How to Tow a Broken Motorhome: A Step-by-Step Guide

When a motorhome breaks down, it can be a frustrating and stressful experience. One of the most important things to know is how to tow a broken motorhome safely and effectively. There are several methods to consider depending on the type of motorhome and the extent of the damage.

One option is flatbed towing, where the entire motorhome is loaded onto a specialized flatbed trailer. This method ensures that all wheels are off the ground, preventing any further damage to the vehicle. Another option is using a tow dolly with a mid-size or full-size pickup truck to tow Class B and C motorhomes. It’s important to check the towing capacity of the vehicle and ensure that the towing setup is safe and legal. Additionally, it’s crucial to think about safety first and turn on all four-way flashers and put out traffic cones if it’s safe to do so.

Understanding Motorhome Basics

Types of Motorhomes

Motorhomes come in various types, each with its unique features and specifications. The following are the most common types of motorhomes:

Class A: These are the largest and most luxurious motorhomes. They are built on a heavy-duty chassis and can be up to 45 feet long. Class A motorhomes have all the amenities of a home, including a full kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom.
Class B: Also known as campervans, these motorhomes are built on a van chassis. They are smaller than Class A motorhomes and are easier to drive and park. Class B motorhomes usually have a small kitchen and bathroom.
Class C: These motorhomes are built on a truck chassis and have a distinctive over-the-cab section. They are larger than Class B motorhomes and have more living space. Class C motorhomes usually have a full kitchen and bathroom.
Fifth Wheel: These motorhomes are towed by a pickup truck and have a hitch that attaches to the truck bed. They are usually larger than travel trailers and have more living space.
Travel Trailer: These motorhomes are towed by a vehicle and have a hitch that attaches to the back of the vehicle. They come in various sizes and can have all the amenities of a home.

Common Motorhome Issues

Motorhomes can experience various issues, including mechanical, electrical, and plumbing problems. The following are some of the most common motorhome issues:

Battery Problems: Motorhome batteries can die if they are not charged regularly. It is essential to check the battery charge level before a trip and charge it if necessary.
Tire Problems: Motorhome tires can wear out or blow out if they are not maintained properly. It is essential to check the tire pressure and tread depth regularly.
Water Leaks: Motorhomes can develop water leaks due to damaged or worn-out seals. It is essential to check the seals regularly and replace them if necessary.
Electrical Problems: Motorhomes can experience electrical problems due to faulty wiring or damaged components. It is essential to check the electrical system regularly and fix any issues promptly.

Understanding the basics of motorhomes is crucial when it comes to towing a broken motorhome. By knowing the type of motorhome and common issues, one can make informed decisions and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and successful trip.

Preparation Before Towing

Before towing a broken motorhome, there are several steps that need to be taken to ensure safety and prevent further damage to the vehicle. This section will cover the necessary preparation steps.

Safety Measures

Safety should always be the top priority when towing a motorhome. Here are some important safety measures to keep in mind:

Make sure the towing vehicle is capable of safely towing the weight of the motorhome.
Ensure that the hitch is properly installed and secured to both the towing vehicle and the motorhome.
Check that all lights and signals are working correctly.
Use safety chains to prevent the motorhome from detaching from the towing vehicle in case of an accident.
Be aware of the motorhome’s height and width to avoid collisions with low bridges or narrow roads.
Follow all traffic laws and regulations, including speed limits and lane restrictions.

Required Equipment

To tow a broken motorhome, certain equipment is necessary. Here is a list of essential equipment:

Towing vehicle: The towing vehicle should be capable of safely towing the weight of the motorhome. The towing vehicle can be a truck or SUV, depending on the size of the motorhome.
Hitch: The hitch connects the towing vehicle to the motorhome. It is important to ensure that the hitch is compatible with both the towing vehicle and the motorhome.
Tow bar or tow dolly: A tow bar is used to tow the motorhome with all four wheels on the ground. A tow dolly is used to tow the motorhome with only the front two wheels off the ground.
Safety chains: Safety chains are used to prevent the motorhome from detaching from the towing vehicle in case of an accident.
Brake controller: A brake controller is necessary if the motorhome has electric brakes. It allows the towing vehicle to control the motorhome’s brakes.
Lights and signals: All lights and signals on the motorhome must be working correctly to ensure safe towing.

By following these preparation steps, towing a broken motorhome can be done safely and efficiently.

Process of Towing a Motorhome

Towing a broken motorhome requires careful planning and execution to ensure the safety of both the driver and other motorists on the road. The process involves two main steps: hooking up the motorhome and driving while towing.

Hooking Up the Motorhome

Before hooking up the motorhome, make sure to check the towing capacity of the vehicle and ensure that the towing equipment is compatible with the motorhome’s weight and size. Here are the steps to follow when hooking up the motorhome:

Position the tow vehicle and the motorhome in a straight line.
Attach the tow bar or hitch to the motorhome’s frame.
Connect the safety chains from the motorhome to the tow vehicle.
Connect the electrical wiring between the two vehicles to ensure that the brake lights and turn signals work.
Double-check all connections to ensure they are secure before driving.

Driving While Towing

Driving while towing a motorhome requires extra care and attention, especially when it comes to braking and maneuvering. Here are some tips to follow when driving while towing:

Keep a safe distance from other vehicles on the road.
Brake gently and slowly to avoid sudden stops.
Use the tow vehicle’s side mirrors to monitor the motorhome while driving.
Avoid sudden lane changes or turns.
Take turns slowly and carefully to avoid tipping the motorhome.
Be aware of the motorhome’s height and width to avoid collisions with bridges or other obstacles.

By following these steps, drivers can safely tow a broken motorhome and avoid any accidents on the road.

Post-Towing Considerations

After towing a broken motorhome, there are a few important post-towing considerations to keep in mind to ensure the safety of both the vehicle and the passengers. Here are two essential sub-sections that should be considered when towing a broken motorhome:

Unhooking the Motorhome

After towing the motorhome to a safe location, the next step is to unhook the motorhome from the tow vehicle. The following steps should be followed to ensure a safe and smooth unhooking process:

Park the tow vehicle and motorhome on a flat surface and engage the parking brake on both vehicles.
Disconnect the safety chains and electrical connections between the tow vehicle and motorhome.
Release the coupler latch and raise the tow vehicle’s hitch ball to disengage it from the motorhome’s coupler.
Slowly drive the tow vehicle away from the motorhome until the tow bar is free from the motorhome’s baseplate.

Assessing Motorhome Damage

After unhooking the motorhome, the next step is to assess the damage caused by the towing process. Here are some important steps to follow:

Check the motorhome’s exterior for any visible damage, including scratches, dents, or cracks.
Inspect the motorhome’s tires for any signs of wear and tear or punctures.
Check the motorhome’s brakes to ensure they are functioning correctly.
Inspect the motorhome’s suspension system for any visible damage or signs of wear.
Check the motorhome’s electrical system to ensure it is functioning correctly.
Assess the motorhome’s interior for any visible damage, including broken windows, cabinets, or appliances.

By following these post-towing considerations, motorhome owners can ensure that their vehicle is safe to drive and that any damage caused by the towing process is promptly identified and addressed.

Professional Help

When dealing with a broken down motorhome, sometimes it’s best to leave the towing to the professionals. Here are some tips on when to call a professional and how to choose a towing service.

When to Call a Professional

If the motorhome is too heavy or too damaged to tow with a personal vehicle, it’s best to call a professional towing service. Attempting to tow a heavy or damaged motorhome without the proper equipment and expertise can be dangerous and cause further damage to the vehicle.

Additionally, if the motorhome is in a precarious location, such as on a busy highway or in a ditch, it’s best to call a professional to avoid any accidents or injuries.

Choosing a Towing Service

When choosing a towing service, it’s important to do some research and choose a reputable company. Here are some factors to consider:

Experience: Look for a company with experience in towing motorhomes specifically.
Equipment: Make sure the company has the proper equipment to tow a motorhome safely.
Insurance: Verify that the company has insurance to cover any damages that may occur during the towing process.
Price: Get quotes from multiple companies and compare prices, but don’t sacrifice quality for a lower price.

It’s also a good idea to have a towing service in mind before a breakdown occurs. Research and choose a company ahead of time so that you’re prepared in case of an emergency.

Remember, safety should always be the top priority when it comes to towing a broken motorhome. If in doubt, call a professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to tow a motorhome?

The cost of towing a motorhome can vary depending on the type of tow needed, the distance being traveled, and the company providing the service. On average, expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $300 per hour for towing services.

How do you tow a Class C motorhome?

Towing a Class C motorhome typically involves using a tow dolly or flatbed trailer. The tow dolly lifts the front wheels of the motorhome off the ground, while the flatbed trailer allows the entire motorhome to be loaded onto the trailer. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for towing your specific motorhome and to ensure that the towing setup is safe and legal.

What is the best way to tow an RV?

The best way to tow an RV depends on the type of RV being towed and the towing vehicle being used. Flatbed towing is generally considered the safest method as it ensures that all wheels are off the ground, preventing any further damage to the vehicle. However, not all RVs can be flat towed and other methods such as tow dollies or trailers may be necessary.

Can you flat tow a Class A motorhome?

Some Class A motorhomes can be flat towed, but it depends on the specific make and model. It is important to consult the owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer to determine if flat towing is possible and to ensure that the towing setup is safe and legal.

How do you tow a diesel pusher motorhome?

Towing a diesel pusher motorhome typically involves using a tow dolly or flatbed trailer. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for towing your specific motorhome and to ensure that the towing setup is safe and legal.

What vehicle should you use to tow an RV?

The vehicle used to tow an RV should have a towing capacity that exceeds the weight of the RV being towed. It is important to consult the owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer to determine the appropriate towing capacity and to ensure that the towing setup is safe and legal. Common vehicles used for towing RVs include pickup trucks, SUVs, and vans.