Basics for Towing Safely

When most people think of RVing, they think of the freedom of the open road. They think of heading off into wide-open spaces without any limitations on where they can go or what they'll see on their journey.

But mobility and maneuverability can be difficult with motor coaches as large as 45 feet. To make the most of their travel experiences, a growing number of RVers are towing additional vehicles-referred to affectionately as "toads"-for use once they've reached their destination.

Although a towed vehicle can eliminate the worries of how to get to the grocery store or to that sightseeing destination, towing an additional vehicle behind a motor coach also brings with it a slew of different problems if not done properly and safely. There are two types of considerations when it comes to towing safety. First of all, both federal and state laws dictate certain standards for towing, like weight restrictions and required equipment. Secondly, there are safety measures beyond what the government requires that can make your adventure more worry-free if you employ them.

According to Carl Verrips, towing specialist with Blue Ox, the first thing that the law requires a coach owner to have before attaching a vehicle to the coach is a properly rated tow bar. "This is very important, especially for those who are planning to tow the heavier SUVs or a full-size vehicle, such as a Suburban." He explains, "Tow bars are available in a variety of weight-carrying classes. A Class III tow bar has a 5,000-pound capacity, whereas a Class IV tow bar is rated for 7,500 pounds." Carl says that it is crucial to check the weight capacity of the receiver on the back of the coach as well. "Fortunately, many coach manufacturers are installing receivers rated for 10,000 pounds."

Another measure that the law requires when towing is that you have at least two safety cables or chains. The safety cables must be attached to the motor coach and the towed unit and must be crossed under the tow bar assembly to help prevent a breakaway. Your safety cables must be rated in the same class as your tow bar. For example, if your vehicle requires a Class IV tow bar, it will also be necessary to purchase Class IV-rated safety cables as well.

The base plate, which must be installed on the vehicle being towed, is another necessity for safe towing. The base plate should properly designed and, like the tow bar and safety cables, properly rated for the weight of the vehicle being towed. It is also imperative that the base plate be bolted to the vehicle, rather than welded to the frame.

The law also requires that the towed vehicle have operable lights. The lights should be wired to operate from the motor coach and must include brake lights, turn indicators, and running lights while traveling at night.

Laws can vary from state to state. For example, in Georgia, if you use a tow dolly and the rear of your vehicle extends four feet beyond the lights on the dolly, you must use some type of lighting on the rear of the towed vehicle itself. You cannot use the dolly's lights to satisfy this requirement. Check with your state to make sure you are staying within its guidelines. You could stop there and still be within the bounds of the law.

But to ensure the highest level of safety, you should take the next step. Many operators incorrectly interpret the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) to mean the amount of weight the coach has been designed to stop. The GCWR is a term borrowed from the trucking industry, where it was assumed that the trailer had its own brakes. The radiator, transmission, engine, and suspension have been designed to pull this amount of weight without damage. However, the brakes have been designed to stop the vehicle up to an amount equaling the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) plus the manufacturer's additional allowance (usually 1,000 to 1,500 lbs.). If the actual combined weight of your motorhome and tow vehicle exceed the GVWR plus the allowance, you are compromising your safety if you do not have a supplemental braking system installed.

When purchasing a braking system, Carl Verrips of Blue Ox states that the most important thing to consider is what type of brakes the coach has and whether one wants brakes on all four wheels of the vehicle being towed. "We recommend that coach owners choose a system that applies brakes on all four wheels of the towed vehicle. And they should look for one that offers proportionate braking meaning that the same amount of brake pressure that is applied on the coach will be applied on the towed vehicle."

Although not all states require a breakaway system for towed vehicles, experts agree that it is highly advisable to have one. The purpose of the breakaway option is to bring the towed vehicle to a stop if it becomes separated from the motor coach. Most manufacturers offer breakaway systems as an additional option to supplemental braking systems.

Roy Stiglich, longtime heavy equipment and RV operator and instructor of the Aon Safe Driving Course, advises that a rear-vision camera, if wired to be on when you are traveling, is a great asset when towing a vehicle. Although it does not provide a close inspection of the hookup, it allows you to monitor any changes that might indicate a problem. He notes, "The rear-vision camera can be especially helpful in passing situations to let you know when you have cleared the vehicle being passed."

Another way to monitor the towed vehicle is through a device called a tire monitor. Carl explains, "The tire monitor has an indicator that lets the operator know if the air pressure in the tires of the towed vehicle changes. Whether it's a slow leak that will eventually deplete the tire or debris on the road that punctures the tire and causes it to suddenly lose pressure, the tire monitor is designed to warn you that there's a problem." Without this monitor, if a problem occurs with one of the tires, the driver will not be able to see or hear it and may be unaware of the situation. "A loss of tire air pressure could cause devulcanization-blow-out from overheating-or loss of control of the vehicle, which could result in serious damage," warns Carl.

In the more common radio frequency-type systems, some RVers have experienced system failures. Things like low batteries and having the monitor installed too far away from the tow vehicle have been identified as the culprits in many cases. "There is a new type of hard-wire installation believed to be failsafe because it doesn't rely on radio frequency," says Carl. This type of system has each of the four tires wired up to one single wire leading to the monitor in the dashboard, which makes it more dependable.

In addition to having the right equipment, keeping your equipment maintained and in good working condition is also important. Proper maintenance can enhance performance and extend the years of use. Manufacturers offer accessories-like tow bar covers and protection shields-to help protect your towing equipment and vehicle. "A tow bar cover keeps the tow bar clean and protects it from the ultraviolet rays of the sun while the coach is in storage. A protection shield prevents damage to the front end and windshield of the tow vehicle from road debris," explains Carl.

Following are some quick tips to follow for the safest towing experience possible:

Towing a vehicle when you travel in your RV can be very convenient-if it's done safely. Make safety a priority. Take the extra step to make your RVing experiences all that they should be.