What you Need to Know When Flat Towing Behind a Motorhome

Driving a motorhome across New Zealand can be deeply rewarding. The views, the people you meet, and the open road all offer a unique experience – especially when you can take your normal car with you too.

Motorhome travel offers a great deal of flexibility since you do not need another place to stay, but driving around the city or going off-road isn't that easy. That’s where towing comes in as a simple way to safely pull your car behind a motorhome.

Here we cover what equipment is needed for flat towing and how to attach your towing A-frame safely to your RV. We’ll also explore some of the rules and regulations to keep in mind when travelling in New Zealand.

What is flat towing?

Flat towing is pulling your car behind your campervan so that all four wheels are travelling on the ground. It can also be referred to as A-frame towing due to the shape of the tow bar in an A. Its feet firmly bolt to the front of your vehicle by brackets, sometimes known as the base plate, and the trailer coupler attaches to the tow ball on your motorhome.

Flat towing is easy and convenient to set up. It’s the perfect method to use with a motorhome or RV because they have a similar turn radius and it's quick and easy to unhook the towed vehicle when you need it to run into town, or to get out of a tight situation.

Flat towing is more affordable and adventure-ready than flat-bed towing, which is towing your vehicle on a flat trailer. As well as practicality, it offers more even wear on your tyres compared to dolly or two-wheel towing, where the front or rear wheels of your car are lifted up. However, it is important to remember that even when you are towing it in neutral, it has the same wear and tear on your vehicle’s transmission, suspension and tyres compared to if you were actually driving it.

Before you can tow your car behind your RV, you will need to install the base plates onto your run-around vehicle which your A-frame tow bar can be attached to. You may also need a braking system in your towed vehicle to work in conjunction with the motor home. This allows your towed vehicle to brake smoothly and to convey the brake lights when the motorhome ahead slows down.

For the braking system to work, the key has to be in the ignition and turned to the Accessory position - which draws power but does not actually start the car. The ignition must also be in the Accessory position to ensure the steering is unlocked.

Do not have the ignition in the ON position when towing because this could activate the advanced drive-assist features which could throw off your motorhome. As your car is drawing power while it is being towed, it can drain the battery, so make sure to take it off the A-frame and drive it regularly for longer trips and keep an eye on any warning signs on the dashboard.

What you need to know before you install

There is no hard and fast rule that you can apply to determine which vehicles are suitable for flat towing. Every car has its own specific transmission and lubrication system, and these determine whether they are safe to tow on their own four wheels. The easiest way to find out is to consult your vehicle’s manufacturer.

Installing a flat towing rig is a slight modification to both your car and campervan. You will need a tow bar installed on the motorhome and a base plate kit installed on your towed vehicle with a tow bar that effectively connects the two.

Before you get started, get advice from the NZ Motor Caravan Association from those who have completed the process before. They can provide more information and put you in touch with recommended suppliers. You should also check with an engineer or heavy vehicle specialist certifier who has previously worked with VTNZ on motorhomes with A-frames, as they will need to issue the warrant on any vehicle with modifications.

The next step is to get an estimate. It can be an expensive process due to the engineering and compliance costs, so make sure you have done the sums before you start.

Finally, be aware that modifications to your car can void warranties or not be covered under insurance, so do your research.

Rules and regulations

In New Zealand, there are a few safety considerations and legal requirements regarding A-frames and safe flat towing. These are provided by the Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

Firstly, it's important the A-frame has been tested and proven to be compatible with the airbag system in your make and model of vehicle. Land Transport Rule of Frontal Impact, 2001, disallows an A-frame to be fitted to a vehicle if the tow installation would adversely affect the performance of frontal impact protection features. For example, if the base plate might compromise the airbags or crumple zones, then it cannot be installed.

Vehicles that must comply with the frontal impact protection standard may still have a flat towing base plate installed if:

• The A-frame and associated brackets are fit for the purpose and do not hinder the vehicle's safety features.
• The brackets remaining on the vehicle when the A-frame is removed are recessed behind the forward surface of the bumper by no less than 20mm to allow for slight bumper deformation.
• The brackets are fitted so they do not bridge the vehicle's crumple zones or stiffen the front of the vehicle.

Know your regulations and why they keep you safe before planning a base plate installation on your in-town car.

As well as ensuring the A-frame and your towed vehicle is suitable, you will need to check your motorhome is able to tow a trailer or vehicle. The maximum length of your motorhome, including awnings and accessories can be up to 11.5m only if you wish to tow a vehicle or trailer behind it.

Why flat towing a Suzuki Jimny is so popular

If your current car is not recommended for flat towing behind your motorhome, you may have heard more than a few recommendations for the Suzuki Jimny as the one to tow. Once you've experienced the difference, you’ll see why the appeal is clear.

The Jimny has a substantial 4WD chassis frame ideal for mounting a flat towing rig without compromising the safety features. The compact and lightweight design is ideal for towing without putting much drag on your motorhome. What’s better, is that the 4WD is perfect for exploring out-of-the-way places like hidden fishing spots and undisturbed camping grounds.

Deciding to flat tow a vehicle behind your motorhome is a smart idea for fully enjoying the beauty of nature and the delights of Aotearoa. Whether you are looking for a consultation or you’re seeking a new vehicle that is better for towing, Suzuki is here to help.

Explore your options for your next A-frame towed adventure with our Guide to Buying a New Car.