For many RV owners, the freedom of traveling with a motorhome means bringing a little extra equipment along for the adventure. Whether it's a second vehicle for exploring, a trailer carrying ATVs or motorcycles, or even a few bicycles, having additional transportation can make longer RV trips much more convenient.
But before hooking up a vehicle or trailer to your RV, there are a few important things to understand. From weight limits and towing equipment to state regulations and road safety, proper preparation can make all the difference.
Here's what you need to know before towing behind your RV.
RV weight and towing
One of the most important steps before towing anything behind your RV is understanding how much weight your motorhome can safely handle.
RV weight ratings aren't all the same, and exceeding them can affect driving, braking, handling, tire performance, and overall vehicle safety.
Here are five important terms to understand:
GVWR: Maximum allowable loaded weight of the motorhome.
GCWR: Maximum allowable combined weight of the motorhome and everything being towed.
GAWR: Maximum weight each axle is designed to support.
Payload capacity: Additional weight the motorhome can carry, including passengers, cargo, and accessories.
Hitch rating: Maximum weight the hitch and its components are designed to handle.
These ratings work together. Even if your motorhome is within its GVWR, you could still exceed its GCWR or hitch capacity when towing another vehicle or trailer.
Always consult your RV owner's manual and manufacturer specifications before purchasing towing equipment or connecting another vehicle.
Towing a vehicle with your RV
If you want to bring along a car or truck on your trip, there are three main methods for towing a vehicle behind your motorhome:
Flat towing (four wheels down): With this method, your vehicle is connected to the RV via a tow bar and base plate. The car stays flat and rolls on all four tires
while you drive. Unhooking from the RV is quick and this method adds less to your overall weight (GVWR); however, not every vehicle can be flat towed, so check your owner’s manual.Using a tow dolly (two wheels up): A tow dolly is a small, two-wheeled trailer that attaches to the RV and lifts the front car wheels off the asphalt while the rear wheels stay on the road. This method works well for certain front-wheel-drive vehicles that cannot be towed flat. Proper securement and brake light attachment are necessary; in addition, some campgrounds and RV parks may require you to store the dolly in a different space or lot.
Using a full trailer: With this method, a car, boat, ATVs or bikes sit on a flatbed trailer that is towed by the RV. This method is appropriate for all-wheel-drive (AWD) and four-wheel-drive vehicles that cannot be flat-towed or put on a tow dolly. However, this method adds extra weight, registration requirements, and length.
Choosing a trailer
If you're considering towing a trailer behind your motorhome, it's important to choose one that works with your RV's specifications and intended use.
Before purchasing a trailer, consider:
The total loaded weight of the trailer, including everything inside it.
Your motorhome's GCWR and available towing capacity.
Your hitch's maximum towing and tongue-weight ratings.
Trailer brake and lighting requirements.
The combined length of your motorhome and trailer.
How much additional space you'll need when parking and maneuvering.
A towing capacity calculator can provide a starting point, but it should never replace your manufacturer's specifications or an actual weight measurement.
Remember that towing changes how your RV handles, accelerates, brakes, and maneuvers. Allow yourself plenty of room and practice in a safe, open area before heading out on a long trip.
State size limits
If you're traveling through New Mexico with an RV and trailer, it's important to understand the state's vehicle size and towing regulations.
New Mexico Statute §66-7-404 establishes several general vehicle size restrictions, including:
Maximum height: 14 feet.
Maximum motorhome length: 45 feet, subject to statutory measurement rules.
General combination length: 65 feet for qualifying vehicle combinations, subject to applicable exceptions.
There are also restrictions involving vehicle width, specific highway designations, and certain types of trailer combinations.
Because regulations can vary depending on the type of vehicle, trailer, and roadway, don't assume that a combination that's legal in one state will automatically be legal in another.
Before traveling, verify the applicable requirements with the New Mexico Department of Transportation and review the relevant state statutes.
Double / triple towing
Some RV owners want to bring more than one additional vehicle or trailer on their trips.
For example, someone driving a pickup truck while towing a fifth-wheel camper may also want to bring a small utility trailer carrying an ATV or motorcycle.
This is commonly called triple towing (or double towing in the RV community).
However, towing multiple units introduces additional challenges, including braking, turning, backing up, weight distribution, and overall vehicle length.
It's also not legal everywhere.
New Mexico generally limits vehicle combinations to two units, with specific exceptions. Under §66-7-404, a vehicle may pull two units when the middle unit has brakes, weighs at least as much as the last unit, and the combined gross weight of the towed units does not exceed the manufacturer's stated gross weight of the towing unit.
Rules and exceptions differ from state to state. If your trip crosses state lines, check the regulations for every state along your route before departing.
Check total RV and trailer weight
As a reminder, if you’re unsure about your total weight once you’ve hitched your trailer and loaded your RV with everything you need (including full gas and water tanks), visit a weighing station before you leave on your trip. In Clovis, the weigh station in Texico is the closest option, or view this CAT public scale locator here.
When the trip is over, finding a secure place to store your motorhome, trailer, or additional recreational equipment is an important part of RV ownership.
Whether you travel seasonally or take weekend road trips, having a designated storage location helps keep your driveway clear and your equipment organized between adventures.
At Max RV, we understand that your RV and recreational vehicles are an investment. When it's time to park your motorhome, store your trailer, and start planning your next getaway, we're here to help.
Looking for a place to store your RV or trailer? Contact Max RV today to learn more about our storage options.