Visit this forum to discuss RV dinghy towing issues

A superb resource for learning about everything to do with towing a dinghy behind a motorhome can be found at the RVtravel.com forum, where readers ask and answer questions on the subject. At last count, more than six dozen topics were covered, from ones discussing specific vehicles and which can be towed four-wheels down, to brake system recommendations, to discussion of tow bars. And the list is growing. If you have a question about dinghy towing, head to this forum and ask it. Or just visit to read the information that's there. You'll pick up some helpful tips and information.

Be safe with a supplemental breaking system on towed vehicle

There is a lot of discussion and confusion on RV forums regarding the need for a supplemental braking system on a towed vehicle. Most U.S. states and Canadian provinces have their own laws on the requirement for brakes on a towed trailer. The word trailer also applies to a vehicle being towed behind a motorhome. These laws are normally based on the amount of weight being towed. Add to this your insurance company may not cover you in the event of an accident involving a trailer with no braking system. And you can possibly void the chassis manufacturer warranty if you tow over a certain amount of weight without a supplemental braking system. But the biggest factor regarding supplemental brake systems is Safety, Safety, Safety!

I, for one, almost learned this the hard way. A close call, while towing a vehicle without a brake system, through a major city during rush hour suddenly educated me on how important it is. You do not want to be involved in a lawsuit, insurance related problem, or endangering other people. I can't stress enough, the most IMPORTANT reason for a braking system on a towed vehicle is that it SAFELY reduces the stopping distance and helps to protect you, your loved ones and the safety of others. -- Mark Polk, RV Education 101

Do your homework when buying RV dinghy

Before you make the decision to tow a vehicle with all four wheels down you need to do your homework. There are some manufacturer approved vehicles that can be towed without any modifications to the drive-train or transmission, but there are a lot more that will require some type of modification to tow it with all four wheels on the ground. There are many factors involved such as automatic transmissions, two wheel drive vehicles, four wheel drive vehicles, the type of transfer case and more.

Most vehicles with an automatic transmission cannot be towed with all four wheels down unless it is a four wheel drive, and even then it requires a transfer case that can be shifted into neutral. Front wheel drive vehicles with manual transmissions and most four wheel drive vehicles with a manual transfer case are among the best choices for towing with all four wheels down. Even if you have a vehicle that can be towed with all four wheels down it’s quite possible that it will have towing speed and/or mileage restrictions. -- Mark Polk, RV Education 101

Learn which 2007 vehicles can and cannot be towed behind a motorhome.