How Do I Safely Tow an RV Without Turning It Into a Comedy of Errors?

Last Updated on November 22, 2024 by Jessica Lauren Vine

How do I safely tow an RV comes up a lot when you’re ready to hit the road in an RV.

You’ve decided to tow an RV. Congratulations! You’re about to join the ranks of people cruising down the highway with their tiny (or not-so-tiny) home in tow. If you’re new to this, you might feel a little overwhelmed—and maybe imagining worst-case scenarios like your RV overtaking your truck or getting stuck in the world’s smallest gas station. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Let’s break it down so you can tow safely and keep your dignity intact.

Step 1 of How Do I Safely Tow an RV?: Know Your Truck’s Strengths (and Weaknesses)

Your truck might look tough, but even it has limits. Before you hitch up, you’ve gotta figure out how much weight it can handle. This isn’t the time to guess—check the manual or you might end up starring in your own episode of “RV Fail Videos.”

Here’s what you need to know:

Towing Capacity: Your truck’s max weight allowance for towing.
RV Weight: Not just the “dry weight” (which is your RV’s weight before you pack it full of camping gear, snacks, and questionable life choices), but the fully loaded weight.
Math Matters: If your RV weighs more than your truck can handle, you’ll either need a lighter RV or a stronger truck. Sorry, there’s no cheat code for physics.

Step 2: Get Your Gear Together

You wouldn’t go camping without marshmallows, right? Towing is no different. Here’s the gear you need to stay safe and sound:

Hitch That Fits: Think of your hitch like a blind date—it needs to be a good match for your RV and truck. Bonus points if it’s a weight-distributing hitch to keep things balanced.
Brake Controller: This gizmo syncs your RV’s brakes with your truck’s so you don’t feel like you’re being rear-ended by your own trailer.
Extended Mirrors: Unless you have x-ray vision, get towing mirrors. You need to see the entire RV and what’s behind it (like the guy who thinks tailgating a 10,000-pound trailer is a good idea).
Safety Chains: Crisscross them under the hitch. Not only is this a legal requirement, but it’s also your RV’s safety net if it decides to pull a Houdini.

Step 3: Pre-Trip Prep Like a Pro

You wouldn’t jump into a road trip without snacks and a playlist—so don’t start towing without a checklist:

Tires: If your tires are underinflated or look like they’ve been through a war zone, fix it. This applies to both the truck and the RV.
Lights: Make sure your brake lights, turn signals, and running lights work. (Yes, people do need to know when you’re stopping. Shocking, I know.)
The Hitch Check: Double-check that the hitch is locked and secure. This isn’t the time to play fast and loose.

Step 4: Driving Like a Towing Ninja

Let’s face it: towing an RV is not the time to channel your inner speed racer. Here’s how to drive like you know what you’re doing:

Slow and Steady Wins the Race: You’re not in a rush. Driving fast while towing is like running on ice—dangerous and kind of dumb.
Brake Early: Your stopping distance just got longer than a line at the D
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MV. Start braking sooner than you think you need to.
Turn Wide: Your RV follows you like a loyal puppy, but it swings wide on corners. Take turns like you mean it, or prepare to explain why you hit the curb. Again.
Beware the Sway: If your RV starts swaying, ease off the gas and keep the steering steady. Don’t overcorrect unless you enjoy panic attacks.

Step 5: Plan Like a Scout

RV life is an adventure, but not all roads are created equal. Use an RV-friendly GPS app so you don’t end up trying to limbo under a 10-foot bridge. Pro tip: Avoid gas stations with tight corners unless you want to practice your three-point turns with an audience.

Step 6: Prepare for “Just in Case” Moments

Stuff happens. Be ready with:

Spare Tire: And the tools to change it. Don’t assume good vibes alone will keep your tires intact.
Fire Extinguisher: Because flames should stay on your campfire, not your RV.
Snacks: Okay, this is technically optional, but hangry drivers are not safe drivers.

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This

Towing an RV safely isn’t rocket science, but it does require some prep and patience. Follow these tips, and you’ll be cruising down the highway like a pro (or at least like someone who knows what they’re doing). And remember, every RVer started as a newbie. You’ll have your own funny towing stories soon enough—hopefully, none that involve calling for roadside assistance.

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Jessica Lauren Vine

Head RV Idiot at RV Idiots

Jessica Lauren Vine first hit the road for full-time RV life when she was 5 years old. She and her parents traveled in multiple RVs for around 7 years before they took up permanent residence.

When Jessica was older and had a family, she took her crew on the road for 2.5 years. They lived in 2 different RVs during that time. One 18 foot long and one 28 foot long. Both pull-behind RVs.

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