What Is a Tow Dolly? The Full Guide

Are you planning on moving to a new place, but a little intimidated by the thought of towing your car? Well, worry no more because a tow dolly can be the solution to your problem! But wait, what is a tow dolly exactly?

In this blog post, we’ll delve into the world of tow dollies – what they are, how they work, and how they can make moving your car a breeze. So if you’re curious to learn more, read on

What is a Tow Dolly?

A tow dolly is a piece of specialized towing equipment designed to safely and efficiently transport a vehicle by supporting the front wheels and allowing the rear wheels to roll freely behind the towing vehicle.

Tow dollies are commonly used by professional towing services, auto transport companies, and DIY enthusiasts for various purposes such as long-distance moves, transporting inoperable vehicles, or retrieving a vehicle from an off-road location.

Constructed with a heavy-duty steel frame, tow dollies typically consist of a two-wheel platform or axle connected to a tow hitch assembly that can be easily attached to the back of a larger vehicle like a truck, RV, or SUV.

The towed vehicle’s front wheels are then securely fastened onto the dolly using adjustable tire straps, ratcheting mechanisms, or wheel nets, while the rear wheels remain in contact with the ground during transport.

Types of Tow Dollies

There are two major types to consider: mounted front-wheel dollies and center-pivot dollies. The main difference between the two lies in the pivot point when making turns.

• Mounted front wheel dollies have wheels mounted similarly to those on the front of your car, allowing them to turn on kingpins and track around corners.
• Center pivot dollies, on the other hand, have a pivot point that allows the car to track around corners.

Both types of dollies have their advantages, with mounted front wheel dollies being preferred for their reduced damage to the RV or trailer during tight turns.

Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference.

How Does a Tow Dolly Work?

A tow dolly works by elevating the front wheels of the vehicle being towed and securing them in a small trailer while the other two wheels roll freely on the ground. The dolly is connected and pulled by another vehicle.

The vehicle being towed should be loaded facing forward with the front wheels on the tow dolly tray. The purpose of the dolly is to carry only two wheels, which results in a simple design that doesn’t increase the length or width of the two vehicles by much.

To comply with regulations in certain areas, tow dollies may have extra safety measures such as brakes and lights.

Overall, a tow dolly is a simple and effective way to transport vehicles without the need for modifications or added hardware.

How Much Does a Tow Dolly Weigh?

The weight of a tow dolly can vary depending on its make and model, as well as the materials used in its construction. For example, the Stand-Up EZ Haul car tow dolly weighs only 330 pounds, making it relatively easy to move around and store.

This unit has a maximum load capacity of 5000 pounds and can be used to tow a wide range of vehicles. Other types of tow dollies can weigh more or less, depending on their features and construction.

When considering a tow dolly, it is important to take into account its weight and towing capacity, as well as any additional features, such as braking systems or adjustable ramps, that may be necessary for safe and efficient towing.

Flat Tow vs Tow Dolly

Flat towing involves connecting your vehicle to the RV with all four wheels on the ground, while a tow dolly lifts either the front or rear wheels off the ground and the other two wheels remain on the road.

As with any towing method, there are pros and cons. Flat towing is generally easier and quicker to set up but may require modifications to your vehicle and can put wear and tear on tires.

Tow dollies have a lower entry cost and offer more flexibility in the cars that can be towed, but require more time and effort to load and unload the car onto the dolly.

How Safe is a Tow Dolly?

Using a tow dolly is a safe and secure method of transporting your vehicle compared to traditional flat-towing. Tow dollies are designed to protect your car from wear and tear on the highway, and additional security reinforcements such as safety chains, tire straps, and disc brakes make driving a tow dolly much safer and easier.

However, it’s important to follow certain safety precautions when using a tow dolly, such as double-checking the connection between the dolly and your RV, checking the condition of the brakes and safety chains, and ensuring that you stay within the tow dolly’s weight and size limits.

By taking these extra safety measures, you can feel confident and secure on your road trip with a tow dolly.

Does Tow Dolly Need License Plate?

Registration is not required for a tow dolly in some states, but it’s still important to have up-to-date license and registration information for the vehicle being towed.

As for license plates, it’s best to check with your local DMV to see what rules and regulations apply in your area before using a tow dolly.

While many car tow dollies come with titles when purchased, it’s still important to carry the bill of sale with you as proof that you’re the owner of the dolly.

How Much Is a Tow Dolly Rental?

If you’re looking to rent a tow dolly, the cost can vary depending on the rental location and duration of the rental. Typically, the cost of a tow dolly rental can range from $40 to $320 or more.

Budget Truck Rental offers car dolly rentals for front-wheel drive vehicles. The tow dolly has a maximum car width of 76″ from outside of tire to outside of tire on the front axle and can carry AWD, 4WD, or RWD vehicles of up to 3600 lbs or front-wheel drive vehicles of up to 3300 lbs.

When renting a tow dolly, it is also important to consider the additional costs associated with towing, such as fuel and tolls.

Be sure to contact the rental company for specific pricing and rental requirements before making a reservation.

How Fast Can You Drive With a Tow Dolly?

When it comes to driving with a tow dolly, it’s important to not exceed 55 miles per hour on regular highways. This speed limit is recommended for the safety of both the driver of the RV and other drivers on the road.

While it may be tempting to drive at a higher speed, it’s crucial to remember that a tow dolly carries the weight of another vehicle, which can affect the driver’s ability to brake and maneuver effectively. It’s also important to adjust your speed accordingly when driving in hilly or uneven terrain.

By driving at a slower and safer speed, you’ll not only avoid accidents but also preserve the quality and longevity of your tow dolly.

How To Use a Tow Dolly Rear Wheel Drive?

If you have a rear-wheel drive car and want to use it with a tow dolly, there are a few steps to follow. First, disconnect the driveshaft to ensure the transmission is not run dry.

Then make sure the rear wheels are on the tow dolly, with the front wheels free to rotate on the road. If your car is a manual, leave it in first gear while towing.

For automatic cars, disconnect the driveshaft and put it in any gear, while keeping the front wheels on the tow dolly.

Remember to always secure your vehicle properly and use the tow dolly correctly for a safe journey. It’s also important to check your car’s owner’s manual beforehand to ensure it can be safely towed using a tow dolly.

Can I Use a Towing Dolly on the Motorway?

Yes, you can use a towing dolly on the motorway. However, it’s important to keep in mind that there are specific speed limits that you need to follow.

Generally, the maximum speed limit when using a tow dolly is around 55mph. This is because you have to consider the safety of yourself and other drivers on the road.

It’s important to take extra precautions and make sure that your vehicle is properly secured to the dolly before hitting the motorway.

Additionally, some states may have specific requirements for using tow dollies on the highway, so it’s always a good idea to check the regulations in the state where you plan to travel.

Following these guidelines will ensure a safe and smooth journey with your towing dolly.