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nbking's avatar
nbking
Explorer
Apr 07, 2016

Towing a Dinghy - Basic information

I will need to tow a car behind my motor home when I get it.

I have no idea what parts of a tow assembly I would need. I also don't know the various manufacturers or what brand is most recommended. Research so far, has not given me much because they start with having a tow assembly to begin with.

Could someone give me a basic introduction to purchasing a tow assembly, specifically what I will need, where to buy it and what brand to buy.

At this stage, I do not have a car to tow and will have to purchase that. I would make sure it is towable and I believe there is a plate assembly that is vehicle specific. But, is the remainder of the assembly suitable for use on all vehicles?

10 Replies

  • rdmike's avatar
    rdmike
    Explorer
    Apr 08, 2016
    Mandalay Parr wrote:
    I had decided on what car to tow. When I bought my MH I told the dealer to set my car up for towing. He said they handle blue ox. I said fine you do it all. I was well satisfied.

    Jerry Parr


    Same. Been happy all the way. And do get a brake system if anything for the break away.
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Apr 08, 2016
    As I said earlier do not trust people that are trying to sell you auxiliary braking devices. Most are incorrect.
    For example Washington does not have any requirement for braking devices on cars or trucks. The reference is only made to trailers and toad motor vehicles are not trailers.
  • mvpmich's avatar
    mvpmich
    Explorer
    Apr 08, 2016
    Most states have a minimum towed weight for supplemental braking. See this info for the detail-

    http://www.brakebuddy.com/towing-laws
  • Mandalay_Parr's avatar
    Mandalay_Parr
    Explorer
    Apr 07, 2016
    I had decided on what car to tow. When I bought my MH I told the dealer to set my car up for towing. He said they handle blue ox. I said fine you do it all. I was well satisfied.

    Jerry Parr
  • Dutch_12078's avatar
    Dutch_12078
    Explorer III
    Apr 07, 2016
    The laws of physics apply in all states. Use an auxiliary brake system...
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Apr 07, 2016
    No, supplemental is not required in most states. This is information from people wanting to sell you one!
  • Ava's avatar
    Ava
    Explorer
    Apr 07, 2016
    A supplementary braking system in the towed vehicle is required in most States and in Canada. There is a fair amount of expense getting set up but nice to have a vehicle to take you to places the motorhome can't get to.
  • nbking's avatar
    nbking
    Explorer
    Apr 07, 2016
    Thanks. Starting to make my way through all that information. But, very good information. Thank you. Should get me enough to be able to discuss my needs.
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Apr 07, 2016
    The dinghy towing guide will give some good insight. Dinghy towing guide
    First you are going to need a vehicle that can be towed four down. Some can be modified for towing.
    Then you will need brackets, Roadmaster or Blue-Ox
    Need a tow bar, Roadmaster and Blue-Ox
    Safety cables
    Need wiring of some type to connect MH to vehicle. Could be magnetic lights, diode system wired into the vehicles system, or extra sockets if they can be installed in housing.
    Should consider some type of auxiliary braking system.

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