Flat towing—also known as dinghy towing—allows you to tow a vehicle behind your motorhome with all four wheels on the ground. At California RV Specialists in Lodi, California, we install complete flat tow packages using trusted brands such as Roadmaster, Demco, and Blue Ox. Our systems include tow bars, base plates, wiring integration, braking systems, and safety equipment to ensure your tow vehicle and motorhome operate safely together.
Qualifying a Flat Tow Vehicle
Before we can provide an accurate estimate, please confirm the following:
- Have you verified with the vehicle manufacturer and your owner’s manual that your vehicle is approved for flat towing with all four wheels down?
- Have you reviewed and confirmed any special towing restrictions or procedures required by the manufacturer?
- What is the towing capacity of your motorhome?
- What is the rating of the receiver hitch installed on your motorhome?
These factors determine compatibility, safety, and what specific components your vehicle will require.
Schedule a Flat Tow System Inspection
If you’re planning to flat tow a vehicle behind your motorhome or need service on an existing towing setup, our technicians can inspect your equipment and recommend the proper components for safe and reliable towing. From base plates and tow bars to wiring and braking systems, we can help ensure everything is installed and operating correctly.
California RV Specialists
200 S. Cherokee Lane
Lodi, CA 95240
209-263-7040
Serving RV owners from Lodi, Stockton, Sacramento, Modesto, Elk Grove, Manteca, Tracy, Vacaville, Napa, and communities throughout Northern California.
Jeeps are one of the most popular flat tow vehicles available today.
When towing your recreational vehicle, having the right equipment is essential to keep you, your family, and everyone else on the road safe. At California RV Specialists, safety is our top priority—both in the installation process and in the quality of products we use.
How Much Does a Flat Tow Setup Cost?
A complete flat tow setup typically ranges between $7,000 – $10,000 depending on the vehicle and what components are required to make that specific vehicle towable.
Is Your Vehicle Towable with All Four Wheels Down?
Always verify flat tow approval directly with the vehicle manufacturer. Not all vehicles are designed or approved to be flat towed.
What Is Included in a Basic Flat Tow Package?
- Tow Bar — connects the motorhome to the tow vehicle
- Base Plate — mounts behind the bumper of the tow vehicle and attaches to the tow bar
- Wiring Integration — connects the towed vehicle’s lighting to operate in sync with the motorhome
- Braking System — required in the State of California when towing a vehicle over 1,500 lbs
- Labor — installation requires approximately 16–24 hours depending on vehicle design (CALRV labor rate: $200/hr)
Why Is There Such a Wide Price Range?
Every vehicle is different — and some require additional components or procedures to properly set up for safe towing. Examples include:
- Battery disconnect systems
- No “cold side” brake signal
- Fuse removal systems
- Variable voltage LED taillights
These differences often require additional parts and installation time. Our goal is to ensure your tow setup is safe, compliant, and easy to operate.
What If I Have an Aftermarket Bumper?
This is very common — especially with Jeep Wrangler and off-road applications. Many aftermarket bumpers can be adapted to tow bars which may eliminate the need for a separate base plate.
Note: Some bumpers may require modification which can result in additional labor.
How Do I Get an Estimate?
We will need the following information:
Tow Vehicle:
- Year
- Make
- Model
- Trim/Edition
- Photo of the bumper if aftermarket
Motorhome:
- Year
- Make
- Model
- Chassis (Gas or Diesel)
I Have an Estimate and I’m Ready to Proceed
Flat tow setups are built specific to each vehicle — parts are special order and require a deposit before ordering. Labor is due upon completion.
Once parts arrive, we will schedule your tow vehicle for installation.
We typically need the tow vehicle for a minimum of 3 days. Approximately 90% of installation time is spent on the tow vehicle.
When the tow vehicle portion is completed, we will then schedule your motorhome to finalize the tow package, adjust height differences, and fully test the braking system. Diesel motorhomes may require an expansion tank.
Final Pick-Up and Demonstration
At completion, we will perform a full operational demonstration and review connection procedures. You are welcome to record this demonstration for reference.
Our goal is to ensure you feel fully confident, safe, and stress-free towing your vehicle behind your motorhome.
Make sure you visit our other website pages at, California RV Specialists, and our YouTube channel for more helpful information, and other social media pages.
Can’t Bring Your RV to the Shop?
If you’re unable to bring your unit in for maintenance or repairs — or if you’re looking to tackle an upgrade as a DIY project — we’ve got you covered!
Visit our Amazon Store for everything you’ll need, including basic parts, accessories, and tools to help you maintain your RV.