I would highly recommend you two to sit down or even go around both vehicles with a clipboard and make a PRE-FLIGHT or should I say, PRE-TRIP but I prefer a PRE-FLIGHT check list and make plenty of copies of that list. That way before each time you guys go you go down the check list and mark off each item so that everything is safe and secure. I have seen so many RVers that don't use their homemade check list and see them going down the highway with their TV antenna still up or tow vehicle cables dragging down the road because they weren't adjusted correctly. You get my drift. Spend a little time making your PRE-FLIGHT Check list and you will be saving a lot more time and MONEY later on. See ya on the road!!!
Cutting corners often come to bite you, as you've shared. Life is a journey and learning is apart of that journey, thanks for sharing. I applaud you for sharing your mistakes, Jason and doing so openly and publicly, here and on other video's you've made. One needs to be pretty secure to do so and have a thick skin for all those who never make mistakes and will comment. ;)
You crack me up Jason. I bottomed out my tow bar and messed up my cables the first time I backed out of my steep driveway also. Grrr. I still have the cables taped up years later.
Thank you Jason! Very helpful. I have to tow my car for a 500 mile move, and I'm terrified. Never done that before and I'm traveling alone. This was great to know, and so was your 'correct' tow setup video. Many thanks, you and Nikki have helped me a great deal!!!
Yes, exactly. When moving, rent a car hauler trailer to tow behind your moving van. It's simpler, easier, and it has brakes on the towed vehicle because the car haulers all have braked axles. It's much safer, easier to control, and will cut your stopping distance in half.
For anybody watching this and needing to install or relocate a breakaway switch, this is just a little suggestion in addition to the video. Put the breakaway switch as close to center of the towed vehicle as possible. That's because if it is position at a far corner of the towed car, like it was in this video, it can be pulled out during a sharp turn. Hopefully when he redid his wiring, it now lives dead center or close to it!
you are always so good natured about your set backs short comings ..I think we all could try to be more like that!thanks for the inspiration and laughs..you are so funny!And of course ..thanks for the video/tips!
Great video, I gave up trying to remember all of the little things to do hitching up my toy hauler. We made a list and taped it next to the door so we can double check before leaving.
I was thinking of changing my toad and BADABING I'm flashbacking from floating to rolling with the Wynns. This was a very humorous video at your expense...I totally enjoyed it. Flash forward, by now you have advanced from Jerry R. Wynn to a fully accredited McGyver.
Have you seen the car lifts that attach to the back of the rv? You drive the car on to it, then it lifts out of the way. I believe it was designed with the smart car in mind(due to size).
That was a mid engine Supreme that was discontinued some time ago. Your choices are slim in that category forcing you to look at the "toy hauler" or "motor garage" class.
there would be less wear and tear and mileage on your car if you dolly towed it. The dolly doesn't need to be disconnected from the rv just like the hitch tow you have now. You don't leave the key in the switch in the car either with a dolly as the front wheels are off the ground.
Jason, never get between a tow car and a motorhome when directing the tow car to the tow hitch, and also never between a tow vehicle and a travel trailer, same problem, you can get killed/squashed etc, always stand to the side where you cannot get your legs crushed or worse, killed. Charlie
I am surprised you do not haul your smart car on an Aluma 14ft car trailer. I love mine as I invested in custom made Mac tie down system. So much more secure and besides, allows for a bit more stuff like folding tables etc etc .
I used to tow a full size truck behind my diesel pusher. Even though I had it all hooked up correctly, it was scary. I truly think a tow dolly would be safer and easier for a front wheel drive vehicle.
The Smart Car is a fairly small car. Wouldn't it be easier to get a covered trailer and use it as a towable garage to protect your car from the elements, and use the extra space for storage?
it is an option, but I like not having to worry about a trailer at the campground. At 33' we barely fit in many state and national parks, having a trailer would definitely pose a problem.
Gone with the Wynns That is true, if trying to fit in small places is your goal, then a trailer is not a good option. I didn't know you had a G+ page, now you have another friend here.
Can you cover the other options with their advantages or disadvantages for a tow car , as in using a dolly or a full trailer . When using a tow bar do you do more than put the car in neutral for long distance tows ?
I don't know of anyone has told you but don't stand directly in front or behind a vehicle when backing them in or directing them, it's a good way to get ran over or smashed between vehicles
213gixxer no, sorry that was before we knew how to shoot video. Roadmaster has a step by step photo of how to install most of their towbars if you're considering doing it yourself.
How does the smart 4 2 handle being towed? I own one and saw on another UA-cam that pulling a smart car was almost to light. Mine's a 2013. Are they set up to tow or do you have to do something to the trans?
+Joshua Kremer Different folks, different strokes I guess. In my case it is, amongst other things, because your tow vehicle will need to be a big ass truck, and I do not want my daily ride to be a big ass truck when I am base camped.
I recently read that reselling a 5th wheel is difficult. Therefore, a use 5th wheel should be a good deal to buy for a first time buyer. I would do a lot of research before investing.
Just get a smart car trailer. There is one on Ebay right now. You can skip this entire mess of airhose, wires, bolted crap to your cute smart front end, yikes.
Nice video but you kept using the term "jury" rigged which is as being on a jury of one's peers. You seem though to be saying "Jerry rigged" as in Jerry Lewis. Do you know that?
Actually, I think the correct term is "Gerry-rigged", harkening back to what might now be considered an inappropriate reference by Allied soldiers to how German military in WWII would "rig" something to meet a need which no other specific tool or device would meet.
It's amazing to me how people will speculate on the Internet without any research whatsoever. Here try fact instead of your thinking which is obviously flawed. You might learn something... www.dailywritingtips.com/jury-rigged-vs-jerry-rigged/
Excerpted from your link: "In American usage, jerry-rigged refers to something devised or repaired with materials at hand. " So, it seems, based on your link, Mr. Wynn's use and pronunciation was acceptable in American usage, while my understanding of the origin and spelling of the term was incorrect. Thus, I stand corrected - and apparently appropriately "spanked". Thanks for being so discriminating in pointing that out.
Oh, good grief. You two just don’t get it, do you? In this case, your title implies a car towing an RV (an RV tow car), but you’re actually referring to a motorhome towing a car. Once again, recreational vehicles (“RV’s”) are more than just motorhomes. Travel trailers, trucks with camper shells, and similar are recreational vehicles. Sailboats, speedboats, jet skis, and similar watercraft are recreational vehicles. Dirt bikes, ATV’s, dune buggies, and similar are recreational vehicles. Again, please stop using the generic term “RV’s” when referring solely to motorhomes.
Kate Hare McIntosh It did? Then perhaps you can show an RV capable that tows "cars," plural. The title would only make sense if listing cars which can tow RV's. For example, the best five "RV tow cars."
No offense, but it seems like your travel logs are more like commercials. They are just a couple of minets and don't really delve into your trip very much. I understand you get paid for views, and free camping from the sites you advertise, but, it might be nice of you to produce an actual travel log episode that is twenty to thirty minets long a la Globetrekker. Just a suggestion, I've stopped watching due to the fact that you're basically just making two to seven minet commercials in exchange for free swag and campsites.
Castaway, Are you comparing me to Globe Trekker the series on Public Television? If so, thank you. They have a production crew that helps them through every process and sponsors that provide them with products and funds to travel. We are just 2 people trying to enjoy life on the road. We film when we can, we edit when we have time, and we upload a little entertainment, a little education, or whatever else we feel like sharing. As for your allegations; they cannot be more wrong: We do not get paid by these towns we visit, we don't get paid to create most of our videos, and the "pay per click" we receive from UA-cam is barely enough money to pay for our website expenses on our site www.gonewiththewynns.com I appreciate the comment but don't tell me I'm selling out when you have no idea what goes on in our lives, our business or our travels.
Gone with the Wynns "don't tell me I'm selling out when you have no idea what goes on in our lives, our business or our travels." That's so right! It's a common for people assume and be wrong. Especially when they know nothing about your private lives and make assumptions.
![Flat Towing a Vehicle Behind an RV - QUICK & EASY SETUP [RVing Full Time]](/img/n.gif)
I would highly recommend you two to sit down or even go around both vehicles with a clipboard and make a PRE-FLIGHT or should I say, PRE-TRIP but I prefer a PRE-FLIGHT check list and make plenty of copies of that list. That way before each time you guys go you go down the check list and mark off each item so that everything is safe and secure. I have seen so many RVers that don't use their homemade check list and see them going down the highway with their TV antenna still up or tow vehicle cables dragging down the road because they weren't adjusted correctly. You get my drift. Spend a little time making your PRE-FLIGHT Check list and you will be saving a lot more time and MONEY later on. See ya on the road!!!
Cutting corners often come to bite you, as you've shared. Life is a journey and learning is apart of that journey, thanks for sharing. I applaud you for sharing your mistakes, Jason and doing so openly and publicly, here and on other video's you've made. One needs to be pretty secure to do so and have a thick skin for all those who never make mistakes and will comment. ;)
You crack me up Jason. I bottomed out my tow bar and messed up my cables the first time I backed out of my steep driveway also. Grrr. I still have the cables taped up years later.
Thank you Jason! Very helpful. I have to tow my car for a 500 mile move, and I'm terrified. Never done that before and I'm traveling alone. This was great to know, and so was your 'correct' tow setup video. Many thanks, you and Nikki have helped me a great deal!!!
when moving, just rent a trailer
Mark Pitchford - I'm relocating, so needed by car.
Yes, exactly. When moving, rent a car hauler trailer to tow behind your moving van. It's simpler, easier, and it has brakes on the towed vehicle because the car haulers all have braked axles. It's much safer, easier to control, and will cut your stopping distance in half.
For anybody watching this and needing to install or relocate a breakaway switch, this is just a little suggestion in addition to the video. Put the breakaway switch as close to center of the towed vehicle as possible. That's because if it is position at a far corner of the towed car, like it was in this video, it can be pulled out during a sharp turn. Hopefully when he redid his wiring, it now lives dead center or close to it!
you are always so good natured about your set backs short comings ..I think we all could try to be more like that!thanks for the inspiration and laughs..you are so funny!And of course ..thanks for the video/tips!
Great video, I gave up trying to remember all of the little things to do hitching up my toy hauler. We made a list and taped it next to the door so we can double check before leaving.
So far you ding dongs have the best RV experience videos. Thumbs up
I was thinking of changing my toad and BADABING I'm flashbacking from floating to rolling with the Wynns. This was a very humorous video at your expense...I totally enjoyed it. Flash forward, by now you have advanced from Jerry R. Wynn to a fully accredited McGyver.
I don't trust myself so I use a check list when I connect the car. I had it laminated at Staples and keep it in the towed car's glove compartment.
Great video and love the humor. 👍
Have you seen the car lifts that attach to the back of the rv? You drive the car on to it, then it lifts out of the way. I believe it was designed with the smart car in mind(due to size).
We have considered, but like flat towing the car so when we're parked there's no extra stuff.
That was a mid engine Supreme that was discontinued some time ago. Your choices are slim in that category forcing you to look at the "toy hauler" or "motor garage" class.
there would be less wear and tear and mileage on your car if you dolly towed it. The dolly doesn't need to be disconnected from the rv just like the hitch tow you have now. You don't leave the key in the switch in the car either with a dolly as the front wheels are off the ground.
Jason, never get between a tow car and a motorhome when directing the tow car to the tow hitch, and also never between a tow vehicle and a travel trailer, same problem, you can get killed/squashed etc, always stand to the side where you cannot get your legs crushed or worse, killed.
Charlie
I am surprised you do not haul your smart car on an Aluma 14ft car trailer. I love mine as I invested in custom made Mac tie down system. So much more secure and besides, allows for a bit more stuff like folding tables etc etc .
Dealing with a trailer in a campground can be a real hassle, so we prefer to travel a little lighter.
Pilots use checklists. It might be beneficial to make some, especially for these sorts of things.
Thanks for all the info. I am thinking a written check list would be a very good thing to use!
I used to tow a full size truck behind my diesel pusher. Even though I had it all hooked up correctly, it was scary. I truly think a tow dolly would be safer and easier for a front wheel drive vehicle.
Sweet video. Thank you for your candid self review!
Thanks for sharing what you have learned with us.
The Smart Car is a fairly small car. Wouldn't it be easier to get a covered trailer and use it as a towable garage to protect your car from the elements, and use the extra space for storage?
it is an option, but I like not having to worry about a trailer at the campground. At 33' we barely fit in many state and national parks, having a trailer would definitely pose a problem.
Gone with the Wynns
That is true, if trying to fit in small places is your goal, then a trailer is not a good option. I didn't know you had a G+ page, now you have another friend here.
how do you install those 'bracket's on the bumper of your small car?
Can you cover the other options with their advantages or disadvantages for a tow car , as in using a dolly or a full trailer . When using a tow bar do you do more than put the car in neutral for long distance tows ?
heartland96a We cover your questions in the article on our website www.gonewiththewynns.com/how-to-rv-tow-car
Thanks for sharing!
I don't know of anyone has told you but don't stand directly in front or behind a vehicle when backing them in or directing them, it's a good way to get ran over or smashed between vehicles
GREAT ADVICE
after seeing the "right" way...i was laffin all the way thru this video!
Do u have a video on how u installed everything on the car??
213gixxer no, sorry that was before we knew how to shoot video. Roadmaster has a step by step photo of how to install most of their towbars if you're considering doing it yourself.
How does the smart 4 2 handle being towed? I own one and saw on another UA-cam that pulling a smart car was almost to light. Mine's a 2013. Are they set up to tow or do you have to do something to the trans?
Excellent. I learned a lot. Thanks.
Poor Smart Car :( too bad you can't tweak the suspension to lift the car up while towing to give you more ground clearance.
Why not get a trailer for your tow vehicle?
+Joshua Kremer Different folks, different strokes I guess. In my case it is, amongst other things, because your tow vehicle will need to be a big ass truck, and I do not want my daily ride to be a big ass truck when I am base camped.
I agree & I don't understand the reply. Why would a person tow a big truck mounted on a trailer?
Thanks looking more like I will buy a fifth wheel.
I recently read that reselling a 5th wheel is difficult. Therefore, a use 5th wheel should be a good deal to buy for a first time buyer. I would do a lot of research before investing.
y don't u just get a little trailer?
Just remember RVrs if you lose something on the road it's a big deal to a motorcyclist
Do it once.
Do it correctly.
Write it down. Memorize it
Saves money, time and lots of aggravation
Just get a smart car trailer. There is one on Ebay right now. You can skip this entire mess of airhose, wires, bolted crap to your cute smart front end, yikes.
Seems like a lot of work
You should not be towing if you make that many mistakes... Only a matter of time!
Nice video but you kept using the term "jury" rigged which is as being on a jury of one's peers. You seem though to be saying "Jerry rigged" as in Jerry Lewis. Do you know that?
Actually, I think the correct term is "Gerry-rigged", harkening back to what might now be considered an inappropriate reference by Allied soldiers to how German military in WWII would "rig" something to meet a need which no other specific tool or device would meet.
It's amazing to me how people will speculate on the Internet without any research whatsoever. Here try fact instead of your thinking which is obviously flawed. You might learn something... www.dailywritingtips.com/jury-rigged-vs-jerry-rigged/
Excerpted from your link: "In American usage, jerry-rigged refers to something devised or repaired with materials at hand. "
So, it seems, based on your link, Mr. Wynn's use and pronunciation was acceptable in American usage, while my understanding of the origin and spelling of the term was incorrect. Thus, I stand corrected - and apparently appropriately "spanked". Thanks for being so discriminating in pointing that out.
Oh, good grief. You two just don’t get it, do you? In this case, your title implies a car towing an RV (an RV tow car), but you’re actually referring to a motorhome towing a car. Once again, recreational vehicles (“RV’s”) are more than just motorhomes. Travel trailers, trucks with camper shells, and similar are recreational vehicles. Sailboats, speedboats, jet skis, and similar watercraft are recreational vehicles. Dirt bikes, ATV’s, dune buggies, and similar are recreational vehicles. Again, please stop using the generic term “RV’s” when referring solely to motorhomes.
Their title made sense to me.
Kate Hare McIntosh
It did? Then perhaps you can show an RV capable that tows "cars," plural. The title would only make sense if listing cars which can tow RV's. For example, the best five "RV tow cars."
If you don’t know how to set up your tow equipment properly, you should not be towing.
No offense, but it seems like your travel logs are more like commercials. They are just a couple of minets and don't really delve into your trip very much. I understand you get paid for views, and free camping from the sites you advertise, but, it might be nice of you to produce an actual travel log episode that is twenty to thirty minets long a la Globetrekker. Just a suggestion, I've stopped watching due to the fact that you're basically just making two to seven minet commercials in exchange for free swag and campsites.
Castaway,
Are you comparing me to Globe Trekker the series on Public Television? If so, thank you. They have a production crew that helps them through every process and sponsors that provide them with products and funds to travel.
We are just 2 people trying to enjoy life on the road. We film when we can, we edit when we have time, and we upload a little entertainment, a little education, or whatever else we feel like sharing.
As for your allegations; they cannot be more wrong: We do not get paid by these towns we visit, we don't get paid to create most of our videos, and the "pay per click" we receive from UA-cam is barely enough money to pay for our website expenses on our site www.gonewiththewynns.com
I appreciate the comment but don't tell me I'm selling out when you have no idea what goes on in our lives, our business or our travels.
Gone with the Wynns "don't tell me I'm selling out when you have no idea what goes on in our lives, our business or our travels." That's so right!
It's a common for people assume and be wrong. Especially when they know nothing about your private lives and make assumptions.