Does Steering have to be Locked out to Flat Tow a Vehicle Behind a Motor Home
Updated 05/07/2025 | Published 08/07/2013
Question:
Do you have to tie up the steering while useing a tow bar or will the vehicle just follow behind
asked by: Forrest
Expert Reply:
You would not lock out the steering on the vehicle being flat towed. Doing so would cause the wheels to scrub (drag sideways) when turning. The steering needs to be unlocked and the wheels will turn accordingly and straightened back out when needed. It is sort of like pushing a shopping cart with caster wheels: if the cart is pushed to turn, the wheels will turn, and when pushed straight, the wheels will go back to being straight.
I have included 2 helpful links on the right side of this page that cover all the aspects of flat towing. The first thing you will want to do is consult the vehicle owners manual to make sure it can be flat towed and for the specific procedure if it can be flat towed.
In addition to a tow bar you will also need base plates, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking.
Martin
5/7/2025
Mike if I'm towing a heavy vehicle through really soft sand/soil should I lock the steering wheel to prevent the tires from scrubbing (drag sideways). If I don’t lock it seems the tires always turn on me and I end up dragging the vehicle with the tire sideways.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster StowMaster Tow Bar - Coupler Style for 2" Ball - Car Mount - 6,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Coupler Mount
- Telescoping - Binding
- Steel
- 6000 lbs
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Crossbar
- Stores on Car
- Cables Not Included
- Roadmaster
more information >
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Tony L.
7/2/2020
Should the steering wheel be tied to limit the wheels from turn too far in a sharp turn situation. Like a 90 deg turn out of a parking lot.