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MyRV4Me's avatar
MyRV4Me
Explorer
Apr 14, 2014

Tow Dolly Sways

HI...
We have a Kar-Tote tow dolly. We previously used it with our 24' Minnie Winnie, and didn't notice any problems.
We purchased a 32' Fleetwood, and had to get a new hitch, with a longer drop, and now we notice that our tow dolly sways really badly when the car is not loaded.
We've asked our dealer, and they don't have a clue as to why it does this.
Does anyone have any ideas for me? Or things we should check?
It loosens up quite a bit as we drive along... even after we re tighten it, it gets loose again.
Thanks for any help....

19 Replies

  • OK.. so talking to my hubby now....
    the bolt to the receiver to tighten the hitch is loosening up by the swaying.
    We are going to lower the air pressure in the tires... great idea!

    Just wondering if the height of the hitch might have anything to do with it???

    Thanks again for all the useful info!
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Does anyone have an idea.. As a matter of fact yes I do, two or three of them in fact depending on your drop hitch.

    The one/two are Blue Ox Hitch Immobilizers.. If your drop is a drop receiver adapter (has a receiver on the bottom) you need two, if it's a drop ball hitch) has a tong for a ball on the bottom) you need one. This keeps the hitch from wiggling, Go for the Blue-Ox, I have a knock off version I can give you but to be honest.. it is worth more as scrap metal.

    Now, the real kicker.... This product will eliminate the sway.. Link is to the manufacturer's web page. Most RV dealers have it.. HOWEVER, i'm not sure how to mount it on your hitch adapter,, Well, I am but it takes an aircraft certified weld shop to be sure it's right or one willing to take the risk, many are not.

    Reese Hitch Friction Sway Bar

    In fact, you will need to loosen the adjustment nut as this thing can stabilize over 2,000 of trailer with no trouble at all.
  • OhhWell wrote:
    MyRV4Me wrote:
    HI...

    It loosens up quite a bit as we drive along... even after we re tighten it, it gets loose again.
    Thanks for any help....


    I'm guessing you mean the ball loosens up? Usually they come with a massive lock washer. What do you use to tighten it? Also, you should be putting axle grease on the ball to help with that.

    If you didn't mean the ball, just ignore my post.


    HI... no, not the ball, the tow dolly. If it wasn't locked in, I am afraid it would just go it's own way... lol.... as it is, we are afraid it will flip.
  • Lower the pressure. It will tow much easier. Remember to re-inflate to around 50 PSI before towing the car.
  • I'm purchasing a new Master Tow T77. The instructions say to lower the PSI to 10 when towing without a load. Normal PSI with a toad loaded is 50
  • MyRV4Me wrote:
    HI...

    It loosens up quite a bit as we drive along... even after we re tighten it, it gets loose again.
    Thanks for any help....


    I'm guessing you mean the ball loosens up? Usually they come with a massive lock washer. What do you use to tighten it? Also, you should be putting axle grease on the ball to help with that.

    If you didn't mean the ball, just ignore my post.
  • How tight does the hitch fit in the receiver? Grab the ball & see how much the hitch will move side to side.
  • OK... that sounds like very useful info. Thanks much..
    We have to tow the dolly to and from the storage lot to where we live.
  • Sway when the car is not loaded?

    Remember, your dolly has no suspension at all. It relies on the cars suspension when loaded. When not loaded a dolly spends as much time bouncing up in the air as it does on the road. It bounces just like a basket ball. Sway might be caused by uneven air pressure in the tires or it might be just how it is landing & bouncing.

    My dolly had instruction to avoid towing unloaded but if you had to then lower the tire air pressure. I forget the recommended unloaded pressure but it was so low the tires felt soft.