Why RV breakdowns are more complicated than car breakdowns
An RV breakdown creates a much larger hazard than a standard vehicle breakdown. A 35-foot Class A motorhome blocking a lane of traffic is difficult for other drivers to see around, creates a significant blind spot, and often cannot be safely pushed off the road by occupants.\n\nBeyond the safety challenge, RVs require specialized towing equipment that most general tow companies do not have. A standard flatbed or wheel-lift truck is not designed to handle the weight of a Class A or Class C motorhome. Calling a tow company without confirming they have heavy-duty equipment is a common mistake that results in a second long wait after the first truck arrives and cannot do the job.\n\nIf you have passengers — particularly children or elderly travelers — getting them to a safe location away from the vehicle is a priority while you make calls. See what equipment is required to tow an RV safely.
Your first steps when an RV breaks down
The sequence matters when an RV breaks down on the road.\n\nIf the RV is still moving poorly, navigate to the nearest exit, rest stop, or wide shoulder before stopping completely. A partial breakdown that allows you to move a few hundred yards to a safer location is worth doing — do not stop in a travel lane if you can avoid it.\n\nOnce stopped, turn on all hazard lights and deploy any emergency triangles or flares you carry. An RV is large enough that passing drivers may not see it until they are very close, especially at night or in rain. Set triangles at 100, 200, and 300 feet behind the vehicle on highways.\n\nGet all passengers out of the RV and away from the vehicle. A safe distance from a highway is at least 100 feet from the travel lanes — behind a guardrail if one is present.
What information to give the dispatcher
When calling for RV towing, the dispatcher needs specific information to send the right equipment.\n\nProvide the RV type: Class A motorhome, Class C motorhome, fifth wheel trailer, travel trailer, or camper van. Each requires different towing equipment and the dispatcher cannot determine this without asking.\n\nProvide the length and weight if you know them. A 40-foot Class A can weigh 30,000 pounds or more. A heavy-duty wrecker rated for that weight is required — a standard 10-ton wrecker is not sufficient.\n\nDescribe the breakdown: is the RV on all four wheels and can it be rolled, or is it disabled in a way that prevents movement? Is it on a slope? Is it blocking traffic? All of this information affects the equipment and approach the operator needs.
Common RV breakdown causes and what to expect
Several breakdown types are particularly common for RVs and affect how the towing situation is handled.\n\nTire blowouts are the most common RV breakdown cause. RV tires carry extremely high loads and are often underinflated, which leads to heat buildup and eventual failure. A blowout on a rear dual-wheel setup may allow the RV to be driven carefully to a safer location; a front tire blowout typically renders the vehicle undrivable.\n\nCooling system failures are common in large gasoline and diesel motorhomes, particularly in hot climates or during mountain driving where engines work harder. Overheating must be addressed immediately — continuing to drive an overheating engine causes catastrophic damage.\n\nSlide-out malfunctions leave slide rooms extended or retracted in ways that prevent safe driving. An extended slide on a highway is a serious problem that requires either mechanical repair at the scene or careful towing to a facility.\n\nSee what RV towing costs before calling so you know what to expect when the invoice arrives. See your full RV roadside assistance options.