Towing a car with a tow bar is a viable and cost-effective method, but it requires careful attention to your vehicle's specifications and proper equipment setup. The core steps involve verifying your car can be towed, installing the tow bar correctly, and safely connecting the towed vehicle.
Crucial First Step: Check Towing Eligibility
Not all vehicles can be towed with all four wheels on the ground. This is primarily determined by the drivetrain (the system that delivers power to the wheels). Towing a car with its drive wheels on the ground can severely damage the transmission. Always consult your owner’s manual for the manufacturer's specific towing instructions. Generally:
- Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) vehicles can often be towed with all wheels down if the transmission is in neutral.
- Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD/4WD) vehicles typically require a dolly (lifting the drive wheels) or a full trailer to avoid transmission damage.
Equipment and Setup
You will need a tow bar rated for the weight of your vehicle, safety cables, and working brake and tail lights on the towed car. The tow bar must be securely attached to the frame-mounted tow points of both vehicles, not just the bumper. Safety cables must be crossed under the tow bar and hooked to the frame of the towing vehicle, creating a backup connection if the tow bar fails.
The Towing Process
Drive cautiously, allowing for much longer stopping distances and wider turns. The towed vehicle will not brake on its own, so the towing vehicle's brakes are handling the weight of both cars. Accelerate and decelerate smoothly to avoid a "snapping" effect on the tow bar. Here is a comparison of common RV towable vehicles based on data from manufacturer manuals and industry sources like SEMA:
| Vehicle Model | Drivetrain | Flat-Towable? (4-down) | Required Base Curb Weight (lbs) | Notes / Key Requirement |
|---|
| Jeep Wrangler | 4WD | Yes | 3,900 - 4,900 | Transfer case must be in neutral. |
| Ford F-150 (4x4) | 4WD | No | 4,600 - 5,300 | Requires dolly or trailer for 4x4 models. |
| Honda CR-V (AWD) | AWD | No | 3,500 - 3,700 | All wheels must be off the ground. |
| Chevrolet Equinox (FWD) | FWD | Yes | 3,300 - 3,600 | Transmission in neutral, confirm with manual. |
| Subaru Outback (AWD) | AWD | No | 3,600 - 3,900 | All Subaru AWD models require a trailer/dolly. |
Before you hit the road, perform a final check of all connections and practice maneuvering in a safe, empty parking lot.
