RV Flat towing

[Cathy1204]

Hello,

We just bought a '17 C max hybrid to flat tow behind our motorhome.

I was wondering if anyone has experience doing this and would share what equipment you are using. We are looking at Roadmaster Nighthawk tow bar, Roadmaster base plate and Invisi Brake system. Any feedback and opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[adam1991]

I've had hybrid since 2007.

 

I would never, ever, ever flat tow--with drive wheels on the ground--a hybrid.

 

Anyway, the owner's manual talks to this, and it's not clear.  Under "Emergency Towing," it says this:

 

If your vehicle becomes inoperable (without access to wheel dollies, car-hauling trailer, or flatbed transport vehicle), it can be flat-towed (all wheels on the ground, regardless of the powertrain and transmission configuration) under the following conditions:

• Tow only in the forward direction.

• The transmission in position N. If you cannot move the transmission into N, you may need to override it. See Automatic Transmission (page 161)

•  

  Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).

  Maximum distance is 50 miles (80 kilometers).

but then immediately following, it says this:

 

Recreational Towing

Note: Put your climate control system in recirculated air mode to prevent exhaust fumes from entering the vehicle. See Climate Control (page 108).

Follow these guidelines if you have a need for recreational (RV) towing. An example of recreational towing would be towing your vehicle behind a motorhome. We designed these guidelines to prevent damage to your transmission.

You can tow your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground or with the front wheels off the ground by using a tow dolly. If you are using a tow dolly follow the instructions specified by the equipment provider.

If you tow your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground:

• Tow only in the forward direction.

• Release the parking brake.

  Vehicles with Push Button Start

1. Start the vehicle by pressing the brake pedal, and then pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button until the vehicle starts.

2. Press the brake pedal and shift the transmission into position N.

3. Turn the vehicle off by pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button once. (Trip Summary appears in the left instrument cluster screen when the vehicle is off.)

Vehicles with Ignition Key

1. Start the vehicle by pressing the brake pedal, and then turning the ignition key until the vehicle starts.

2. Press the brake pedal and shift the transmission into position N.

3. Turn the vehicle off by turning the ignition key past the accessory position. The key position is between the accessory and off positions. See Ignition Switch (page 129). (Trip Summary appears in the left instrument cluster screen when the vehicle is off.)

Note: If your vehicle is equipped with an ignition key, you cannot remove the key from the ignition cylinder when the transmission is in position N and the vehicle is off.

All Vehicles

• Do not exceed 70 mph (113 km/h).

• Place the transmission in position P, start the vehicle, and allow the engine to run for one minute at the beginning of each day (you may need to press the accelerator pedal in order to start the engine). After allowing the vehicle to run, place the transmission back into position N and the ignition in the off position.

  Note: A SHIFT TO PARK or TRANSMISSION NOT IN PARK message may appear in the information display when the transmission is in position N and the ignition is in the off position.

 

On the one hand, no more than 35mph and no more than 50 miles.  On the other hand, "tow away!"

 

Dolly it for safety and security.  Seriously.