Recommendations on Vehicle Dollies/Wheel Skates?

[bulletpruf]

So, I will have three vehicles in the 20' x 50' shop, and they'll barely fit - 1991 F350 crew cab dually, 1971 Javelin road race project, and 1969 Bronco project. The dually runs and drives, but the Javelin does not, and the Bronco will often be immobile as rebuild the drivetrain.

I have some old junky metal wheel dollies that don't work worth a damn, and I may use these on the Javelin, since it will be at the back of the shop and will rarely move.

On the Bronco, I need something that works well -- I really want to be able to move it by myself.

Harbor Freight sells these https://www.harborfreight.com/1300-lb-capacity-self-loading-positioning-wheel-dolly-64601.html for $130 each, and they're highly rated at 4.8/5, but I'm curious to hear if anyone has any input or recommendations. Looks like Go Jack is the industry standard, but they're $400 each, and I don't want to drop $1600 on a set of these. Can't find any lightly used ones for sale locally, either. Eastwood has some as well, but ratings aren't great. Same with Ironton (Northern Tool) - lousy ratings.

Thanks,

Scott

 

[cvairwerks]

I've got a pair like these. Same rating, but I'm using them to keep a big shear mobile. Rolls pretty easy, depending on the floor surface.

Pardon Our Interruption

 

[kbuhagiar]

I have a set of the original Go-Jaks, and they work very well, although they were a bit pricey.

Honestly, if I had to do it over again I'd look into the HF knockoffs for half the price.

 

[c39er]

Easy roll and push...go jaks only.

 

[NYBODYMAN]

Go jacks are the best IMO. It took me a long time, but I found a used set for around $300. As far as the HF ones, I believe they are the same as Go Jacks for the most part with the exception of the wheels/bearings. If you really want I guess you could get the HF ones and spend some money on better wheels.

 

[Bill Bowman]

I've had Go Jack's for about 20 years. No problems.

 

[IRQVET]

I have the harbor freight specials for my 49 Willys, had them 6'ish years, no complaints.

 

[JimH74]

I think I saw where the HF style were going to be on sale on Black Friday flyer

 

[driftpin]

I've used the HFT cheaper dollies and they made moving my ~3600 lb station wagon project an easy task, one-handed if you wished. Mine are the older version which are diamond-plate. Never any issues. $40 apiece/$80/pr., the latter being how they're sold.

If someone wants to spend ten-times the price ($1600 vs $160) I'm sure you get a better-quality product. Is it necessary to spend The Big-Bucks? Obviously not. What else is on your project Wish List that $1440 could buy you?

https://www.harborfreight.com/automotive/jacks-jack-stands/vehicle-dollies/2500-lb-capacity-professional-steel-vehicle-dollies-2-piece-58394.html

 

[LXCam]

I've got a pair like these. Same rating, but I'm using them to keep a big shear mobile. Rolls pretty easy, depending on the floor surface.

Pardon Our Interruption

I’m surprised CV, you normally provide some good solid advice.

But those things are pure ****. I was given a new sets several years ago and I cuss every time I use those damn things.

They are one of those one of these days I’ll replace them things but because I’m one of them guys that has a hard time getting around to one of them days…I just cuss’m and never give it a second thought until the next time I’m cussing’m.

 

[zendriver]

I used two of the cheap ones for my #3000 bass boat. Worked fine for years, until I hit a high spot in the concrete floor, mushed one of the swivel bearings on a wheel.

Good or the money IMO

1500 lb. Capacity Vehicle Dollies 2 Piece

Amazing deals on this 1500Lb Vehicle Dollies 2Pc at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[no704]

I used two of the cheap ones for my #3000 bass boat. Worked fine for years, until I hit a high spot in the concrete floor, mushed one of the swivel bearings on a wheel.

Good or the money IMO

1500 lb. Capacity Vehicle Dollies 2 Piece

Amazing deals on this 1500Lb Vehicle Dollies 2Pc at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

I’ve had a set of these. You will hate them! Easier to use two floor jacks. I’d be interested in the hf gojack knockoffs? Had a set of real gojacks at a previous job and they were great.

 

[JessieAMorris]

I’ve got a set of the HF GoJack style and they’re pretty nice. I’ve got a car on them plus another I’ve moved on and off a few times with great success. The roll easily and work well, but be careful as they’re greasy as all get out on the main slider. Not sure if the originals are better that way, I suspect not.

 

[kbuhagiar]

I’ve got a set of the HF GoJack style and they’re pretty nice. I’ve got a car on them plus another I’ve moved on and off a few times with great success. The roll easily and work well, but be careful as they’re greasy as all get out on the main slider. Not sure if the originals are better that way, I suspect not.

My original Go-Jaks were also covered in grease. Still are.

 

[zkdiesel]

The new style dual roller go jacks are the best. Wide tires, dually, big diameter

 

[cvairwerks]

LX: The shear doesn't move often, but it keeps it mobile, It sits on a large rectangular frame and I have a pair of these set at the balance point. The frame sits across the "vee" and not in it. Weight of the shear is about 2100 pounds with the drive motor. The ones I bought were a little narrower than those I pointed to.

I would have preferred to use a set of GoJacks, but the space where the shear has to be stored wasn't wide enough to use them.

Obviously, how much movement is going to be accomplished and floor quality will be huge factors in what gets bought. A smooth floor and rare movement and I wouldn't hesitate using the same ones. On the other hand, a rougher floor or needing to move the load often, and GoJacks all the way.

I've also got a pair of the Northern Tool version of GoJacks. Work ok, sometimes a little hard to get things moving. One is holding up the crown for one of the hydraulic presses right now. At least it's in use. Can't use them at the house anywhere but inside the garage due to the driveway condition.

 

[bulletpruf]

I’m surprised CV, you normally provide some good solid advice.

But those things are pure ****. I was given a new sets several years ago and I cuss every time I use those damn things.

They are one of those one of these days I’ll replace them things but because I’m one of them guys that has a hard time getting around to one of them days…I just cuss’m and never give it a second thought until the next time I’m cussing’m.

They do have lousy ratings.

 

[bulletpruf]

 

[bulletpruf]

Dollies are $129 each but if you buy 4 and the storage rack it’s $400 for everything.

 

[JessieAMorris]

I think you’ll be pretty happy with them. Compared to the other skates that HF has they’re much much nicer!

 

[mike93lx]

Dollies are $129 each but if you buy 4 and the storage rack it’s $400 for everything.

How could you not?

 

[larry4406]

Dollies are $129 each but if you buy 4 and the storage rack it’s $400 for everything.

We expect a thorough review. I’ve been eyeing those….

 

[kbeefy]

I've used the HFT cheaper dollies and they made moving my ~3600 lb station wagon project an easy task, one-handed if you wished. Mine are the older version which are diamond-plate. Never any issues. $40 apiece/$80/pr., the latter being how they're sold.

If someone wants to spend ten-times the price ($1600 vs $160) I'm sure you get a better-quality product. Is it necessary to spend The Big-Bucks? Obviously not. What else is on your project Wish List that $1440 could buy you?

https://www.harborfreight.com/automotive/jacks-jack-stands/vehicle-dollies/2500-lb-capacity-professional-steel-vehicle-dollies-2-piece-58394.html

I have those same ones (the older diamond plate style) and they work fine.


I used to have access to the original go jacks and they were nice, but we sometimes had tires too wide for them. I didn't know they had a bigger version.


For $400 including the stand those HF knockoffs are pretty tempting!

 

[sz0k30]

Even if your floor is perfectly smooth & level, moving a car by yourself is not easy. Unless the skate wheels are aligned to the direction you want to go, that initial push is just about impossible.

 

[Kaizen]

If you're already at HF level check out Vevor. 120 bucks delivered. Been loving Vevor stuff. Got these and assembly required on the wheels but they are NOT cheap. I think any skate with a truck weight will be challenging.

VEVOR Wheel Dolly, 6000 lbs/2722 kg Car Moving Dolly, Wheel Dolly Car Tire Stake Set of 4 Piece, Heavy-duty Car Tire Dolly Cart Moving Cars, Trucks, Trailers, Motorcycles, and Boats | VEVOR US

VEVOR Wheel Dolly moves vehicles up to 6000 lbs effortlessly with heavy-duty steel, universal casters, and enhanced safety features for secure and easy maintenance.

www.vevor.com

Other fav I got is this impact set. I beat the snot out of these on some jeep suspension components and not one issue.

VEVOR 1/2 Impact Socket Set – 65PCS, Cr-V Alloy Steel

Tackle auto repair and heavy-duty jobs easily with the VEVOR 1/2 impact socket set. Durable Cr-V steel, 65 pieces, and easy-to-read markings. Order today!

www.vevor.com

 

[mike93lx]

If you're already at HF level check out Vevor. 120 bucks delivered. Been loving Vevor stuff. Got these and assembly required on the wheels but they are NOT cheap. I think any skate with a truck weight will be challenging.

VEVOR Wheel Dolly, 6000 lbs/2722 kg Car Moving Dolly, Wheel Dolly Car Tire Stake Set of 4 Piece, Heavy-duty Car Tire Dolly Cart Moving Cars, Trucks, Trailers, Motorcycles, and Boats | VEVOR US

VEVOR Wheel Dolly moves vehicles up to 6000 lbs effortlessly with heavy-duty steel, universal casters, and enhanced safety features for secure and easy maintenance.

www.vevor.com

Those vevor dollies aren't really any cheaper than harbor freight's regular price. And for the set that Scott bought, HF was a lot cheaper

 

[bulletpruf]

If you're already at HF level check out Vevor. 120 bucks delivered. Been loving Vevor stuff. Got these and assembly required on the wheels but they are NOT cheap. I think any skate with a truck weight will be challenging.

VEVOR Wheel Dolly, 6000 lbs/2722 kg Car Moving Dolly, Wheel Dolly Car Tire Stake Set of 4 Piece, Heavy-duty Car Tire Dolly Cart Moving Cars, Trucks, Trailers, Motorcycles, and Boats | VEVOR US

VEVOR Wheel Dolly moves vehicles up to 6000 lbs effortlessly with heavy-duty steel, universal casters, and enhanced safety features for secure and easy maintenance.

www.vevor.com

Other fav I got is this impact set. I beat the snot out of these on some jeep suspension components and not one issue.

VEVOR 1/2 Impact Socket Set – 65PCS, Cr-V Alloy Steel

Tackle auto repair and heavy-duty jobs easily with the VEVOR 1/2 impact socket set. Durable Cr-V steel, 65 pieces, and easy-to-read markings. Order today!

www.vevor.com

Saw those when I was doing research and they do have good reviews. However, I've used this type before and this time around I wanted some that you can use to pick the vehicle up with, too.

 

[Skellyii]

I used two of the cheap ones for my #3000 bass boat. Worked fine for years, until I hit a high spot in the concrete floor, mushed one of the swivel bearings on a wheel.

Good or the money IMO

1500 lb. Capacity Vehicle Dollies 2 Piece

Amazing deals on this 1500Lb Vehicle Dollies 2Pc at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

I bought a set of the cheap HF ones years ago back when they still had the 20% coupons, and the set I got were on clearance, so they were even cheaper. They've worked well for me in both of the garages I've used them in, but I've had good concrete, and haven't used them with a car over about 3500 lbs.

I've always been able to move the cars by myself,even though I'm getting older.

 

[Skellyii]

Not to hijack the thread, but while you guys are here, has anyone used any of these dollies with RaceDeck tiles or similar?

I have a shop with Race Deck, and I doubt that the cheap dollies will work, but I was wondering do the Go-jack type work with tiles??

 

[PhantomEB]

I hate mine, I think once bronco is driveable out then they may go live somewhere else.

 

[slow84lx]

I had 2 sets of the Northern Freight versions. Gave one set away to a friend who intends to repurpose them and will give the other set away when the Mustang moves under its own power again. Will never brink home another set of them, too difficult to work with.

 

[finn]

I’m surprised CV, you normally provide some good solid advice.

But those things are pure ****. I was given a new sets several years ago and I cuss every time I use those damn things.

They are one of those one of these days I’ll replace them things but because I’m one of them guys that has a hard time getting around to one of them days…I just cuss’m and never give it a second thought until the next time I’m cussing’m.

Try greasing the bearings. I have a couple sets of these and a little light grease helps them roll. Also he the (cheaper?) version under a light 36 Ford pickup.

My favorites are a set of heavy aluminum dollys with much larger wheels I got from a Michigan company that regularly advertised in Hemmings thirty years ago. They roll super easily.

Every time I am ready to pull the trigger on a set of Go Jacks, a better place to spend my money pops up, and all the negative comments about the HF knock-offs that were here on GJ in the past scare me away from their version.

 

[bulletpruf]

Try greasing the bearings. I have a couple sets of these and a little light grease helps then roll. Also he the (cheaper?) version under a light 36 Ford pickup.

My favorites are a set of heavy aluminum Dollie’s with much larger wheels I got from a Michigan company that regularly advertised in Hemmings thirty years ago. They roll super easily.

Every time I am ready to pull the trigger on a set of Go Jacks, a better place to spend my money pops up, and all the negative comments about the HF knock-offs that were here on GJ in the past scare me away from their version.

Hopefully, HF made some improvements; they do have excellent ratings on the HF website.

 

[Kaizen]

Saw those when I was doing research and they do have good reviews. However, I've used this type before and this time around I wanted some that you can use to pick the vehicle up with, too.

Yea i get that. Hard to stomach the cost difference. I would def do those if you were moving them from car to car daily like in a shop. good luck

 

[Kaizen]

Those vevor dollies aren't really any cheaper than harbor freight's regular price. And for the set that Scott bought, HF was a lot cheaper

Maybe just me but since HF started with their higher end "brand name" items I have noticed a difference on the regualar lower cost stuff. For example i used to buy their metal unibits and they were awesome. Cut well and lasted longer then expected. Now that lower line are horrible. Add in that you can't get coupons daily and I got soured on them. I know you pay for what you get but the vevor stuff i've used so far is less expensive and seems better made.

 

[dcg9381]

I have a set of these (below). I have a 1988 4runner on top of them and I can "just barely" move that vehicle by myself with completely flat concrete if I get the wheels lined up. It's much easier with two people.

 

[y'sguy]

I used to want some of these. But as time went on I realized with the space I have, where was I really going to move my car that would really matter THAT much. Currently, I'm rebuilding a window mechanism on one side of my car. It would have been handy to roll the car sideways or at a slightly different angle to gain some workable space but instead I started the car up and backed it in at a better angle. Done. Saved about 400 bucks!

The best use of these is if you have a project in the works over a generous amount of time that won't run under its own power, of course.

I'm not knocking the tool; we used them exclusively when shooting car commercials many years ago, and they were ideal for tweaking position in a flash.

I also try to drive my car regularly. When I'm ready to go, I don't want to be unloading it off of stands of some kind.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I bought a set of 4 from Menards. They are the diamond plate style and had a 3600 lb car sitting on them for 2 years. Now they are home to a golf cart and working fine.

 

[dcg9381]

The best use of these is if you have a project in the works over a generous amount of time that won't run under its own power, of course.

It's not like anyone on GJ has one of those...

 

[bulletpruf]

I used to want some of these. But as time went on I realized with the space I have, where was I really going to move my car that would really matter THAT much. Currently, I'm rebuilding a window mechanism on one side of my car. It would have been handy to roll the car sideways or at a slightly different angle to gain some workable space but instead I started the car up and backed it in at a better angle. Done. Saved about 400 bucks!

The best use of these is if you have a project in the works over a generous amount of time that won't run under its own power, of course.

I'll use these on my '69 Bronco project and my '71 Javelin road race project. The Bronco did run a few years ago; could easily get it running again. But it hasn't moved under its own power in decades. I hope to rectify that soon, but that's what I said 6 years ago when I bought it...

Javelin will take longer. It's a super solid project with a cage, a built 401, a 4 speed, and a 9" NASCAR style rear diff. Bought it in 2010 or so and worked on it for a while before I got distracted by other projects and did two overseas tours with the Army.

Anyway, I barely have enough room in the shop for the crew cab dually, Javelin, and Bronco. Figure I'll cram them in there, but when I need to work on 'em, I'll pull the F350 outside (it runs and drives) and reposition the Bronco and Javelin. Looks like I'll have to fit the Bronco in sideways, too.

I'm not knocking the tool; we used them exclusively when shooting car commercials many years ago, and they were ideal for tweaking position in a flash.

I also try to drive my car regularly. When I'm ready to go, I don't want to be unloading it off of stands of some kind.

Yeah, my vintage cars really don't get driven. They get wrenched on until they're done and then I lose interest and sell them so I can afford something interesting that needs a ton of work.