Want to tow your car, Jeep, truck, or SUV behind your motorhome? Let California RV Specialists help you get properly equipped!
Flat towing, also called dinghy towing or four-down towing, allows you to tow a compatible vehicle behind your motorhome with all four wheels on the ground.
At California RV Specialists in Lodi, California, we specialize in professional flat tow package installations, helping RV owners select and install the equipment needed for their specific vehicle and motorhome combination.
Whether you’re setting up a new tow vehicle or upgrading an existing towing system, proper equipment selection and installation are essential for safe, dependable operation.
What Is Included in an RV Flat Tow Package?
A complete flat towing setup typically requires several important components working together.
- Tow Bar: Connects the motorhome to the towed vehicle.
- Base Plate: A vehicle-specific mounting system designed to attach the tow bar to the vehicle.
- Tow Vehicle Lighting: Allows the towed vehicle’s required lights to operate with the motorhome.
- Supplemental Braking System: Helps apply the towed vehicle’s brakes during towing.
- Battery Charge Line: Helps maintain the towed vehicle’s battery when required or recommended.
- Safety Cables and Connections: Provide essential safety connections between the motorhome and towed vehicle.
Depending on the vehicle, additional components or procedures may be necessary.
We work with established towing equipment manufacturers, including Roadmaster, Demco, Blue Ox, and CURT, to help customers select compatible products.
Can Every Vehicle Be Flat Towed?
No! Not every car, truck, Jeep, or SUV is approved for flat towing.
Some vehicles can be towed with all four wheels on the ground, while others require a tow dolly or trailer.
Vehicle compatibility depends on the manufacturer’s towing instructions, drivetrain configuration, transmission, transfer case, model year, and other specifications.
Even vehicles that appear identical may have different towing requirements.
Before purchasing a flat tow package, always verify that your exact vehicle is approved for recreational flat towing by its manufacturer.
Why Professional Flat Tow Installation Matters
A flat tow installation involves more than simply attaching a tow bar to the front of a vehicle.
Depending on the vehicle, installation may require removing the front bumper, grille, trim panels, or other components to access mounting locations.
Our technicians carefully route electrical wiring, protect connections, install mounting hardware, and follow applicable manufacturer installation requirements.
Proper mounting, hardware torque, electrical protection, and braking system operation are important for a dependable installation.
We also evaluate the motorhome’s towing capacity, hitch rating, and compatibility with the proposed towing equipment.
A properly installed towing system should function as a complete system, not simply a collection of individual accessories.
Supplemental Braking Systems & Tow Vehicle Wiring
A supplemental braking system is an important component of a complete flat towing setup.
Depending on the application, systems such as the Demco Air Force One or Roadmaster braking products may be suitable.
The correct braking system depends on the motorhome, towed vehicle, and equipment compatibility.
Tow vehicle lighting is equally important. Properly installed wiring allows the motorhome to operate the towed vehicle’s required lighting during travel.
Some vehicles also require a battery charge line or additional electrical components to support the manufacturer’s towing procedures.
How Much Does an RV Flat Tow Package Cost?
The cost of a complete flat tow installation varies depending on the vehicle, selected equipment, and installation complexity.
At California RV Specialists, a complete setup commonly ranges from approximately $7,000 to $10,000, depending on the vehicle and required components.
Some installations may cost more because of additional labor, specialized equipment, difficult component access, or unique vehicle requirements.
Every vehicle is different, so we recommend obtaining a vehicle-specific estimate before purchasing equipment.
Jeep Flat Tow Packages & Accessories
Jeep vehicles are popular among motorhome owners, but flat tow compatibility must still be verified for the exact model and drivetrain.
In addition to flat towing equipment, California RV Specialists offers select Jeep accessories, including bumpers, winches, auxiliary lighting, and other upgrades.
If you’re considering installing an aftermarket bumper, it’s important to verify whether that bumper and its attachment points are specifically approved for recreational flat towing.
Not every aftermarket bumper or recovery point is suitable for towing a vehicle behind a motorhome.
Inspect Your Flat Tow Equipment Before Traveling
Even properly installed towing equipment requires regular inspection and maintenance.
Before each trip, check the tow bar, base plate connections, safety cables, electrical connectors, braking system, and attachment hardware according to the equipment manufacturers’ instructions.
Inspect for damaged components, excessive wear, corrosion, loose connections, and anything that may interfere with proper operation.
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Routine inspection can help identify problems before they become serious towing concerns.
Schedule Your RV Flat Tow Package Installation
At California RV Specialists, we’ve been helping RV owners maintain, repair, and upgrade their recreational vehicles since 2003.
Whether you’re preparing a new Jeep for flat towing, purchasing a different tow vehicle, or replacing an existing towing system, our team can help you evaluate your options.
Let us help you get your motorhome and tow vehicle properly equipped for your next adventure!
Contact California RV Specialists to discuss your vehicle and request a flat tow installation estimate.
Contact California RV Specialists
California RV Specialists – Independent RV Service & Repair Facility
Address:
200 S. Cherokee Lane
Lodi, CA 95240
Phone: (209) 263-7040
Email: service@calrvspecialists.com
Website: www.calrvspecialists.com
Business Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Closed for Lunch: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Serving RV Owners Since 2003
Proudly serving RV owners throughout Lodi, Stockton, Galt, Elk Grove, Sacramento, Modesto, and surrounding Northern California communities.
We Don’t Sell RVs – We Repair the RV You Own!
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Make sure you check out my website, California RV Specialists, and our YouTube channel for more helpful information, and see our published articles on RVtravel.com and other social media pages.
