Flat towing—also known as dinghy towing or four-down towing—allows an approved vehicle to be towed behind a motorhome with all four wheels on the ground.
At California RV Specialists in Lodi, California, we install complete flat tow systems using leading manufacturers such as Roadmaster, Demco and Blue Ox.
A properly equipped flat tow setup is more than just a tow bar. Depending on the motorhome and vehicle, a complete system may include:
Base Plate • Tow Bar • Supplemental Braking System • Vehicle Wiring • Safety Cables • Breakaway System • Electrical Connections • Required Accessories
Because every motorhome and tow vehicle combination is different, we need some information before providing an accurate estimate.
Step 1: Is Your Vehicle Approved for Flat Towing?
This is the most important question.
Before requesting an estimate, please verify with the vehicle manufacturer and the owner’s manual for your specific vehicle that it is approved to be recreationally towed with all four wheels on the ground.
Do not assume a vehicle can be flat towed simply because you’ve seen another one behind a motorhome.
Even vehicles with the same model name can have different transmissions, drivetrains, engines or model-year requirements that affect whether they can be flat towed.
California RV Specialists does not determine whether a vehicle is manufacturer-approved for four-down towing. The vehicle manufacturer’s instructions are the controlling source.
Step 2: Review the Manufacturer’s Flat Tow Procedures
If your vehicle is approved, the owner’s manual should explain any special procedures or limitations.
Depending on the vehicle, instructions may address items such as:
- Transmission position
- Transfer-case position
- Ignition or accessory settings
- Battery requirements
- Speed limitations
- Distance limitations
- Start/run procedures during travel
- Fuses or electrical procedures
- Other manufacturer-specific requirements
These procedures are important and should be followed every time the vehicle is towed.
Step 3: Know Your Motorhome’s Towing Capacity
Just because a vehicle can be flat towed doesn’t automatically mean your motorhome can safely tow it.
We also need to know the motorhome manufacturer’s towing capacity.
The weight of the tow vehicle and towing equipment must remain within the applicable ratings and limitations established for the motorhome.
Step 4: Check the Motorhome Receiver Hitch Rating
The receiver hitch installed on the motorhome also has a rating.
We need to know what that hitch is rated to tow and confirm that the intended setup remains within applicable limits.
A motorhome’s towing capacity and the receiver hitch rating are not necessarily the same number.
Installing towing equipment with a higher rating does not increase the motorhome manufacturer’s towing capacity.
Information We Need for a Flat Tow Estimate
When contacting California RV Specialists for an estimate, please have the following information available:
- Motorhome year, make and model
- Motorhome towing capacity
- Motorhome receiver hitch rating
- Tow vehicle year, make and model
- Confirmation that the vehicle manufacturer approves four-down recreational towing
- Any special flat-towing procedures listed in the owner’s manual
- Any flat tow equipment you already own
Pictures of existing equipment can also be helpful.
What’s Included in a Flat Tow System?
Depending on the application, your setup may require several separate components.
Base Plate
The base plate attaches to the tow vehicle and provides the structural connection points for the tow bar.
Base plates are generally vehicle-specific.
Tow Bar
The tow bar connects the motorhome to the tow vehicle’s base plate.
Tow bars have different capacities, features and connection systems, so they need to be appropriately matched to the application.
Supplemental Braking System
A supplemental braking system provides braking assistance for the vehicle being towed.
Different systems operate in different ways, and compatibility depends on the motorhome, tow vehicle and selected equipment.
Tow Vehicle Lighting & Wiring
The tow vehicle needs the appropriate lighting integration so its required lights operate while being towed.
The wiring solution can vary significantly between vehicles.
Safety Cables & Breakaway Equipment
Safety cables and applicable breakaway equipment are important components of a properly configured towing system.
Additional Components
Some installations may require additional components such as:
Charge Lines • Battery Protection • Adapters • Drop/Rise Receivers • Protective Accessories • Vehicle-Specific Wiring Components
That’s one reason we don’t recommend trying to price a complete flat tow installation based solely on the cost of a tow bar.
Already Have Flat Tow Equipment?
If you already have a tow bar, braking system, wiring or other equipment, let us know.
We can inspect existing components and determine whether they appear appropriate and compatible with the new setup.
Equipment condition matters too.
A used tow bar may look fine externally while having wear, damaged components or overdue maintenance that should be addressed before putting it back into service.
Buying a New Vehicle to Flat Tow?
If you’re shopping specifically for a vehicle to tow behind your motorhome, verify flat-tow eligibility before purchasing it.
Don’t rely solely on a salesperson, internet forum, social-media post or the fact that someone else is towing what appears to be the same vehicle.
Check the owner’s manual and vehicle manufacturer’s requirements for the exact model, model year and drivetrain you’re considering.
That one step can potentially prevent a very expensive mistake.
Professional Flat Tow Installation in Lodi, California
Flat tow installation can involve removing exterior vehicle components, installing vehicle-specific base plates, routing wiring, integrating lighting, installing supplemental braking equipment and setting up the connection between two different vehicles.
At California RV Specialists, flat towing is something we specialize in.
We work with complete systems from:
Roadmaster • Demco • Blue Ox
Our goal is to properly match the components, professionally install the equipment and help you understand how your system connects and operates before you head down the road.
Request a Flat Tow Estimate
If you’re planning to flat tow a vehicle behind your motorhome, contact us with the information listed above.
Once we know what motorhome you have, what vehicle you want to tow and whether that vehicle is manufacturer-approved for four-down towing, we can begin determining the equipment and installation requirements for your setup.
California RV Specialists LLC
Flat Tow Systems • Base Plates • Tow Bars • Braking Systems • Wiring • Service
200 S. Cherokee Lane
Lodi, CA 95240
209-263-7040
service@calrvspecialists.com
CaliforniaRVSpecialists.com
Serving the RV community since 2003.
Roadmaster • Demco • Blue Ox
Experts You Can Count On.
