Best Car to Tow Behind a Motorhome: Top Choices & Tips

Top 5 Best Cars to Tow Behind a Motorhome in 2023

When it comes to towing a car behind your motorhome, choosing the right vehicle is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable journey. Here are the top 5 best cars to tow behind a motorhome in 2023, each offering a blend of reliability, fuel efficiency, and performance that makes them ideal for extended road trips.

1. Ford Focus

The Ford Focus is a compact car that stands out for its excellent handling and reliability. It's lightweight and aerodynamic, making it easy to tow without putting too much strain on your motorhome. The Focus offers a comfortable ride and a spacious interior, perfect for short drives when you need to get away from your RV. Additionally, its fuel efficiency ensures you won't have to stop frequently for gas, allowing you to maximize your travel time.

2. Toyota Corolla

The Toyota Corolla is known for its durability and low maintenance costs, which are essential qualities for a towed vehicle. Its compact size and lightweight design make it an excellent choice for those who want a reliable car without the added bulk. The Corolla also boasts a smooth and quiet ride, enhancing your driving experience during local excursions. With a reputation for longevity, you can trust this car to serve you well throughout your travels.

3. Nissan Versa

The Nissan Versa is another top contender for towing behind a motorhome. It’s one of the most affordable options on this list, yet it doesn’t compromise on safety or comfort. The Versa’s small size makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, and its fuel-efficient engine keeps your travel costs down. The car’s basic but functional features ensure that you have everything you need for short trips, making it a practical choice for RV enthusiasts.

4. Hyundai Elantra

The Hyundai Elantra offers a balance of style and functionality, making it a popular choice for towing. Its sleek design and modern features provide a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience, while its lightweight build ensures it doesn’t add unnecessary weight to your motorhome. The Elantra’s reliable performance and good fuel economy make it an excellent option for those who value both aesthetics and practicality.

5. Chevrolet Spark

The Chevrolet Spark is a subcompact car that is perfect for towing due to its small size and light weight. This car is incredibly easy to park and handle in urban areas, making it ideal for quick errands and sightseeing. Despite its size, the Spark offers ample space for two passengers and a decent amount of cargo room. Its efficient engine and low operating costs make it a cost-effective choice for your motorhome adventures.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Car to Tow Behind a Motorhome

When selecting a car to tow behind your motorhome, one of the most critical factors is the compatibility between the vehicle and your RV. Not all cars are suitable for towing, and it's essential to ensure that your chosen car meets the manufacturer’s specifications for both the motorhome and the towed vehicle. Check the motorhome’s towing capacity, which is typically listed in the owner’s manual, and compare it with the weight of the car you plan to tow. Additionally, verify if your motorhome is equipped with the necessary towing systems, such as a tow bar, braking system, and wiring harness. Some motorhomes may require additional equipment or modifications to safely tow certain types of vehicles.

Another crucial factor is the fuel efficiency of the towed car. Towing a car behind your motorhome can significantly increase your overall fuel consumption, so choosing a car with good fuel economy can help offset this impact. Compact and lightweight vehicles generally consume less fuel, making them more cost-effective options. Consider hybrid or electric vehicles if they meet your towing requirements, as these can offer substantial savings on fuel costs over the long term. However, ensure that any alternative fuel vehicle you choose is compatible with your motorhome’s towing setup and that you have access to charging stations along your route if needed.

The ease of use of the towed car is also important. You’ll want a vehicle that is easy to connect and disconnect from your motorhome, especially if you plan to do this frequently. Look for cars that come with user-friendly tow bars and other accessories that simplify the process. Additionally, consider the size and maneuverability of the car when parked at campsites or while driving independently. A smaller, more agile car can be easier to handle in tight spaces and can reduce the stress of navigating through crowded areas.

Lastly, reliability and maintenance should not be overlooked. Opt for a car with a proven track record of reliability, as breakdowns can disrupt your travel plans and incur significant costs. Regular maintenance is crucial for both the car and the towing equipment to ensure everything operates smoothly. Choose a vehicle that has accessible service centers and a robust support network, so you can get help quickly if issues arise. Additionally, consider the availability of spare parts and the ease of performing routine maintenance tasks, such as oil changes and tire rotations, while on the road.

Best Compact Cars for Towing Behind a Motorhome

When it comes to towing a compact car behind your motorhome, choosing the right vehicle is crucial for ensuring a smooth and safe journey. Compact cars are ideal for this purpose due to their smaller size, which makes them easier to maneuver and store when not in use. Additionally, they tend to be more fuel-efficient, which can help offset the increased fuel consumption of your motorhome. Here are some top picks for the best compact cars to tow behind a motorhome:

1. Toyota Corolla

The Toyota Corolla is a reliable and efficient choice for towing behind a motorhome. Known for its durability and low maintenance, the Corolla offers a comfortable ride and good handling. It has a spacious interior for a compact car, making it suitable for small families or couples who need extra space for luggage. The Corolla's lightweight design also reduces the strain on your motorhome, enhancing overall towing stability.

2. Honda Civic

The Honda Civic is another excellent option for those looking to tow a compact car. With a reputation for reliability and longevity, the Civic is a smart investment that will likely serve you well for many years. Its efficient engine and lightweight build contribute to better fuel economy, which is essential when towing. The Civic also offers a variety of trim levels, allowing you to choose the features that best suit your needs, such as advanced safety technologies and a user-friendly infotainment system.

3. Mazda3

The Mazda3 stands out for its sporty design and engaging driving dynamics, making it a fun and practical choice for towing behind a motorhome. Its compact size and lightweight construction ensure that it doesn’t add too much weight to your rig, while its agile handling enhances the overall towing experience. The Mazda3 also boasts a well-appointed interior with modern amenities, providing a comfortable environment for long drives.

4. Hyundai Elantra

The Hyundai Elantra is known for its value and advanced features, making it a cost-effective yet sophisticated choice for towing. It offers a sleek design, a comfortable ride, and a range of safety features that can provide peace of mind on the road. The Elantra’s compact dimensions and lightweight frame make it easy to tow, and its fuel efficiency helps keep costs down. Additionally, Hyundai’s warranty is one of the best in the industry, offering added protection and reliability.

Best SUVs and Crossovers for Towing Behind a Motorhome

When it comes to towing behind a motorhome, choosing the right SUV or crossover is crucial for ensuring a safe and smooth journey. These vehicles need to be reliable, have robust towing capabilities, and offer ample space for storage and comfort. One of the top choices in this category is the Toyota 4Runner. Known for its durability and off-road capabilities, the 4Runner can tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it an excellent option for those who need to haul heavy loads. Its solid build and spacious interior also provide a comfortable ride for passengers and plenty of room for gear.

Another standout model is the Ford Explorer. The Explorer offers a powerful engine and a maximum towing capacity of around 5,600 pounds, depending on the trim level. It features advanced safety technologies and a versatile interior that can be configured to meet various needs. The Ford Explorer’s reliability and smooth handling make it a popular choice among motorhome enthusiasts who require both performance and practicality.

Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon

The Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon are full-size SUVs that excel in towing capacity, with both models capable of towing up to 8,600 pounds. Their large size provides ample cargo space, and they come equipped with features like a heavy-duty trailer package and a powerful V8 engine. These vehicles are ideal for those who need to tow larger trailers or boats, offering the strength and stability required for such tasks.

For those looking for a more compact yet still capable option, the Honda Pilot is a fantastic choice. The Honda Pilot has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and is known for its reliability and fuel efficiency. It offers a comfortable ride and a well-designed interior that can accommodate both passengers and cargo. The Pilot’s user-friendly technology and safety features also make it a reliable companion for long motorhome trips.

Expert Tips for Towing a Car Behind Your Motorhome Safely

Towing a car behind your motorhome can enhance your RVing experience by providing you with the freedom to explore destinations once you've set up camp. However, it's crucial to follow safety guidelines to ensure a smooth and secure journey. One of the most important aspects is selecting the right towing equipment. Invest in a high-quality tow bar, base plates, and safety cables that are compatible with both your motorhome and the towed vehicle. Always refer to the manufacturer's specifications to ensure the equipment meets the required weight and towing capacity.

Proper weight distribution is another critical factor in safe towing. Ensure that the weight of the towed car is evenly distributed to avoid any imbalance that could affect the handling of your motorhome. The tongue weight should be between 10-15% of the total weight of the towed vehicle. Additionally, use weight-distributing hitches if necessary to prevent any strain on the motorhome's suspension and improve overall stability.

Before hitting the road, conduct a thorough pre-trip inspection. Check the brakes, tires, and lights of both the motorhome and the towed car to ensure they are in good working condition. Make sure the tow bar is securely attached and that all safety cables are properly connected. It's also a good idea to install a supplemental braking system for the towed car, especially if it exceeds a certain weight, as this will help prevent any braking issues and reduce the risk of accidents.

While on the road, maintain a safe speed and allow for extra stopping distance when towing a car. Sudden stops or sharp turns can be dangerous, so it's essential to drive defensively and be aware of your surroundings. Regularly check your mirrors to monitor the position of the towed car and make adjustments as needed. If you notice any unusual behavior, such as swaying or dragging, pull over safely and inspect the towing setup to ensure everything is secure.