Hauling A Car Behind Your Camper: A Beginner's Guide

Hauling a car behind a camper is a convenient way to explore parks, get food, and more without having to break down camp. There are several methods to do this, including flat towing, using a tow dolly, or a car trailer. Before embarking on this journey, it is important to determine whether your car can handle the weight and has the necessary equipment, such as a hitch, electrical connections, and safety measures. Additionally, consider the limited maneuverability and the need to take it slow when driving a large vehicle with a towing device.

Choosing the right trailer for your vehicle

• Check your vehicle's towing capacity: Refer to your vehicle's owner's manual or manufacturer specifications to determine the maximum weight your vehicle can tow. This is typically referred to as the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or Vehicle Towing Capacity. It is important to stay within this limit to avoid overloading your vehicle.
• Consider the trailer's weight: Determine the weight of the trailer itself, often listed as the "Base Curb Weight" (BCW) or "Dry Weight". Ensure that the combined weight of the trailer and the load does not exceed your vehicle's towing capacity.
• Think about the load you'll be carrying: Consider the weight and size of the items you'll be hauling. If you're transporting heavy items, a larger trailer might seem ideal, but the weight can add up quickly and limit how much you can load. Conversely, if you're hauling a lightweight object, you may still need a larger or open trailer to accommodate its dimensions.
• Match the trailer to your vehicle: Different vehicles have different towing capacities. Compact and subcompact cars, for instance, are typically not designed for towing and are better suited for being towed. Mid-size cars, family minivans, and smaller SUVs may have the capacity to tow up to 3,500 pounds. For larger trailers, you may need a full-size or heavy-duty pickup truck.
• Hitches and towing equipment: Ensure your vehicle has the proper hitch and towing equipment installed. Hitches come in different classes with varying weight ratings and ball receiver sizes. A fifth wheel, for example, requires a special hitch installed in the bed of a pickup truck.
• Trailer type: Decide between an open or enclosed trailer. Open trailers are ideal for shorter distances and hauling lighter loads, while enclosed trailers offer protection from the elements and are better for longer trips.
• Steel vs. Aluminum trailers: Aluminum trailers are generally lighter, easier to manoeuvre, and have higher payload capacities than steel trailers. They also tend to have higher resale value and are more resistant to rust.

Understanding towing capacity

• Max towing capacity should always be observed. Exceeding this capacity is dangerous and can cause damage to your vehicle's engine, tires, transmission, or frame.
• The towing capacity of a vehicle is listed in the owner's manual, on the driver-side door jamb, or on the manufacturer's website.
• Braked towing capacity refers to the maximum weight a vehicle can tow when the trailer has its own braking system. Unbraked towing capacity is when the trailer does not have its own brakes.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the maximum loaded weight of your vehicle, including passengers, cargo, and the weight of the vehicle itself. It is determined by the manufacturer and ensures the safety of the vehicle's suspension, frame, axles, and wheels.
• Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) or Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating (GCVWR) is the maximum weight of your vehicle with a trailer attached. It includes the weight of the tow vehicle, trailer, and any cargo or passengers.
• Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) is the maximum weight that can be placed on each axle of your vehicle. There are separate ratings for the front (FR) and rear (RR) axles.
• Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) is the total weight of the trailer and its cargo. It can be measured using a vehicle scale or trailer weight scale.
• Tongue Weight (TW) is the downward force exerted on the back of the tow vehicle by the trailer. It is important for maintaining control of the vehicle and should be between 10-15% of the total trailer weight.
• Curb Weight refers to the weight of your vehicle without passengers or cargo but includes the weight of necessary fluids like fuel and oil.
• Dry Weight is similar to curb weight but excludes the weight of the fluids required for vehicle operation.
• Payload capacity refers to the weight of cargo and passengers your vehicle can carry in addition to its empty weight. It is calculated by subtracting the curb weight from the GVWR.
• To increase towing capacity, you can purchase accessories like a higher-quality hitch or ball mount that matches your vehicle's existing ratings. However, always base the increased capacity on the lowest-rated towing accessory.

Flat towing, tow dolly, or car trailer

Flat towing, also known as "four-down" or "dinghy towing", is done using a small tow bar. This method is generally the simplest and most cost-effective option for compatible vehicles, as it requires less equipment and storage space than the other methods. However, it is not suitable for all vehicles, as many transmissions do not allow for this option. Using this method with an incompatible vehicle can lead to costly transmission repairs. Additionally, flat towing setups typically require permanent modifications to the vehicle, and it is not possible to back up the RV while the car is attached.

A tow dolly, on the other hand, is a type of trailer that carries the front two wheels of a car, while the rear wheels remain on the ground. It is commonly used for vehicles with front-wheel-drive transmissions, although rear-wheel-drive cars can also be placed on a tow dolly if their transmissions are disconnected. Tow dollies are more affordable than car trailers and require less equipment. However, they may require a license in some states, and it is challenging to back up the RV while the dolly and car are attached.

Car trailers, also known as car haulers, are typically used for all-wheel-drive or 4-wheel-drive vehicles. They are stable, with two axles and low or no rails. Car trailers offer full protection for the towed vehicle and are safe for any type of car. However, they are bulky, heavy, and require more storage space, which can be a challenge when reaching your destination. They also tend to be more expensive than the other options.

In summary, flat towing is ideal for compatible vehicles, tow dollies are suitable for front-wheel-drive cars, and car trailers work for any vehicle type but require more space. The best method depends on the type of car being towed and the user's preferences regarding cost, convenience, and protection of the vehicle.

Electrical connections

To make the necessary electrical connections, you will need the right type of connector. Coaches typically come equipped with 6- or 7-pin connectors located near the hitch. These connectors are designed to be plugged into the corresponding socket on the trailer, establishing the electrical link between the two vehicles. It is important to ensure that the connector is secure and properly seated to avoid any issues with the lighting or braking systems.

In addition to the connector, you may also need a wiring harness, which provides the necessary wiring to connect the trailer's lighting and braking systems to the coach. This wiring harness should be routed from the trailer to the coach, following the manufacturer's instructions for proper installation. It is important to ensure that the wiring is secure and protected from potential damage during towing.

Once the electrical connections are made, it is crucial to test the systems to ensure they are functioning correctly. This includes testing the brake lights, turn signals, and license plate light to ensure they are operational. If the trailer is equipped with electric brakes, you may also need to adjust the brake controller settings to ensure proper braking performance.

By following these steps and ensuring proper electrical connections, you can rest assured that your setup is safe and legal for towing. This will allow you to confidently explore new places and enjoy the convenience of having your car with you during your RV adventures.

Pros and cons of different towing methods

There are three main ways to tow a car behind a camper: flat towing, using a tow dolly, or with a car trailer. Each method has its own pros and cons.

Flat Towing

Flat towing, also known as "four-down" or "dinghy towing", involves towing a car with all four wheels on the ground, using a tow bar. This method is suitable for vehicles that are manufacturer-approved for flat towing, including many manual transmission cars and some automatic transmission vehicles with specific features. Flat towing is praised for its convenience and minimal equipment requirements, but not all vehicles are equipped for this method due to specific transmission and drivetrain configurations. Flat towing is generally the easiest method in terms of setup and detachment, but it is not compatible with all vehicles and may require additional modifications, such as driveshaft decouplers and transmission lubrication pumps. It is also important to note that flat towing setups cannot be reversed without first detaching the towed vehicle.

Tow Dollies

Tow dollies are a versatile and efficient method, particularly suitable for front-wheel-drive vehicles. They elevate the front wheels of the car off the ground while the rear wheels roll on the road. Tow dollies are user-friendly, cost-efficient, and require less equipment than other methods. However, they can cause uneven tire wear and may not be compatible with all rear-wheel-drive vehicles, which may require additional modifications. Similar to flat towing, reversing with a tow dolly attached is challenging and not recommended.

Car Trailers

Car trailers, also known as car haulers, are the most comprehensive solution, offering protection and compatibility for almost any vehicle. They involve loading the car onto a trailer with all four wheels off the ground. Car trailers are universally compatible and provide minimal wear and tear on the towed vehicle. They can also be reversed, which is a significant advantage over other methods. However, car trailers are generally more expensive, heavier, and bulkier, requiring additional storage space and potentially affecting gas mileage and towing capacity.

Frequently asked questions