Towing safely is about making wise choices — both in the products you choose (Towing system components — what you need to tow), and in the way you use them.
(The abbreviated guide below is intended as a general reference. Refer to the owner’s manuals — for the motorhome, the towed vehicle, and all towing system components — for complete information.)

Safe Towing Practices
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to prepare the vehicle for towing. Some vehicles with automatic transmissions must be shifted in a particular sequence before towing; fuses must be removed from other vehicles; other vehicles must be equipped with a transmission lube pump, a driveline disconnect, or other accessories to protect the transmission.
• The tow bar, the receiver hitch, the safety cables, and all supplementary towing equipment must be rated at a higher weight capacity than the combined weight of the towed vehicle and all its contents.
• Keep the tow bar clean and well-lubricated — as is the case with most precision equipment, frequent cleaning and care results in better performance and longevity.
• The tow bar must be within the “Safe Zone” — motorhome-mounted tow bars must be no more than three inches above level or four inches below level. Car-mounted tow bars must be parallel to the road — absolutely level.
• Always use safety cables when towing. The safety cables must connect the towed vehicle to the towing vehicle, frame to frame. Attach the safety cables so that they are crossed (making an “X”) under the tow bar, on the motorhome side.
  Make certain that the cables are the correct length — there must be enough slack to allow for sharp turns; however, the cables must not hang down to the extent that they drag on the ground. If you add an extension to the motorhome hitch receiver, the safety cables must be long enough to accommodate the additional distance. 
• Before every trip, take the time to inspect the motorhome and the towed vehicle. Do a complete walk-around, looking for anything unusual. Rely on your senses of sight, sound, touch and smell — and, your common sense.
• Inspect the towing system on a regular basis — check the mounts, fasteners, bolts and wiring. Check the safety cables, the electrical cord and the tow bar brackets, as well as the motorhome hitch receiver and the hitch frame, for visible signs of wear or distortion.
• Before towing a vehicle for the first time, check the turning radius in an empty parking lot. Make certain that there is adequate clearance between the front of the towed vehicle and the rear of the motorhome to allow for sharp turns.
• Never back up the motorhome with the towed vehicle still attached. Otherwise, the tow bar, the mounting bracket, the hitch, the towed vehicle’s front end and, possibly, the back of the motorhome may be damaged.
• Never tow a vehicle with one of a comparable weight — the towed vehicle will override the towing vehicle, causing a loss of control. The towed vehicle’s weight should never exceed 40 percent of the towing vehicle’s weight.

Pre-Towing Checklist
(The checklist below is intended as a general reference. Refer to the owner’s manuals — for the motorhome, the towed vehicle, and all towing system components — for complete information.)

• The tow bar is properly connected, with all pins and clips properly secured.
• The safety cables are connected to both vehicles, frame to frame, and crossed under the tow bar, on the motorhome side.
• The electrical cord is connected between the two vehicles, and the towed vehicle’s brake lights, running lights and turn signals are functioning properly.
• The supplemental braking system is connected.
• The towed vehicle’s transmission is in the proper gear.
• The towed vehicle’s ignition key is turned to the “tow” position.
• The towed vehicle’s emergency brake is released.
• The towed vehicle’s steering is unlocked, and free to turn.