Tow dolly recommendations

[chicane]

Does anyone own or has used (other than U-Haul) and brand of tow dollies that they recommend (or avoid). What about brakes, electric, hydraulic, none?

 

[Identaltech]

forget the tow dollies
just get a trailer.
with my tilt trailer I can load a car and on my way faster than you can get a dollie hooked up.
it also serves other use also.
I belive anything over 2000 pounds has to have brakes. (In Iowa that is)
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[kythri]

Crud. I just rented one 3 weeks ago (non U-Haul), and didn't even pay attention to the brand.

I did pay attention to the fact that the straps weren't long enough to ratchet down oversize tires on a lifted truck, which is definitely something I'm going to look for when I eventually buy a dolly for my self (it's on the list, but a couple of smaller trailers are in line in front of it, unfortunately).

 

[skipskip]

I bought a used Master Tow dolly 6 years ago. I have treated it very harshly,and it is as solid as ever.

There are 2 sizes ,make sure you get the one that fits your application.

I would buy electric brakes, given the option, in fact brakes may be required in some states.

Hydraulic brakes are are bit fiddly IMHO.

Oh, and buy a spare wheel/tire

Skip

 

[herb101]

Crud. I just rented one 3 weeks ago (non U-Haul), and didn't even pay attention to the brand.

I did pay attention to the fact that the straps weren't long enough to ratchet down oversize tires on a lifted truck, which is definitely something I'm going to look for when I eventually buy a dolly for my self (it's on the list, but a couple of smaller trailers are in line in front of it, unfortunately).

You may need to modify the straps - not sure if they will accomodate oversize tires in a factory configuration. I was leafing through my lastest Summit **** mag and saw some ratchet strap tie-downs for drag cars in a trailer. Those would do a 15x32 slick, so they may be an option for your truck tires - may be another place to look.

 

[kythri]

You may need to modify the straps - not sure if they will accomodate oversize tires in a factory configuration. I was leafing through my lastest Summit **** mag and saw some ratchet strap tie-downs for drag cars in a trailer. Those would do a 15x32 slick, so they may be an option for your truck tires - may be another place to look.

Yeah, I ended up having to put the stock wheels/tires back on the front so I could ratchet it down on the dolly.

It was heading for an alignment, so no biggie there, just tossed the big ones in the back, and the shop swapped them prior to beginning.

Kind of a pain, though.

 

[sammerdog]

I used to rep the Demco line in a former life. I think they're still in business. They're out in Iowa.

If you have a place to store it, Identaltech is dead-on when he says spend a little extra and get a trailer. Safer, quicker, does double duty as a general hauler. Be sure to get steel (not sure if anyone even goofs around with aluminum anymore).

If you're bound and determined to get a tow-dolly, there are esentially two types - fixed carriage and swivel carriage.

Fixed carriage are for straight pull-on pull-off applications. Decent dollies, but a swivel carriage has a pivot point mounted dead center above the axle. It allows the front axle of your towed vehicle to follow the curves in the road. It will pull a pinch better and gentler on the steering components of your towed vehicle.

In theory, if you get a fixed-carriage dolly, you should turn the ignition key to the first position to allow your front wheels to turn freely.

Oh yeah - and if you think you'll be pulling the dolly empty quite often (dropping off a car in DC and coming back emprty...), you'll go through tires very rapidly. Dumb things bounce like crazy as they go down the highway. In that case, just rent one as you need one.

 

[herb101]

These guys may have a usable option for tie-down modifications. No experience with them, just the result of a search.

http://www.macscustomtiedowns.com/category/WheelNets