Best Cars to Tow Behind an RV

Towable cars help you keep that feeling of freedom while on the road with your RV. Rather than having to unplug the electricity, plumbing, and cable every time you need to head into town for supplies, you can simply unhitch your towable car and hit the road for errands and scenic drives. Choosing a towable car for your motor home can be more complicated than it seems, however, since you can't tow just any vehicle. 

If you choose the wrong car, the consequences could be permanent damage and a big headache or lots of complicated alterations that can void your warranty. That's why you should always make sure you're covered with an affordable car insurance policy, and an independent insurance agent can help you find one. But first, here's a look at the five best cars to tow behind an RV.

What to Look for in an RV to Tow Your Vehicle

When you're ready to find the right RV that allows you to tow an everyday car, look for the following when shopping and comparing models:

• Enough towing capacity for the car you plan to tow, which is available in most modern RVs
• An RV with a tow bar, preferably self-aligning, for easy one-person installation
• An RV with a supplemental braking system for the towed vehicle
• Optionally, an RV with an underskirt or rock guard to prevent road damage to towing equipment

Attaching Your Car to Your RV for Towing

Be careful to follow all manufacturer instructions for attaching the tow bar and braking system. In some states, the supplemental braking system is not required, but most RV owners feel safer with it than without it. 

You will also need to refer to your car manual to find out how to prepare the vehicle for towing. Some cars need to be in neutral gear while the transmission is in park. 

You may need to stop and run the engine on the towed car at intervals to lubricate the moving parts thoroughly. Also, make sure that the steering is unlocked, which may mean leaving the keys in the ignition in the accessory position.

The 5 Best Cars to Tow Behind an RV

When it comes to towable vehicles for RVs, certain makes and models are just more ideal than others. Depending on your specific desires, one of these vehicles may appeal to you more than the others. 

1. Jeep Wrangler

One of the most popular towable vehicles is the Jeep Wrangler, and for good reason. Wranglers offer an easy flat-tow setup and are an ideal size for hauling behind an RV. 

Wranglers can also be towed with either automatic or manual transmissions, which gives the buyer more choices. Further, Wranglers have no distance or speed limit restrictions when being flat-towed, so RV drivers can go for longer distances at higher speeds when towing this kind of vehicle.

2. Chevrolet Spark

A lightweight, convenient option to tow behind an RV is the Chevrolet Spark. The Spark offers one of the lightest weights around, plus the hatchback design offers extra storage space for any gear you may want to bring with you that doesn't fit in the RV. 

Another huge perk of the Spark is its built-in 4G LTE hotspot, which allows drivers to stay connected even if they're going off the grid for vacation. Finally, the Spark's excellent gas mileage makes it an ideal vehicle for longer sightseeing trips, frequent errand runs, and other adventures that don't require the RV.

3. Chevrolet Colorado or GMC Canyon

Both the GMC Canyon and Chevy Colorado are mid-size trucks that are ideal for RV owners to tow. The trucks' cab spaces allow plenty of room for passengers and gear alike for all kinds of sightseeing adventures and more away from the RV. 

Just be sure to get a model with four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case that can be put into neutral if you'll be flat-towing one of these trucks. Both the Chevy Colorado and the GMC Canyon are ideal for long-distance tows thanks to having no distance or speed limit restrictions.

4. Ford F-150

The 2009 to 2018 models of Ford F-150 are great options for towing behind an RV thanks to their ideal size and additional cargo space for gear. Just make sure to find a model that has four-wheel drive if you'll be flat-towing it. 

For older models, 2011 and earlier, look for an F-150 with a manual-shift transfer case to meet towing restriction requirements. Otherwise, the Ford F-150 comes with no distance or speed limit restrictions, making it another ideal choice for long-distance towing. 

5. Ram 1500

The Ram 1500 is our final recommendation for the top vehicles to tow behind an RV. Look for model years 2010 to 2018 if you'll be flat-towing, as the rear coil springs of these vehicles allow for a smooth, comfortable ride. As always, you'll also need to get a model equipped with four-wheel drive. Overall, the Ram 1500 makes for a great vehicle for many different adventures without the RV as well.

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Don't Skip the Insurance

Once you've got your RV and your towing vehicle picked out, you'll need to get them both properly protected with the right RV insurance and auto insurance. An independent insurance agent can help you find the coverage you need for both vehicles. Independent insurance agents have access to multiple carriers, so they're free to shop and compare quotes and coverage options to find you the best deal. And down the road, they'll be there to help you file claims or update your coverage as necessary.