an RV requires a different approach than standard towing practices. Improper towing can lead to serious consequences, including accidents, damage, and even legal issues. In this comprehensive guide, learn about different methods of RV towing, RV towing specifications, and safety tips so that you can enjoy your upcoming trip to the fullest.

What are the Different RV Towing Methods?

Whether you use your RV to tow a vehicle or recreational equipment, there are various towing methods designed to get you from point A to point B safely.

Flat Towing

Flat towing, otherwise known as four-down towing, is a method where the towed vehicle has all four wheels on the ground. The convenient aspect of this towing method is that there’s no need for a trailer, and you can keep your equipment to a minimum. However, this method only works for specific types of vehicles and can cause significant wear on tires.

Tow Dolly Method

This method involves the front wheels of the towed vehicle riding on a dolly, with the rear wheels on the ground. While the tow dolly method requires more equipment than flat towing, it causes less wear on the tires and is compatible with a variety of vehicles.

Trailer Flatbed Method

Otherwise referred to as trailer towing, this method is when the entire vehicle rides on a trailer. Since the tires aren’t touching the road at all, the trailer flatbed method virtually causes no wear on the towed vehicle. However, the added weight of a trailer flatbed requires a powerful towing vehicle.

What Safety Specifications Should I Take Into Consideration?

Braking Systems

Braking systems aren’t just a safety precaution; they are required by law in many states, including Virginia. According to Virginia law, trailers with a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or more must have supplemental brakes. If the trailer’s weight is more than double the weight of the RV, then an independent braking system is required. These brake requirements allow for easy stopping of the trailer within 40 feet when slowed to 20 mph.

There are several distinct types of brake controller systems, including:

Portable braking systems (brake-in-a-box)
Direct braking systems
Surge braking systems (mechanical/hydraulic)
Electric brakes

If you’re unsure of which brakes are best for your RV needs, don’t hesitate to contact our towing specialists at Southside Hitch for an evaluation.

Proper Tow Bars and Hitches

Proper tow bars and hitches are the critical link between your RV and the vehicle you’re towing. Not only do tow bars and hitches function as the backbone for towing, but they also help you maintain control when going over bumps in the road or making sharper turns.

When selecting the proper tow bar or hitch, it’s important to keep in mind the weight rating, as one that’s too weak can easily bend or break—creating a hazard on the road. A weight distribution hitch can help with steering responsiveness, while the correct tow bar and hitch setup allows for sway control integration.

When choosing your hitch and tow bar, be sure that they meet safety standards, as improper equipment risks no insurance coverage if an accident occurs. Southside Hitch professionals are happy to assist if you have any questions regarding proper hitch and tow bar set-up for your RV.

Working Towed Vehicle Lights

Ensuring that your towed vehicle's lights are properly wired and in working order is necessary for safe driving. Towed vehicle lights indicate to other drivers your position and intentions. Properly working vehicle lights, including brake lights, turn signals, reverse lights, and running lights, are required by Virginia law.

Safety Chains, Sway Control, and Breakaway Systems

Trailer sway is a leading cause of towing accidents. According to the Colorado State Patrol Department of Public Safety, trailer sway can cause drivers to lose control and lead to fatal consequences. Southside Hitch suggests investing in a sway control system to avoid potential disaster.

Breakaway systems automatically apply the trailer’s braking system if it happens to disconnect from the RV while in motion. The breakaway switch is mounted onto the trailer’s tongue and is attached to the tow vehicle with a cable. If the trailer comes loose, it pulls a pin from the switch, triggering the electric brakes to stop the trailer safely. This precaution can help prevent a runaway trailer from causing accidents.

Safety chains are another safeguard that acts as a critical backup in case the sway control or breakaway system fails. The purpose of safety chains is to function as an emergency link between the tow vehicle and your trailer. While safety chains may only be recommended in some states, they are a legal requirement in Virginia.

RV Weight Restrictions for Towing

Many towing accidents occur when the vehicle’s weight isn’t properly distributed or when the towing capacity is exceeded. Be sure to know your GVWR, GCWR, and GAWR. This ensures that the RV weight will be safe for your tow vehicle to haul.

Road Trip Safety Tips

Before hitting the road, it’s best to check over your tow vehicle and RV for any abnormalities or faulty mechanics. Here’s your essential RV towing safety checklist:

Ensure that chains, hitch, lights, and tires are in working order.
Check for corroded wires or rusted components.
Distribute the weight of your RV so that it’s balanced for easy transportation.
Check that the side mirrors allow for clear visibility.
Pack an emergency roadside kit, including spare tires, towing tools, and safety equipment.

Once you embark on your road adventure, be vigilant and practice safe driving techniques. Since towing with an RV can be cumbersome, it’s best to drive slower than usual and take wider turns. Also, avoid sudden lane changes and slamming on the brakes suddenly.

Is Your RV Towing Arrangement Up to Code?

Towing with an RV safely is essential to a successful road trip. By following the tips in this guide, you won’t just be keeping yourself safe, but other motorists as well. From sway control to braking systems, Southside Hitch understands that pre-trip inspections can be overwhelming. That’s why we offer full RV maintenance checks to ensure that your RV road trip will be a safe one.

Get your RV hauling set-up evaluated by one of our professionals. We’ll answer any questions you may have and help choose the proper setup for your situation. At Southside Hitch, we’re committed to making your towing experience a safe and stress-free one.