How do you tow an AWD car behind an RV?
Towing an all-wheel-drive (AWD) car behind an RV requires special considerations to ensure the safety and proper functioning of both vehicles. This article provides a detailed guide on how to tow an AWD car behind an RV, covering the necessary steps and precautions to take.
Preparing the AWD Car for Towing
Before towing an AWD car, it's essential to properly prepare the vehicle. This includes:
- Disengaging the all-wheel-drive system by placing the transfer case in neutral or following the manufacturer's instructions.
- Securing the steering wheel to prevent it from turning during towing.
- Disconnecting the negative battery cable to prevent any electrical issues.
- Ensuring the transmission is in neutral and the parking brake is engaged.
- Installing a tow bar or tow dolly to connect the AWD car to the RV.
Proper preparation is crucial to avoid damage to the AWD system and ensure a safe towing experience.
Selecting the Right Towing Equipment
When towing an AWD car behind an RV, it's essential to use the appropriate towing equipment. This includes:
- A tow bar or tow dolly that is rated for the weight of the AWD car.
- Supplemental braking system, such as a brake controller, to ensure the towed vehicle can stop safely.
- Lighting system, including turn signals and brake lights, to ensure the towed vehicle is visible to other drivers.
Consulting the manufacturer's recommendations and following the equipment's instructions is crucial to ensure a safe and legal towing setup.
Towing Procedures
When towing an AWD car behind an RV, it's important to follow these steps:
- Properly connect the tow bar or tow dolly to the RV and the AWD car, ensuring a secure connection.
- Engage the supplemental braking system and test it to ensure it's functioning correctly.
- Slowly and carefully begin towing, maintaining a safe speed and distance from other vehicles.
- Avoid sudden stops or turns, as this can put stress on the towing equipment and the AWD car's drivetrain.
- Monitor the towed vehicle's condition during the towing process, and be prepared to stop if any issues arise.
Following these procedures will help ensure a safe and successful towing experience.
Conclusion
Towing an AWD car behind an RV requires careful preparation, the use of appropriate equipment, and adherence to proper towing procedures. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can safely and effectively tow your AWD car while enjoying your RV adventures.
Why can't you tow an AWD?
While technically it is possible to tow an all-wheel drive vehicle on its wheels, you would need to disengage the driveshaft – which is a complex and expensive procedure only to be performed by a trained mechanic. By doing so, the spinning of the wheels don't have a negative impact on the driveshaft and drivetrain.
Can you tow an AWD car in neutral?
You must tow your vehicle with all four wheels off the ground, such as when using a car-hauling trailer. You can only tow a four-wheel drive vehicle with all wheels on the ground by placing the transfer case in its neutral position and engaging the four-wheel-down towing feature.
Can you tow an AWD vehicle with a tow dolly?
All Wheel Drive – AWD cars should not be used on a tow dolly. In extensive circumstances, just make sure you disconnect the driveshaft.
Do you need a braking system to tow a car behind an RV?
Do I need a braking system when towing a car? Yes, most states require auxiliary braking systems when towing to ensure safety. The system helps stop both the RV and the towed vehicle safely.
Are AWD cars harder to tow?
With all-wheel drive cars such as four-wheel vehicles, it is difficult to tow because all the wheels are drive wheels. It is important to understand that all wheel drives are designed for on-road use and thus make use of front and rear differentials. They are electronically coupled to split power between each axle.
Are AWD vehicles flat towable?
A few different factors determine what vehicles can be flat towed. It all depends if they have specific features from the manufacturer, such as a transmission disconnect and steering lockout override. Generally, AWD and 4x4 vehicles are more prevalent and preferred vehicles for flat towing.
Can you tow an AWD car behind an RV?
For example, many all-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive vehicles cannot be flat-towed — towed with all four wheels on the ground — behind an RV. This is because it will cause damage to the transmission. In other cases, there may be critical cooling systems or protections that only kick on when your vehicle is running.
Can you put an AWD vehicle on a tow dolly?
All Wheel Drive – AWD cars should not be used on a tow dolly. In extensive circumstances, just make sure you disconnect the driveshaft.
How do towing companies tow AWD cars?
With the vehicle secured on a flat platform, the wheels remain stationary, reducing strain on the tires and suspension from road impacts. Flatbed towing is widely recognized as the best method for AWD vehicles, providing effective protection for the drivetrain and stability during transport.
Can you tow a trailer with an AWD vehicle?
The short answer is “yes, but not by much from an overall perspective”. The longer answer; let's look at each phase of towing, starting with manoeuvring such as reversing the trailer. AWD can help here as sometimes a 2WD (rear or front) runs out of traction, particularly when reversing up hills or over a kerb.
