New to RV- Flat tow vs. Car trailer??
First off- Brand new member here. Just picked up a 2006 Fleetwood Revolution LE for our first motorhome. We're excited to get out and start using it soon! Went with a diesel pusher so I can tow my (h...
Forum Discussion
IMO, it is personal preference; no more, no less.
All three methods (trailer, dolly, four down) have advantages and disadvantages!
Trailer: You can take ANY vehicle up to the size/weight limits of the trailer.
You can back up anywhere, anytime, any distance, limited only by your own expertise (or lack thereof).
No questions about what kind of braking to get; brakes are on the trailer, as required by law in all 50 states!
No question about a breakaway braking system; it is installed on the trailer.
No problem about light wiring; lights are on the trailer, as required by all 50 states.
It is relatively easy to load and tie down.
The trailer can often be used for other things. I used mine for hauling horse hay!
The disadvantages:
The weight of the trailer
Where to put the trailer.
Dolly: You can take ANY front wheel drive vehicle that will fit the dolly, and some rear wheel drive vehicles.
Brakes, as noted for a trailer.
disadvantages:
weight, again.
where to put it, again.
Can be a pain to load.
Can not be used for ANY AWD or 4X4 vehicle without removing/disconnecting the rear driveshaft.
It is NOT recommended that backing up be tried.
Four down towing: easiest to hook up, it is said
No tongue weight.
Disadvantages:
Many vehicles can NOT be towed four down without expensive modifications.
Towing options are limited to those vehicles that are set up for it.
Backing up is NOT recommended. (some say it can be done. I tried it once, never again will I try it.)
I had a trailer, but I sold it. (sold the horses, didn't need the trailer anymore.)
I have a dolly for the PT Cruiser, but we never take it, so the dolly may be sold.
The truck is set up for four down towing, and I can put my ATV or the boat in the bed. OR, here it is legal to double tow, so I can put the boat in the bed and tow the ATV on the trailer behind the truck.
Like I said, purely personal preference.
Good luck.
All three methods (trailer, dolly, four down) have advantages and disadvantages!
Trailer: You can take ANY vehicle up to the size/weight limits of the trailer.
You can back up anywhere, anytime, any distance, limited only by your own expertise (or lack thereof).
No questions about what kind of braking to get; brakes are on the trailer, as required by law in all 50 states!
No question about a breakaway braking system; it is installed on the trailer.
No problem about light wiring; lights are on the trailer, as required by all 50 states.
It is relatively easy to load and tie down.
The trailer can often be used for other things. I used mine for hauling horse hay!
The disadvantages:
The weight of the trailer
Where to put the trailer.
Dolly: You can take ANY front wheel drive vehicle that will fit the dolly, and some rear wheel drive vehicles.
Brakes, as noted for a trailer.
disadvantages:
weight, again.
where to put it, again.
Can be a pain to load.
Can not be used for ANY AWD or 4X4 vehicle without removing/disconnecting the rear driveshaft.
It is NOT recommended that backing up be tried.
Four down towing: easiest to hook up, it is said
No tongue weight.
Disadvantages:
Many vehicles can NOT be towed four down without expensive modifications.
Towing options are limited to those vehicles that are set up for it.
Backing up is NOT recommended. (some say it can be done. I tried it once, never again will I try it.)
I had a trailer, but I sold it. (sold the horses, didn't need the trailer anymore.)
I have a dolly for the PT Cruiser, but we never take it, so the dolly may be sold.
The truck is set up for four down towing, and I can put my ATV or the boat in the bed. OR, here it is legal to double tow, so I can put the boat in the bed and tow the ATV on the trailer behind the truck.
Like I said, purely personal preference.
Good luck.
