RV Towing

Towing regulations

All trailers and towing dollies (car dollies) must have brakes on all wheels when G.V.W. (trailer/dolly and load) exceed 1400 kg (3086 lbs). All trailers with brakes must have a break-away device hooked to the trailer brake system.

  • Surge brakes may be used up to a towed vehicle GVW of 2800 kg (6173 lbs).
  • From 2800 kg and up the towed vehicle brakes must be able to be applied by the driver of the tow vehicle.

The vehicle-on-tow must have valid licensing and insurance.

Only one trailer may be towed at a time (a car dolly with car are regarded as one trailer)

Motorhomes (only) may tow motor vehicles via a tow bar without brakes hooked up on the towed motor vehicle, when to towed motor vehicle’s laden weight (weight of towed vehicle and its load) is:

  • Less than 2,000 kg (4,409 lbs) and
  • Less than 40% of the GVW rating of the motorhome towing it.

Motor vehicles with a laden weight of 2,000 kg (4,409 lbs) and over towed by a motorhome must have brakes and a breakaway device hooked up.

All vehicles being towed via a ball hitch must have safety chain(s) or cable(s).

A recreational vehicle towed via a 5th wheel hook-up does not require safety chains or cables.

All vehicles being towed must have lights connected to the tow vehicle.

Maximum Width

Maximum total overall width for recreational vehicles is 2.6 metres (8 feet 6 inches).

Mirrors only may exceed the width by 20 cm (8 inches) on each side.

Maximum Length

Maximum total length for a motorhome is 12.5 metres (41 feet).

Maximum length for a towed recreational vehicle is 12.5 metres (41 feet).

Maximum overall length for a combination is 20 metres (65.6 feet).

For additional information contact the Insurance Corporation of BC
1-800-950-1498 (within BC only) or (250) 978-8300