Metfan112 Report post Posted November 11, 2020 Hello. I'm new to the rv world and have a towing question. I own a 2014 Chrysler town and country. I'm being given conflicting info on how this vehicle can be towed. One dealership told me I can use a tow dolly and another tells me I cannot. Based on the research I've done this vehicle cannot be towed flat or on a dolly without modification(transmission pump). I also own a 2012 Traverse. The research I've done tells me a tow dolly won't work due to the width of the vehicle. Towing it flat may okay not work either. I'm pretty much thinking an open trailer is the way to go for versatility but I'm not sure. Any advice given would be appreciated. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jleamont Report post Posted November 11, 2020 Metfan112, Welcome to the FMCA forums! The 2012 Traverse is flat towable and a supplemental brake system is also available. https://m-gengineering.com/compatibility-list/ 2012 towable guide https://images.goodsam.com/newmotorhome/towguides/DinghyGuide2012.pdf If it were me id flat tow the Traverse. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wildebill308 Report post Posted November 11, 2020 Metfan112, welcome to the forum. I am with jleamont, flat tow the 2012 Traverse it is the best answer to your problem. Bill Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fagnaml Report post Posted November 11, 2020 Metfan -- Welcome to the forum! There are many great forum members willing to provide help any time? An old forum posting from October 2014 asks the same question you have --> The original poster of that question purchased a Demco KarKaddy for their 2014 Town & Country. Per their website, Demco now has a robust looking KarKaddy X for larger vehicles --> https://www.demco-products.com/rv-towing/tow-dollies/karkaddyss-1 I did a quick Google search for your Town & Country owners manual which was found at this website --> http://cdn.dealereprocess.com/cdn/servicemanuals/chrysler/2014-townandcountry.pdf Page 559 of the manual says towing a front wheel drive Town and Country using a dolly is "OK". Page 560 of the manual provides direction on how to use a dolly to two the Town & Country. Presumably the paper version of the owner's manual in your T&C has the same guidance. Hope this info is useful ! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Metfan112 Report post Posted November 11, 2020 Thank you all so much! I'm probably going to look into the tow dolly mentioned and may just go that route for financial reasons. See you out there on the road! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
moonwink Report post Posted November 12, 2020 (edited) Many of us who have tried the tow dollies soon tired of dragging them around. They weigh around 500 lbs. Many RV sites are back-in meaning you'll need to drop the car off the dolly and put it aside before backing into the site. Then you'll need to figure out where to store the dolly. Flat towing is a lot easier. You can't back-up with a car in tow but disconnecting it is a lot easier. Convenience is a big factor to consider before you make your decision. Edited November 12, 2020 by moonwink Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jleamont Report post Posted November 12, 2020 Metfan112, depending on your mechanical abilities you could potentially set up the Traverse for not a lot of money. One of our friends bought a used tow bar, base plate and a used Brake Buddy and he wasn't in to all of it for $500.00. Took him the better part of a day to get everything installed in his driveway. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
campcop Report post Posted November 12, 2020 I would certainly pick flat towing over a dolly. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
five Report post Posted November 13, 2020 The only way to be 100% sure as to whether or not a vehicle is towable four down is to look at the owner's manual. If it is towable, the directions will be spelled out in the manual. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wayne77590 Report post Posted November 13, 2020 Be careful as sometimes the owners manual is a cut and paste of the previous year. If in any doubt call the manufacturer. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rayin Report post Posted November 14, 2020 6 hours ago, wayne77590 said: Be careful as sometimes the owners manual is a cut and paste of the previous year. If in any doubt call the manufacturer. Yup, call mfgr. I have asked at a dealership before and all I got was a deer in the headlights look. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Metfan112 Report post Posted November 14, 2020 Thanks for all the info. I wound up buying a flatbed trailer. Got a great deal on a used won that tilts. This way I can transport either vehicle without using 2 different setups. Most sites are wide enough to allow trailer storage and this one tilts so I can make it work. All the advice and support really helped my decision and I look forward to more discussion. As a first-time RV'er I'm sure won't be the last time I utilize this valuable resource. Thanks again. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
manholt Report post Posted November 14, 2020 Metfan112. Only time and experience will determine what is best for you! I suspect you'll end up with a Jeep.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rayin Report post Posted November 14, 2020 10 hours ago, Metfan112 said: Thanks for all the info. I wound up buying a flatbed trailer. Got a great deal on a used won that tilts. This way I can transport either vehicle without using 2 different setups. Most sites are wide enough to allow trailer storage and this one tilts so I can make it work. All the advice and support really helped my decision and I look forward to more discussion. As a first-time RV'er I'm sure won't be the last time I utilize this valuable resource. Thanks again. Don't forget, ST =special trailer tires are limited to 65MPH maximum, except for about 2 brands; some mfgrs.recommend replacing them every 3 years. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
moonwink Report post Posted November 14, 2020 Towing around a heavy trailer wouldn't be my choice but to each his own. Make doggone sure chain that vehicle down VERY good so it won't keep going when you need to brake hard. Just the thought scares me. https://www.wikihow.com/Tie-Down-a-Car-on-a-Trailer Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Elkhartjim1945 Report post Posted November 14, 2020 I'm assuming you have experience backing a trailer but if you've never done it with a motorhome I highly suggest finding an empty parking lot and practice. Most RV Parks will not have long enough of a pull thru space to stay hooked up so you'll need to store the trailer in their storage area and usually at an additional charge. They are almost always an area you'll need to back the trailer to park. You can forget camping in most state and national parks. Hopefully you've considered all these problems. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wildebill308 Report post Posted November 15, 2020 Welcome to the forum Elkhartjim1945. Congratulations on your first post. Bill Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wayne77590 Report post Posted November 15, 2020 Yes, welcome. Your first post was right on. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
