Flat Tow or Dolly Tow

I used a dolly for 25 years, and have towed 4 down for the last 15+ years. Looking at the list of towable new cars and the restrictions, I may end up with a dolly again at some point in time. To your question: Many vans have a hard time on dollies as the front fender panels hit the dolly. (quite a few past threads on the topic). I looked into a dolly for the new rig and thought about towing the Sienna. At that time only the ACME dolly said it was compatible with a van. Just something to look at as you make your decision.

Done it both ways and prefer four down. Have used dolly for other folks ride

Captain Ray wrote:
Bought a 2017 Chevy Traverse and trying to decide if I will Flat tow or purchase a tow dolly as prices are almost the same. Help

I have a honda CRV that i flat tow , local mechanic charged me $200 to put on Base plate 3 years ago.

Tow dolly. Been there, it was fine until I did "4 down". I will never go back.

Have a tow dolly now because one of our vehicles could not be towed 4 down and we weren't sure which vehicle we would be towing. Picked up our TowMaster with hydraulic surge brakes for just under $1000 new. Will be replacing the toad this year or next and will be 4 down for sure. The dolly is not horrible, but 4 down is so much simpler. Funny thing is that I see tow dollies on CraigsList for more than I paid for mine at the dealer.

If at all possible...flat tow ( 4 wheels down)

Thanks DG.. appreciate it.

Ron

I'm not qualified to install a base plate. How much would that typically cost?

lanerd wrote:
Less than $1500, complete and all new? Can you elaborate a little on your individual parts and prices? This sounds way too good to be true. I'm assuming when you say complete that it includes base plate, tow bar, cables (chains), umbilical cable w/both 7/6 pin connectors, toad lights, breakaway device, and aux braking system (can be included in a ReadyBrute Elite tow bar).

I have a friend who needs to set up his new toad, and $1500 is a lot less than what we have been able to estimate.

Thanks,

Ron

I'd be glad to, but it has been awhile, so your mileage may vary as they say...

RB-9050 Ready Brake tow bar with brake and safety cables $864.95

RS-5000 breakaway $87.50
TBC tow bar cover $50.00
9518208 Demco base plate $319.75

Sub Total $1322.20
Cool Tech JK Tow Harness Deluxe Kit SKU:JK07CTHDLX $139.95
Shipping $16.00

Grand Total $1478.15

Ours came from TOWBARS UNLIMITED which I'm most sure is out of business now and you might want to check out Amazon... HERE
or just go to.... NSA directly
Other retailers are available for some pretty good prices as well.

Dutch, yeah, I'm aware of that price....got that a year or so ago for another friend. But Tropical36 said less than $1500!!! It would be nice to save 200 to 250.

Ron