Labor Day is one of the last big RV travel weekends of summer, which means plenty of motorhomes and towed vehicles will be on the road. Last year, the RV Industry Association reported that more than 7.4 million Americans planned to take an RV trip over Labor Day Weekend.
A few checks before departure can help you catch worn parts, incorrect connections, or compatibility issues before they affect your trip. For flat towing, where a motorhome tows another vehicle with all four wheels on the ground, pay close attention to the entire connection between the RV and the towed vehicle.
1. Confirm Your Vehicle Is Ready for Flat Towing
Start with the towed vehicle’s owner’s manual. Confirm that your exact year, make, model, drivetrain, and configuration can be flat towed. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for transmission position, transfer case settings, ignition position, steering, and any other required preparation.
Check the actual weight of the towed vehicle against the motorhome’s towing capacity, receiver rating, and tow bar rating. Accessories or cargo added to the vehicle can increase its weight.
If you’re setting up a new vehicle, confirm that you have a compatible Blue Ox baseplate designed for that application. Blue Ox baseplates are vehicle-specific, so fitment should be checked before installation.
2. Inspect the Tow Bar
Give your tow bar a close inspection before a long drive. Check the arms, attachment points, pins, clips, latches, and receiver connection for visible wear or damage. Make sure adjustable arms move correctly and lock as intended.
Look for bent components, excessive corrosion, damaged boots, loose hardware, or anything that feels different from your previous trips. Follow the tow bar manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning, lubrication, and scheduled maintenance.
3. Check the Baseplate and Attachment Points
Inspect the baseplate where it attaches to the towed vehicle. Look for loose hardware, damaged attachment tabs, unusual movement, cracks, or signs that the front of the vehicle has taken an impact.
Pins and retaining clips should fit properly and be fully secured before towing. If anything looks damaged or no longer fits the way it normally does, address the problem before leaving.
4. Inspect the Safety Cables
Safety cables provide a secondary connection between the motorhome and the towed vehicle. Check them for fraying, cuts, kinks, corrosion, damaged hooks, or worn connection points. Blue Ox offers safety cables in different weight capacities, so make sure yours are properly rated for the setup.
Cables need enough slack to accommodate turns without dragging on the pavement. Route and connect them according to the instructions for your specific towing equipment.
5. Test the Supplemental Braking System
Test your supplemental braking system before pulling away. Confirm that the system powers on, responds properly, and communicates with the motorhome if your setup includes a remote indicator.
Inspect the breakaway switch and cable as well. Portable braking systems should be positioned and connected according to the manufacturer’s instructions, including any required connection to the brake pedal.
6. Check Wiring and Towed-Vehicle Lights
Have someone stand behind the towed vehicle while you test the brake lights, turn signals, and running lights. Inspect plugs and connectors for corrosion, loose terminals, cuts, or damaged insulation.
Make sure the electrical cable has enough room for turns but won’t drag or become pinched. If something needs replacement, browse towed-vehicle wiring options designed for flat towing applications.
7. Review Weight Ratings and Tow Bar Position
Check the ratings for every major part of the setup, including the motorhome receiver, tow bar, adapters, and towed vehicle. Your lowest-rated component sets a limit that shouldn’t be exceeded.
Tow bar position matters too. The connection should match the tow bar manufacturer’s height and angle requirements. If your motorhome receiver and baseplate attachment points sit at different heights, a properly rated rise or drop receiver may be needed.
Do One Final Walk-Around
Before getting onto the highway, walk around the motorhome and towed vehicle one last time. Verify the tow bar is fully connected and locked, pins and clips are secured, safety cables are attached, wiring is connected, and the braking system is ready.
Check tire condition and pressure on both vehicles. Make sure the towed vehicle has been placed into the exact towing configuration required by its owner’s manual. Test the lights again, then make a slow turn in a safe area to confirm that cables, wiring, and other components have enough clearance.
Labor Day travel is more enjoyable when you aren’t troubleshooting towing equipment at the side of the road. If several parts of your setup need replacement, flat towing combo kits can help you find compatible tow bars, baseplates, wiring, and related equipment in one place.
