Today, many people enjoy traveling in a motorhome, while towing a car. The ability to stop and camp in a park or RV center offsets some expenses of the journey; the presence of a vehicle in tow provides a great way to explore a local area using less fuel during short day trips. The automobile proves especially useful if people in the party need to go to separate locations as the same time, for instance, if a household combines a business meeting with a vacation.
While towing a car behind a motorhome adds convenience, drivers need to consider two aspects involved in this form of travel before venturing onto the highway.
Several Types of Possible Towing Mechanisms
- First, the selection of the type of tow involves factors such as the nature of the trip and the available budget. Three primary systems allow a motorhome to tow an automobile conveniently: placing the car inside a small towed trailer (the most expensive method), using a car dolly that elevates the two front tires of the towed vehicle, or applying a tow bar that allows the automobile to remain at ground level while being pulled behind the motorhome. Every choice involves some pros and cons.
Many people strongly prefer one towing mechanism over the others. Identifying the best system for a particular journey remains a highly individual matter.
State Towing Laws Vary
- Second, drivers should realize that state laws concerning towing sometimes differ slightly from one state to another. All jurisdictions require drivers to abide by fundamental safety rules, of course, such as maintaining lights and brakes in working condition.
- However, in order to avoid fines and potential liability, it remains very important before crossing a state line to check the roadway regulations that will apply to your towing situation. Simply complying with the law in the state of origin will not necessarily bring a driver towing a vehicle behind a motorhome into compliance with another state’s traffic requirements.
For example, California maintains specific traffic ordinances relating to towed vehicles. Anyone towing in Oakland or other California locations probably knows that no combination of noncommercial motorhome and towed vehicle should exceed 65 feet in length (in most places, 60 feet in length in a few designated areas) or tower more than 14 feet in height above the ground.
Planning ahead for a road trip involving a motorhome towing a car saves problems later!