If you own a motorhome and love exploring the open roads across Southern California—or anywhere else across the Western U.S.—chances are you’ve considered bringing your vehicle along for the ride. That’s where RV tow packages come in. The right tow package setup allows you to bring your car safely and conveniently, whether you're heading to a nearby state park or embarking on a cross-country adventure.
At McBride’s RV Service in Chino, CA, we specialize in installing and customizing complete RV tow packages. With decades of experience and a reputation built on trust and quality workmanship, we help Southern California RVers choose the ideal towing solution for their rig and lifestyle.
What Is an RV Tow Package?
An RV tow package is a collection of specialized components that allow a motorhome to tow another vehicle safely—usually a car, SUV, or small truck—behind it. This setup is ideal for RV travelers who want the freedom to explore destinations without having to maneuver their large motorhome everywhere they go. The main components of a tow package typically include a tow bar, base plate, safety cables, a supplemental braking system, a wiring harness for lights, and in some cases, a driveline disconnect or transmission pump. Together, these parts ensure that the towed vehicle is securely connected, legally compliant, and capable of braking and signaling in coordination with the motorhome.
The type of tow package needed depends on a variety of factors, including the RV’s towing capacity, the drivetrain of the towed vehicle, and the method of towing—whether flat towing (all four wheels on the ground), dolly towing (two wheels off the ground), or trailer towing (all wheels off the ground). Some vehicles are tow-ready straight from the factory, while others require additional modifications to make them towable. It’s essential to consider compatibility, weight limits, safety features, and legal requirements when selecting a tow package. A well-designed and properly installed system makes towing seamless, reduces wear and tear, and helps ensure safe travel across varying road conditions.
Types of RV Tow Setups
There are three main ways to tow a vehicle behind your RV: flat towing, using a tow dolly, and trailering with a flatbed or enclosed trailer. Each has distinct benefits and considerations.
Flat towing—also called dinghy towing—involves pulling the vehicle with all four wheels on the ground using a tow bar and base plate. This method is popular for its convenience, as it's quick and easy to hook up and disconnect, doesn’t require storing a trailer, and requires less space at campsites. However, not all vehicles are suitable for flat towing, and some may need additional components like a braking system or driveline disconnect.
Towing with a dolly involves lifting the front wheels of the towed car off the ground while the rear wheels stay on the road. This setup works well for most front-wheel-drive vehicles and generally doesn't require vehicle modifications. That said, dollies are heavier and bulkier than flat tow setups, take more effort to load and unload, and aren't ideal for situations where you need to reverse.
Using an enclosed or flatbed trailer lifts all four wheels off the ground, fully supporting the vehicle’s weight. This method is ideal for towing almost any type of vehicle, including rear-wheel or all-wheel-drive models, and it offers added protection for luxury or classic cars. However, trailers are heavy and costly, take up significant space, and require a more powerful motorhome to handle the extra weight.
Key Components of an RV Tow Package
At McBride’s RV, we customize tow packages to meet your unique needs. Every safe towing setup begins with a tow bar, which acts as the connecting piece between your motorhome and towed vehicle, allowing flexibility and mobility during turns. Next is the base plate, which is mounted to the towed vehicle’s frame and provides the anchor point for the tow bar. We ensure the base plate is a perfect match for your vehicle to guarantee safety and performance.
Supplemental braking systems are another essential element. Required by law in many states, they enable the towed vehicle to brake in sync with your RV, reducing stopping distance and enhancing overall safety. We offer both proportional and inertia-based systems, depending on your needs. For vehicles that aren’t factory-approved for flat towing, we offer driveline disconnects and transmission pumps to prevent damage to the transmission. These allow the wheels to roll freely without internal mechanical wear.
Lighting and wiring kits connect your motorhome’s lights to the towed vehicle, ensuring your brake lights, turn signals, and running lights are visible during travel. We use high-quality, durable wiring kits that are compliant with all local and state regulations.
Choosing the Right Setup for You
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to selecting the best RV tow package. At McBride’s RV in Chino, we take the time to evaluate your specific needs and guide you toward the ideal solution. We begin by considering your RV type—Class A motorhomes, for example, can tow heavier loads than Class B or Class C units. We also review the towed vehicle’s make, model, and drivetrain to determine if it’s suitable for flat towing or requires alternative methods.
Your towing frequency matters as well. If you travel often and want a hassle-free experience, flat towing may be best. On the other hand, if you only tow occasionally or own a front-wheel-drive car, a tow dolly might be more appropriate. Lastly, we take into account your typical travel destinations. Towing laws vary by state, and we ensure that your setup complies with regulations no matter where your journey takes you.
Final Thoughts
Your towing setup plays a vital role in the safety, convenience, and overall enjoyment of your RV adventures. Choosing the right tow package isn't just a technical decision—it’s about making your travel experience as seamless as possible. At McBride’s RV, we remove the guesswork and provide expert guidance every step of the way, from evaluation to installation.If you're ready to find the perfect RV tow package tailored to your vehicle and lifestyle, give McBride’s RV a call today at 909-627-7566 or stop by our shop in Chino, CA. Let us help you hit the road with confidence and peace of mind.