⚡ Quick Answer: RV and motorhome towing requires heavy-duty equipment that most standard tow trucks do not carry. Class A motorhomes can weigh 14,000+ kg, Class C units 5,000–7,000 kg, and loaded travel trailers 2,000–6,000 kg — each requiring different truck configurations, securement methods, and operator training. If your RV breaks down in the GTA, call a towing company that specifically handles oversized recreational vehicles, not just passenger cars. Call Towing Toronto at (647) 812-1477 for 24/7 RV towing service.
RV broken down? Motorhome needs a tow? We dispatch heavy-duty trucks across the GTA — 24/7.
Ontario has over 330 provincial parks and thousands of private campgrounds, and the roads that connect them — the 400-series highways, the Trans-Canada corridor through Muskoka, Highway 11 north to Algonquin — are filled with motorhomes, travel trailers, and fifth wheels every weekend from May through October. The GTA is the starting point for most of these trips, and it is also where many of them hit their first problem.
A blown tyre on the 401 near Oshawa. An overheated transmission climbing the escarpment on the 400 toward Barrie. A dead battery after a weekend at a campsite in Prince Edward County. A travel trailer with a blown wheel bearing on the QEW. When something goes wrong with an RV, the biggest challenge is not diagnosing the problem — it is finding a tow truck that can actually handle the vehicle.
Most standard tow trucks are built for passenger cars weighing 1,500–2,500 kg. A Class A motorhome can weigh 14,000 kg or more. A loaded fifth wheel can exceed 7,000 kg. Sending a standard truck to an RV breakdown does not just waste time — it can damage both the RV and the tow equipment. This guide explains what RV and motorhome owners in the Greater Toronto Area need to know about towing: the different vehicle types, what equipment is needed for each, common breakdown scenarios, and how to make sure the right truck shows up when you call.
Understanding RV Types and Their Towing Requirements
Not all RVs are the same, and not all tow trucks can handle every type. The first thing a towing company needs to know when you call is what kind of vehicle you have, because each category has different weight ranges, dimensions, and towing considerations:
Class A Motorhome
7,000 – 16,000+ kg
The largest class of motorhome, built on a commercial bus or truck chassis. These are self-propelled units that can be 8–13 metres long and weigh as much as a loaded transport truck. They require a heavy-duty wrecker — typically a 25-tonne or 50-tonne unit — for towing. Standard flatbed trucks cannot handle them.
Ontario licensing: Class G licence for units under 11,000 kg. Units between 11,000–14,000 kg require a Class G with RV endorsement. Over 14,000 kg requires a Class D with RV restriction.
Class C Motorhome
4,500 – 7,000 kg
Built on a van or truck chassis with an over-cab sleeping area. These are the most common motorhomes on Ontario roads. While smaller than Class A units, they still exceed the capacity of most standard tow trucks. A medium-duty or heavy-duty tow truck is typically required, depending on loaded weight.
Ontario licensing: Standard Class G licence for units under 11,000 kg combined weight.
Class B Motorhome (Camper Van)
2,500 – 4,500 kg
Built on a standard or extended van chassis. These are the most compact motorhomes and can often be towed on a flatbed tow truck, though some larger models push the limits of standard flatbed capacity. Confirm loaded weight with the dispatcher when calling.
Ontario licensing: Standard Class G licence.
Travel Trailer
1,500 – 5,000 kg
Towed behind a truck or SUV using a bumper-pull hitch. Travel trailers range from small pop-up campers to 30-foot models. When the trailer breaks down (blown tyre, broken axle, bearing failure), it needs to be towed separately from the tow vehicle. A flatbed or medium-duty truck with proper securement handles most travel trailers.
Ontario licensing: Class G for trailers under 4,600 kg. Over 4,600 kg requires Class A (Restricted) licence.
Fifth Wheel Trailer
3,000 – 8,000+ kg
Connects to a special hitch mounted in the bed of a pickup truck. Fifth wheels are larger, heavier, and taller than travel trailers. Towing a broken-down fifth wheel is complex because the hitch system must be disconnected first, and the trailer requires a heavy-duty truck with the capacity to handle it independently.
Ontario licensing: Class G if fifth wheel RV is towed by a pickup truck and combined weight is under 11,000 kg. Otherwise Class A (Restricted).
Truck Camper
500 – 2,500 kg (camper unit)
A camper unit mounted on a pickup truck bed. The entire combination (truck + camper) is typically towable by a standard flatbed or medium-duty truck. The key concern is the combined height and weight — a truck with a camper rides higher than normal and may be top-heavy, requiring careful loading and securement.
Ontario licensing: Standard Class G licence.
Common RV Breakdown Scenarios in the GTA
RVs break down differently than passenger cars, and they break down more often. Many RVs sit in storage for months between trips, which accelerates deterioration of tyres, batteries, and mechanical components. Here are the most common scenarios that lead RV owners in the GTA to need a tow truck:
Tyre Blowouts
The single most common RV roadside emergency. RV tyres are under extreme load — especially on hot summer pavement — and many owners run tyres well past their safe life. Even tyres with adequate tread depth can fail if they are more than 5–7 years old due to rubber degradation. A blowout on a dual-rear-wheel motorhome is especially dangerous because the shredded tyre can damage brake lines, fender skirts, and plumbing underneath. Towing Toronto provides flat tyre roadside assistance for RVs and can tow your vehicle if the damage is too extensive for roadside repair.
Dead or Weak Batteries
RVs have two separate battery systems: a chassis battery (engine starting) and house batteries (lights, water pump, appliances). Both can drain during storage, and the chassis battery is often too weak to start the engine after sitting all winter. A standard car battery boost may not have enough power for a diesel motorhome. Call for a professional battery boost with commercial-grade equipment.
Transmission Overheating
Class A and Class C motorhomes carry enormous weight, and the transmission is often the weak point — especially when climbing hills, towing a car behind, or driving in hot weather. Transmission overheating on the 400 North toward Barrie or Highway 11 toward Muskoka is extremely common in summer. If the transmission warning light comes on, pull over immediately. Continuing to drive can turn a $300 fluid service into a $5,000+ rebuild.
Trailer Wheel Bearing Failure
Travel trailers and fifth wheels are especially prone to wheel bearing failure, particularly if bearings were not repacked before the season’s first trip. A seized bearing generates extreme heat — you will often smell burning grease or see smoke before the wheel locks entirely. A locked wheel can damage the axle, brakes, and hub assembly. The trailer needs to be towed separately from the tow vehicle in this scenario.
Running Out of Fuel
Motorhomes consume far more fuel than cars — a Class A diesel pusher can burn 20–30 litres per 100 km, and a Class C gas unit 18–25 litres per 100 km. Drivers who are used to car-range fuel economy often misjudge how far they can go between fill-ups, especially heading north where gas stations become sparse. Towing Toronto offers emergency fuel delivery — including diesel — so you do not need a tow, just fuel.
Slide-Out and Levelling System Failures
Hydraulic levelling jacks and electric slide-outs are convenient at the campsite but can become a problem on the road. If a slide-out fails to retract, the motorhome is too wide to drive legally and may not fit through underpasses. If levelling jacks fail to retract, the unit cannot be moved without damaging them. These situations often require a tow to an RV service centre.
Accidents and Rollovers
RVs have a high centre of gravity, which makes them vulnerable to rollovers — especially in crosswinds on highway overpasses or sharp off-ramp curves. Travel trailers are particularly susceptible to sway-induced rollovers. An RV accident recovery is a complex operation that often requires a heavy-duty wrecker, winching equipment, and an experienced operator who understands how to upright and stabilise a large vehicle without causing further structural damage.
RV Trouble? We Have the Heavy Equipment.
50-tonne wreckers. Motorhome towing. Travel trailer recovery. Battery boosts. Fuel delivery. 24/7 across the GTA.
What Equipment Is Needed to Tow Each RV Type
This is the information that matters most when you are stuck on the side of the road: what kind of truck do you actually need? Here is a quick reference showing the right equipment for each RV category:
What to Tell the Dispatcher When You Call for RV Towing
The most important thing you can do when calling for an RV tow is give the dispatcher enough information to send the right truck the first time. Sending the wrong truck wastes hours and leaves you stranded even longer. Here is exactly what to communicate:
Vehicle type and class — Is it a Class A motorhome, Class C, travel trailer, fifth wheel, or camper van? This determines the truck category.
Year, make, and model — “2019 Winnebago View 24D” gives the dispatcher specific weight and dimension data, not just “a motorhome.”
Approximate length and weight — If you know your GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, found on the door sticker or owner’s manual), share it. If not, estimate the length — “about 30 feet” helps enormously.
Fuel type — Gasoline or diesel? This matters for fuel delivery calls and for the tow operator to understand the engine and drivetrain configuration.
Are you towing anything? — If your motorhome was towing a car, boat, or trailer behind it, the tow truck operator needs to handle two vehicles, not one. If your tow vehicle is fine but the trailer has the problem, clarify that.
Exact location — Highway number, direction of travel, nearest exit or landmark. If you are on a 400-series highway, the small green marker posts every kilometre have a number on them — read that number to the dispatcher.
The problem — Flat tyre, engine will not start, overheating, smoke from wheel area, electrical failure, slide-out stuck. The more specific, the better the dispatcher can prepare the operator.
Where you want it towed — An RV service centre, a campground, your home, or a storage facility? If you do not have a destination in mind, ask the dispatcher for recommendations — a good towing company will know which nearby shops service RVs.
Seasonal RV Towing Considerations in Ontario
RV breakdowns follow a clear seasonal pattern in the GTA. Understanding when and why problems occur can help you prevent them — or at least prepare:
🌸 Spring (April – May)
Peak breakdown season. Vehicles that have been sitting in storage since October emerge with dead batteries, degraded tyres, dried-out seals, and rodent-chewed wiring. The first trip of the season is when most problems surface. Schedule a pre-season inspection and have your tyres, batteries, and brakes checked before hitting the road.
☀️ Summer (June – August)
Highest volume of RV towing calls. More RVs on the road means more breakdowns — especially tyre blowouts (heat + heavy loads), overheated transmissions (climbing hills with full loads), and running out of fuel on long highway drives north. Long weekends (Canada Day, Civic Holiday, Labour Day) are especially busy for RV towing in the GTA.
🍂 Fall (September – October)
End-of-season breakdowns plus storage transport. Vehicles that have been running all summer show accumulated wear. Many owners need RVs towed to winter storage facilities in October and November. This is a scheduled transport, not an emergency — book it in advance.
❄️ Winter (November – March)
Storage-related issues. Most RVs are stored, but some owners use them as temporary housing or at winter campgrounds. Cold temperatures drain batteries faster, and winter road conditions make RV towing more complex. Frozen water lines can also burst, adding interior water damage to the list of problems.
How Towing Toronto Handles RV and Motorhome Towing
Towing Toronto provides specialised RV and motorhome towing service across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. Here is what our service includes:
Heavy-Duty Wrecker Fleet
Our fleet includes 50-tonne wreckers capable of towing the largest Class A motorhomes, diesel pushers, and bus-chassis RVs. We also operate medium-duty trucks for Class C motorhomes and large travel trailers.
Complete Roadside Assistance
Not every RV problem requires a tow. We provide roadside assistance including battery boosts (commercial-grade for diesel engines), flat tyre service, fuel delivery (gasoline and diesel), and lockout service for RVs.
TSSEA-Certified and Insured
We are certified under Ontario’s Towing and Storage Safety and Enforcement Act and carry comprehensive insurance for high-value vehicle transport. Direct insurance billing is available for accident-related tows.
24/7 Availability Across the GTA
RV breakdowns happen on long weekends, at campgrounds, and on highways far from the city. We dispatch 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays — the times when most RV breakdowns happen.
We handle all RV types: Class A motorhomes, Class B and Class C motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, truck campers, pop-up campers, toy haulers, and bus conversions. Whether you need emergency roadside assistance, long-distance towing back to the GTA, or scheduled transport to a storage facility or service centre, we have the equipment and experience to handle it.
Pre-Trip Checklist: Reducing Your Risk of an RV Breakdown
Most RV breakdowns are preventable. Before every trip — and especially the first trip of the season — run through this checklist:
Check tyre age and pressure — RV tyres should be replaced every 5–7 years regardless of tread depth. Check pressure when cold (before driving) and inflate to the manufacturer’s specification on the door sticker. Do not forget the spare.
Test both battery systems — Start the engine and verify the chassis battery holds a charge. Check house battery voltage (12.6V is fully charged; below 12.0V needs replacement). Charge or replace before departure.
Inspect brakes — Check brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid on motorhomes. For travel trailers, verify the electric brake controller is functional and the breakaway switch battery is charged.
Check transmission fluid — On motorhomes, low or degraded transmission fluid is the primary cause of overheating. If the fluid is dark or smells burnt, have it serviced before the trip.
Repack trailer wheel bearings — Travel trailer and fifth wheel bearings should be repacked with grease annually or every 15,000–20,000 km. This is the most effective way to prevent bearing failure.
Test all lights and signals — Tail lights, brake lights, and turn signals on both the tow vehicle and the trailer. Burned-out lights are both a safety hazard and an Ontario HTA violation.
Verify hitch and safety chains — Check the hitch ball size matches the coupler, the pin is secure, safety chains are crossed under the hitch, and the breakaway cable is attached. For fifth wheels, confirm the kingpin is fully locked in the hitch jaws.
Know your weight — Visit a public scale (CAT scales at truck stops accept RVs) and weigh your loaded vehicle. Compare to the GVWR on your door sticker. If you are over, you need to unload before driving — overweight RVs are both illegal and dangerous.
Carry an emergency kit — reflective triangles, a flashlight, a basic tool kit, tyre gauge, jumper cables, a first aid kit, and the phone number of a towing company that handles RVs.
Save Towing Toronto’s number — add (647) 812-1477 to your phone contacts before you leave. If your RV breaks down on the highway, you do not want to be searching for a towing company on your phone while parked on a narrow shoulder.
RV Towing Costs and Insurance in Ontario
RV towing costs more than standard vehicle towing for straightforward reasons: the equipment is larger, the operation takes longer, and the risk is higher. Here is what to expect:
Costs vary based on the size and weight of the RV, the distance to the destination, time of day, and the complexity of the recovery (a highway shoulder tow is simpler than a ditch extraction). A tow for a Class C motorhome within the GTA will cost more than a standard car tow, but less than recovering a Class A diesel pusher from a highway embankment. For a transparent quote specific to your situation, call us at (647) 812-1477. For general towing cost benchmarks, see our towing cost and price guide.
Regarding insurance: most dedicated RV insurance policies in Ontario include some level of roadside assistance and towing coverage. However, standard auto insurance policies that cover the tow vehicle may not cover the trailer, and coverage limits may be insufficient for heavy-duty towing. Before your trip, verify with your insurance broker that your policy covers towing for your specific RV type, that the coverage limit is adequate for heavy-duty towing costs, that you have roadside assistance coverage, and that both your motorhome and any towed trailer are covered. Towing Toronto offers direct insurance billing for accident-related RV tows, so you do not need to pay out of pocket and wait for reimbursement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a regular tow truck tow an RV or motorhome?
It depends on the RV type. A standard flatbed tow truck can handle most Class B camper vans and some smaller travel trailers. However, Class A and Class C motorhomes, loaded fifth wheels, and large travel trailers exceed the capacity of standard tow trucks and require medium-duty or heavy-duty equipment. Sending the wrong truck wastes time and can damage both the RV and the tow equipment. Always specify your RV type and approximate weight when calling.
How much does it cost to tow an RV in the GTA?
RV towing costs more than standard towing due to the heavy-duty equipment required. The cost depends on the RV type and weight, distance, time of day, and complexity of the recovery. For a transparent quote, call Towing Toronto at (647) 812-1477. We provide honest pricing with no hidden fees.
What licence do I need to drive a motorhome in Ontario?
A standard Class G licence covers motorhomes under 11,000 kg. Motorhomes between 11,000–14,000 kg require a Class G licence with an RV endorsement, which involves completing the Recreational Vehicle Learning Module (RVLM). Motorhomes over 14,000 kg require a Class D licence with RV restriction, which requires the RVLM plus a modified Class D road test. For towing a travel trailer over 4,600 kg, you need a Class A (Restricted) licence.
My travel trailer has a flat tyre. Can you fix it on the road?
In many cases, yes. If the trailer has a spare tyre, our roadside assistance team can change it on location. If the tyre is destroyed or there is no spare, we can tow the trailer to a tyre shop or service centre. Tyre changes on travel trailers require different equipment than car tyre changes due to the weight and jack requirements — this is not a DIY job on the highway shoulder.
Can you tow my motorhome and the car I was towing behind it?
Yes, but this typically requires two tow trucks — one for the motorhome and one for the towed vehicle. When you call, let us know you have a combination so we can dispatch the right resources. In some cases, the towed car can be driven separately to the destination if it is in working condition.
Do you provide RV towing on 400-series highways?
Yes. We dispatch to all 400-series highways in the GTA including the 401, 400, 404, 427, QEW, DVP, and Gardiner Expressway. Highway breakdowns are time-sensitive — a large RV on a narrow shoulder is a safety hazard for the vehicle occupants and other traffic. We prioritise highway calls and work to arrive as quickly as possible with the right equipment.
Can you tow my RV to a storage facility for the winter?
Absolutely. Scheduled seasonal transport is one of our most common RV towing services. We can move your motorhome, travel trailer, or fifth wheel from your home to a winter storage facility (or back again in the spring). We recommend booking these moves at least 48 hours in advance to ensure the right equipment and time slot are available. We also offer secure vehicle storage with spaces designed for large vehicles up to 45 feet.
Does my RV insurance cover towing?
Most dedicated RV insurance policies in Ontario include towing and roadside assistance coverage, but the limits and conditions vary. Some policies cap towing at a dollar amount that may not cover heavy-duty equipment costs. Standard auto policies that cover your tow vehicle may not extend to the trailer. Check with your broker before your trip to confirm coverage. Towing Toronto offers direct insurance billing for accident-related tows, simplifying the claims process.
How do I prevent RV tyre blowouts?
Replace tyres every 5–7 years regardless of tread depth — rubber degrades over time, especially with UV exposure during storage. Check pressure before every trip (cold, before driving) and inflate to the specification on the door sticker, not the sidewall maximum. Inspect tyres for sidewall cracking, bulging, or uneven wear. Use tyre covers during storage to reduce UV damage. Avoid overloading — excess weight is the primary cause of blowouts.
What should I do if my RV breaks down on the highway?
Pull as far off the road as possible — ideally past the paved shoulder onto the grass or gravel if it is safe to do so. Turn on your hazard lights immediately. Deploy reflective triangles behind the vehicle if you have them. Get all passengers out of the RV and away from the travel lane. Call Towing Toronto at (647) 812-1477 and provide your exact location, vehicle type, and the nature of the problem. Stay visible and stay safe. For more on handling roadside emergencies, see our guide on what to do after an accident in Toronto.
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Heavy-duty RV towing. Travel trailer recovery. Motorhome roadside assistance. 24/7 across Toronto and the GTA.
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