Towing a Car with Automatic Transmission Behind a Motorhome
Introduction
Towing a car with automatic transmission behind a motorhome is a popular way to travel with your vehicle. It allows you to bring your car along on your RV adventures without having to drive it separately. However, it’s important to do so safely and correctly to avoid any damage to your car or motorhome.
Choosing a Compatible Towing System
The first step is to choose a compatible towing system. There are two main types of towing systems: tow dollies and car trailers.
Tow Dollies
- Lift the front wheels of the towed car off the ground
- Require the car to be in park, with the parking brake engaged
- Less expensive than car trailers
- Easier to maneuver
Car Trailers
- Transport the entire towed car
- Allow the car to be in neutral, with the parking brake disengaged
- More expensive than tow dollies
- More difficult to maneuver
Preparing the Car for Towing
Once you have chosen a towing system, you need to prepare the car for towing. This includes:
- Disconnecting the driveshaft: This is necessary to prevent the car’s transmission from being damaged.
- Putting the car in park (for tow dollies) or neutral (for car trailers): This will prevent the car’s wheels from turning.
- Engaging the parking brake: This will help keep the car from rolling.
- Securing the steering wheel: This will prevent the steering wheel from turning and causing damage to the car or motorhome.
Towing the Car
When towing the car, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your towing system. This includes:
- Driving at a safe speed: The maximum safe towing speed is typically 55 mph.
- Making wide turns: This will help prevent the towed car from hitting anything.
- Using the correct gear: The correct gear will help prevent the motorhome’s transmission from being damaged.
- Taking breaks: It is important to take breaks every few hours to check on the towed car and make sure it is still secure.
Conclusion
Towing a car with automatic transmission behind a motorhome can be a safe and convenient way to travel with your vehicle. However, it is important to do so correctly to avoid any damage to your car or motorhome. By following the tips in this article, you can ensure that your towing experience is safe and enjoyable.
