2019-DINGHY-GUIDE Cover.indd 1/29/19 9:33 AM - 1 - (Cyan .
2019-DINGHY-GUIDE Cover.indd 1/29/19 9:33 AM - 1 -(Cyan)(Magenta)(Yellow)(BlacK)2019 GOOD SAMGUIDE TODINGHY TOWING65APPROVEDTOWABLESPLUSTHE RIGHT WAY TO TOW DINGHY ACCESSORIES AUXILIARY BRAKING OPTIONSSPONSORED BYSupplement to MotorHome April 2019 www.motorhome.com
2 BLUE OX - TOW.indd 1/24/19 12:27 PM - 2 -(Cyan)(Magenta)(Yellow)(BlacK) Curb Appeal. Convenience. Safety.Our premium powdercoat accents andcomplimentsyour coach.Our longer, premiumtow bars, give you smoothertowing and more roomfor turns.Patented, non-bindinglatches, quicklydisconnect inany terrain.Ascent Lightweight aluminum. 31 lbs.Easy to carry and easy to hook up.7,500 lb towing capacity.Safety cables included. 3 year warranty.Avail Sturdy all steel construction with thecapacity to tow heavier vehicles.10,000 lb towing capacity.Safety cables included. 3 year warranty.Alpha Sturdy all steel constructionbuilt to tow medium sized vehicles.6,500 lb towing capacity.Safety cables included. 3 year warranty.Accessory KitsConnect & Protect798459 09174292-70557798459 08918292-69298798459 06680292-69286
2019-DINGHY-GUIDE Intro.indd 1/29/19 9:30 AM - 3 -(Cyan)(Magenta)(Yellow)(BlacK)FREEDOM AWAITSAmotorhome isthe ultimate symbol ofRVing freedom. With a motorhome, youcan explore the country in comfort, always justa few steps away from a homemade meal andyour own bed. But, when visiting popular touristattractions or navigating narrow campgroundsand congested roadways, you’ve probably foundthat convenience comes at a price: limitedmobility. That’s where towing a vehicle behinda motorhome becomes advantageous. Andalthough vehicle manufacturers have yet toengineer a one-and-done setup directly fromthe factory, it’s never been easier to equip adinghy and motorhome for road duty. The 2019Guide to Dinghy Towing provides a selection ofinformative articles and a listing of new vehiclesdesigned to enhance the motorhome lifestyle.As highlighted in “The Right Stuff” (page 6),connecting a motorhome and a dinghy vehiclecan be a surprisingly smooth operation. Selfaligning tow bars make hooking up a breeze,and some models are even designed to havethe cables and wires routed through the hollowarms for an easy, tangle-free installation. Andmanufacturers continue to offer accessories tohelp keep it that way. For example, an underskirt, fitted beneath the towing equipment, willsafeguard the dinghy and hardware from debris. And for more protection, rock guards areavailable that quickly attach to the tow bar andshield the dinghy from road debris.Another (and even more important) devicethat aids in safe dinghy towing is a supplementalbraking system. Portable systems can be installed in minutes, and permanent installationsremain unobtrusive. Dinghy brakes are mandatory in most states and Canadian provinces;besides, when extra weight is added, theremust be a way to slow the mass down withoutovertaxing the brakes on the motorhome.Today’s motorhomes can accommodatea lot of dinghy weight. While many new chassis have tow ratings of at least 4,000 pounds,certain luxury coaches have gross combinationweight ratings (gcwr) of 60,000 pounds or more— with up to 25 percent (15,000 pounds) of thatavailable for towing. To find out what’s availableto slow down a dinghy vehicle, check out “Stopping Power,” beginning on page 30.But you’re most likely reading this annual guide to find out if a particular vehicleis approved for dinghy towing. Our 2019 listings begin on page 18 and include vehiclesthat have specifically been approved by themanufacturer for recreational towing fourwheels-down. The listings include a varietyof the newest vehicles — from luxurious toeconomical. While some vehicles are easyto tow, others require that very specific andlengthy procedures be followed before andduring towing to prevent damage. We’veincluded expanded information on the manufacturer guidelines required for flat towing,but you’ll still need to check the owner’smanual for more detailedprocedures.ALWAYS CHECKAs motorhomes continTHE OWNER’Sue to evolve, life on the roadMANUAL FORcan lead to more freedomMORE DETAILEDthan ever. A dinghy vehiclePROCEDURES.only adds to that feeling.This guide addresses only 2019 vehicles. Guides for earlier model years are available at www.motorhome.com.MotorHome 2019 GUIDE TO DINGHY TOWING 3
2019-DINGHY-GUIDE-Contents.indd 1/29/19 9:26 AM - 4 -(Cyan)(Magenta)(Yellow)(BlacK)4CONTENTS6 THE RIGHT STUFFEverything you need to tow like a pro, from the motorhome/dinghy connection to flat-towing alternatives14 DINGHY TOWING 2019Our annual guide to manufacturer-approved flat-towable vehicles28 PLUG AND PLAYHow to prep a dinghy vehicle for an enjoyable towing experience30 STOPPING POWERThe latest in dinghy braking systems technology for improved performance and safer towingPublisher Ann EmersonEditor-in-Chief Eileen HubbardManaging Editor Kristopher BunkerTechnical Editor Chris DoughertyContributing Editor Chris HemerArt Director Rick DamienPublisher Emeritus Bob LivingstonEditorial/Business Office2750 Park View Court, Suite 240Oxnard, CA 93036Email info@motorhomemagazine.comAdvertisingVP/National Sales Terry Thompson 847-229-67594 MotorHome 2019 GUIDE TO DINGHY TOWINGAdvertising RepresentativesLou Cicirelli, 954-297-9234, lou.cicirelli@goodsam.comScott Oakes, 847-229-6758, scott.oakes@goodsam.comSue Seidlitz, 530-268-3005, sue.seidlitz@goodsam.comKim Whitaker, 919-412-6325, kim.whitaker@goodsam.comMotorHome (ISSN 0744-074X) is published monthly by GS Media & Events(a division of Good Sam Enterprises, LLC), 2750 Park View Ct., Ste. 240,Oxnard, CA 93036. Periodicals postage paid at Oxnard, CA 93036 andadditional mailing offices. The annual subscription rate is 19.97 per yearin the U.S. For Canadian and International subscriptions, add 12 per year.U.S. funds only. 2019 Good Sam Enterprises, LLC. MotorHome is aregistered trademark of Good Sam Enterprises, LLC. Unauthorized use ofany of Good Sam’s trademarks is expressly prohibited. All other trademarksare the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
5 ROADMASTER.indd 1/24/19 12:27 PM - 5 -(Cyan)(Magenta)(Yellow)(BlacK)Questionsabout DinghyBraking?Call the experts(800) 669-9690 95085-5996 / 1.19STREET PRICE:Time Tested Time Provenroadmasterinc.com(800) 669-9690
2019-DINGHY-GUIDE Before You Tow.indd 1/29/19 3:15 PM - 6 -(Cyan)(Magenta)(Yellow)(BlacK)THE RIGHT STUFFSelecting the proper equipment is the key to successful dinghy towingOwning one of today’slarger motorhomes has made towing a dinghy vehiclemore of a necessity than ever. Bigger rigs canindeed lead to more creature comforts andamenities, but these larger floorplans are notwithout their drawbacks. Even motorhomeswith a 60-degree wheel cut will encounter somedifficulty negotiating narrow roads or smallertowns during sightseeing tours, and that’s noteven mentioning attempting to park a largermotorhome at a local shopping center.A dinghy vehicle simplifies such tasks, andeliminates the need to completely break campwhen it’s time to venture away from the campsite. Additionally, a dinghy can stow gear securelywhen motorhome storage is filled (within weightlimitations), and can provide the added benefitof having an extra set of wheels in the event ofan emergency. But there is a trade-off; towing adinghy will affect the acceleration, fuel economyand braking of any motorhome, to some degree.However, proper selection of a dinghy and towing6 MotorHome 2019 GUIDE TO DINGHY TOWINGequipment will enable you to enjoy the safety andconvenience of auxiliary transportation.Approved for Flat Towing?The first step in selecting a dinghy vehicle is tomake sure it is approved by its manufacturerfor flat towing (listings begin on page 18). Whilemany nonapproved passenger cars or lighttrucks can be used as a dinghy — provided theappropriate towing accessory (such as a transmission lube pump) is used for that specificmodel as an aftermarket modification, or towingon a dolly or trailer is planned — the listed approved vehicles have been certified for towingfour wheels down without affecting their warranties. Owner’s manuals contain this information and can usually be found online. Look in theowner’s manual index under “Towing — DinghyTowing,” “Towing — Flat Towing,” “RecreationalTowing” or “Towing Behind a Motorhome.”When selecting a dinghy, note the maximumtowing limit of the motorhome and then deter-
2019-DINGHY-GUIDE Before You Tow.indd 1/29/19 10:18 AM - 7 -(Cyan)(Magenta)(Yellow)(BlacK)ABC[A] Blue Ox Ascent is made of lightweight aluminum, hasnon-binding latches and weighs only 31 pounds — but offers a 7,500-pound rating and includes a 3-year warranty.[B] Dominator aluminum tow bar from Demco has a rating up to 7,500 pounds. Easy trigger release and self-supporting arms provide convenient connection to baseplate.[C] oadmaster’s ighthawk is the first tow bar withlights embedded into the arms for easier visibility. Ratedfor 8,000 pounds, it features a nonbinding mechanism thatlimits e ort needed to disconnect, regardless of terrain.mine which vehicles fall withinMANUFACTURERSRESERVE THE RIGHTthat specification.TO MAKE ENGINEERTowing limitsING CHANGES, SOaren’t the onlyA AIIM Afactor to conA IIsider, but theyII ’help to eliminate’ MA Amany choicesBEFORE PURCHASE.based on weightalone. The weightrating of the motorhome’s hitch receiver isanother concern, although most are adequate, and receivers can often be upgraded.Keep in mind, however, that an upgradedA drop receiver may benecessary to help keepthe tow bar level.hitch receiver cannot increase the specifiedweight limit set by the chassis manufacturer.Most flat-towed dinghies track so well thatmany motorhome drivers don’t even knowthey are there. Front-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicles with manual transmissions and compact 4WD vehicles are among the easiest andmost economical to tow. Plus, they tend torank among the lightest vehicles.Some auto manufacturers also produceFWD vehicles equipped with automatictransmissions that are flat-towable. They arepopular because they’re easier to drive, andthe setup for towing is usually just as simpleas a manual transmission.But some vehicles do require special procedures, such as starting the engine every200 miles to circulate transmission fluid.Note that this cannot be circumvented byoverfilling the transmission before towingbecause the problem isn’t caused by lackof sufficient fluid, but rather by a lack of oilcirculation. Such practices, although incon-MotorHome 2019 GUIDE TO DINGHY TOWING 7
2019-DINGHY-GUIDE Before You Tow.indd 1/29/19 10:18 AM - 8 -(Cyan)(Magenta)(Yellow)(BlacK)4THE RIGHT STUFFvenient, are designed toprevent drivetrain damageand must be incorporatedinto the towing routine.Another vehicle-specificconsideration is that towing some dinghies requiresthe ignition switch to be ina position that allows thesteering column to remainunlocked and power to beapplied to various elecFuseMaster kit eliminates the need to pull atrical circuits. Over thecourse of a full day of tow- fuse before towing the dinghy vehicle, thenreinserting after disconnecting. imply fliping, this can lead to sigping a switch accomplishes the same task.nificant battery discharge.While strategies for dealing with this vary by model, most fixesinvolve temporarily pulling one or more fuses while towing. Another alternative is to connect the offending circuit through anowner-added switch or by installing Roadmaster’s FuseMasterswitch, allowing these circuits to be made tow-ready quicklyand conveniently. A charge line from the motorhome can alsooften be a viable alternative.2019 GUIDE TODINGHY TOWINGSPONSORSProduced by the editors ofMotorHome for the publication’s April issue, the 2019Guide to Dinghy Towing wasdeveloped with support fromthe following companies:Blue Ox -3626,www.demco-products.comHopkins ns.comRoadmaster Inc.800-669-9690,www.roadmasterinc.comRV Innovations800-815-2159,www.rvibrake.comWhile driving the dinghy, this type of tow barremains on the motorhome. Once the tow baris pinned in the hitch receiver, ensure the electricconnections and safety cables are secure.8 MotorHome 2019 GUIDE TO DINGHY TOWING
9 DETHMERS DELTA.indd 1/24/19 12:26 PM - 9 -(Cyan)(Magenta)(Yellow)(BlacK)
2019-DINGHY-GUIDE Before You Tow.indd 1/29/19 11:01 AM - 10 -(Cyan)(Magenta)(Yellow)(BlacK)4THE RIGHT STUFFTow BarsGET CONNECTEDOne critical element ofsafe dinghy towing involves a solid, properly designedand installed mechanical linkage between themotorhome and the towed vehicle. Hitch receivers, tow bars and baseplates must all be ingood working order, rated for the weight of thedinghy vehicle and designed for the specificapplication.Hitch ReceiversCheck the rating of the hitch receiver to ensurethat it is suited for the heaviest load you intendto tow. If a receiver is already installed on yourmotorhome, the weight limits and class shouldbe visible on it.However, the ride height of a motorhomerarely matches with that of the chosen dinghy,often necessitating the use of a drop receiverto allow the tow bar to ride level. These areavailable in 2- to 10-inch variations. Receiversshould be bolted (not welded) in place, usingthe receiver manufacturer’s hardware kit, andinstalled per its instructions.Tow bars are available in two basic styles: Aframe or self-aligning. A-frame tow bars (offered in solid and folding configurations) arethe most economical, and are designed to fita limited number of baseplates (the mountingbrackets affixed to the dinghy) or specific applications; however, the folding design will fita wider range of vehicles. These types of towbars are strong, but heavy, and require storage space when not in use. Hitching is easierwith a helper to guide alignment.Self-aligning tow bars are available in twostyles: dinghy-mounted and coach-mounted.Coach-mounted units are the most desirable,as there is less chance of damage when notin use — and hitching can be a one-personoperation. Highly adaptable, self-aligning towbars fit a wide range of vehicles by attachingto model-specific baseplates: Class III (5,000pound) or Class IV (10,000-pound) models areavailable. Contact the tow-bar manufacturersfor baseplate applications.BaseplatesThe baseplate is perhaps the most criticalcomponent. While tow bars and hitch receivers are intended for mass fitment, dinghy ve-ROAD RULES Observe the speed limit for towing in each state orprovince. Maintain an adequate stopping distance from thevehicle in front of you. A minimum five-secondinterval is recommended. Avoid towing in snowy or icy conditions. Pay attention to traffic merging onto the highway,and be prepared to take evasive action whenevernecessary. Plan ahead — most flat-towed dinghies can’t bebacked more than a few feet, so it’s necessary tofocus on easy ingress and egress. Most tow-barmanufacturers will not warrant damage caused by110 MotorHome 2019 GUIDE TO DINGHY TOWING2backing. And, dollies tend to jackknife quickly. It’sbetter to disconnect the dinghy and drive to a safeplace to reconnect. Avoid making tight turns, which can exert a lot ofpressure on the tow bar. Towing in deep sand or gravel may cause the dinghy’s front wheels to turn to one side. If this happens, you must manually re-center them beforecontinuing. Walk around the motorhome and dinghy to inspect all connections, wiring and safety cables,and check tire pressure (or employ a TPMS) everytime you stop.3
2019-DINGHY-GUIDE Before You Tow.indd 1/29/19 11:01 AM - 11 -hicles require the use of a specific baseplatebased on brand, model and year, making theproper installation procedure and hardwareselection essential.Installing a baseplate on some vehiclesrequires the bumper covering (fascia) to beremoved temporarily. Some minor drillingmay be required and the bumper coveringand/or grille may also require trimming.On some vehicles, the baseplate-installation process can be even more intricate.For example, the air dam may need to betrimmed, or the factory-installed belly panmay require trimming or permanent removal. Such procedures are described in themanufacturer’s fitment charts — hopefullyeliminating any unpleasant surprises at installation time. Today’s baseplates do a goodjob of blending into the exterior lines of thedinghy vehicle.All 50 states require properly rated safetychains or cables to keep the dinghy fromseparating from the motorhome if the tow baror ball fails. Safety chains or cables must beconnected securely to the dinghy and crossedunder the tow bar, then secured to the hitchreceiver. They should be long enough to allowfull turning without binding, but should notdrag when slack.(Cyan)(Magenta)(Yellow)(BlacK)DINGHY-TOWING CHECKLIST3 Make sure the equipment is rated for thedinghy’s weight, and that the combo doesn’texceed the motorhome’s gross combinationweight rating (gcwr).3 onfirm the hitch height is correct.3 Make sure all hitch bolts, tow-bar and baseplate fasteners are securely tightened.3 onfirm all hitch and wiring connections areengaged and secure, that all safety chains orcables are attached and that all locking pinsare properly installed.3 Connect the auxiliary brake system and thebreakaway device.3 Check motorhome and dinghy for proper function of taillights, brakelights and turn signals.3 Check tire pressure on motorhome and dinghy(including the spare tires).3 Make sure the dinghy is set up for towingas required by the manufacturer, including:steering unlocked emergency brake ogear selector in proper position; ignition inproper position; lube-pump switch, driveshaftcoupler, 4WD transfer case and hubs (if applicable) in proper positions.3 Ensure the appropriate fuses are pulled or thebattery disconnected, if applicable.Modern baseplates are secured to the frame of the dinghy vehicle. While some installations are more complicated, the end result is usually a clean appearance.4[1] Baseplate installation doesn’t require welding orspecialized tools, but can be rather involved. If you haveany reservations, hire a professional. [2] To hook up atelescoping tow bar, the dinghy vehicle only needs to benear the center and midlength of the bar. [3] Connecting tow-bar arms to the baseplate requires the use ofpins and clips. Next, secure the safety cables and plugin the electrical umbilical cord. [4] Once the pins are in,the motorhome is driven ahead slowly (or the dinghy isbacked up) to lock the arms in place.MotorHome 2019 GUIDE TO DINGHY TOWING 11
2019-DINGHY-GUIDE Before You Tow.indd 1/29/19 10:18 AM - 12 -(Cyan)(Magenta)(Yellow)(BlacK)4THE RIGHT STUFFBlue Ox KarGard ismounted with aluminum hardware and isdesigned to protect thedinghy from damagedue to road debris. Itfolds for easy storage.ADDITIONALEQUIPMENTIf you already own (or choose to purchase)a vehicle that is not approved by the manufacturer to be flat-towable, there are modification kits available. Many passenger vehiclescan safely serve as dinghies using retrofitproducts that are on the market.For rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and somefour-wheel-drive (4WD) applications, couplersfrom Superior Driveline Drive Shaft Coupling(www.remcodsc.com) enable the driveshaft tobe easily disconnected from the transmissionor differential using a cable or lever mountednear the driver’s seat. Kits start at about 600and can be installed in a few hours.A transmission-lube pump sold by RemcoIndustries (www.remcotowing.com) can bemounted and plumbed into some automaticKar Kaddy SS tow dolly from Demco features a towedvehicle weight rating of 4,800 pounds. It folds to a compact67 inches long for storage and includes a 3-year warranty.transmissions to keep fluid circulating while thevehicle is being towed. Keep in mind that modifications to the vehicle may affect the warranty.Tow dollies also offer an alternative to flattowing, although they take up space in camp.Dolly weight must be figured in with the totalweight of th
Guides for earlier model years are available at www.motorhome.com. MotorHome 2019 GUIDE TO DINGHY TOWING 3 2019-DINGHY-GUIDE_Intro.indd 1/29/19 9:30 AM - 3 - (Cyan)2019-DINGHY-GUIDE_Intro.indd 1/29/19 9:30 AM - 3 - (Magenta)2019-DINGHY-GUIDE_Intro.indd 1/29/19 9:30 AM - 3 - (Yellow)2019-DINGHY-GUIDE_Intro.indd 1/29/19 9:30 AM - 3 - (BlacK) .
2015-DINGHY-GUIDE_Tow and Go.indd 1/21/15 4:51 PM - 3 - (Cyan)2015-DINGHY-GUIDE_Tow and Go.indd 1/21/15 4:51 PM - 3 - (Magenta)2015-DINGHY-GUIDE_Tow and Go.indd 1/21/15 4:51 PM - 3 - (Yellow)2015-DINGHY-GUIDE_Tow and Go.indd 1/21/15 4:51 PM - 3 - (BlacK) . vehicle’s owner’s manual before the purchase is fi nalized. When selecting a .
5. DINGHY & OUTBOARD Description x The 10’ inflatable dinghy is a Highfield with an aluminum hull. x The dinghy comes with a 6hp Honda outboard. o NOTE: Always leave the outboard mounted on the dinghy. System Operation x The dinghy is stored on davits on the stern. o NOTE: Always store
during sightseeing tours — and it’s just not fun trying to park a 40-footer at local markets when picking up perishables. A dinghy simplifi es such tasks, and eliminates the need to break camp and stow everything each time you need (or want) to venture away from the campground. Addi
The Right Equipment Adds Safety, Simplicity and Convenience A drop receiver might be needed to keep the tow bar level. T raveling with a dinghy vehicle is almost a given with today's larger motor-
2020 TOW GUIDE - Cover.indd 11/12/19 11:11 AM - 1 - (Cyan)2020 TOW GUIDE - Cover.indd 11/12/19 11:11 AM - 1 - (Magenta)2020 TOW GUIDE - Cover.indd 11/12/19 11:11 AM - 1 - (Yellow)2020 TOW GUIDE - Cover.indd 11/12/19 11:11 AM - 1 - (BlacK) . of the driver’s door, or in the vehicle owner’s manual. The owner’s manual may not have specifi .
ffirs.indd ii 29/12/11 2:41 PM. Pass port to Profi ts fffirs.indd ifirs.indd i 119/01/12 2:38 PM9/01/12 2:38 PM. fffirs.indd iifirs.indd ii 119/01/12 2:38 PM9/01/12 2:38 PM. Passport to Profi ts Why the Next Investment Windfalls Will Be Found Abroad and How to Grab Your Share Revised and Updated .
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