Two Dolly Questions ???

Having read through this thread,I think I understand most of the advantages and disadvantages to each system. I'm considering a tow dolly but Im concerned about moving it by hand on uneven surfaces. Any advice from folks using a tow dolly would be appreciated. One post refers to 400lbs with 50 lb hitch weight. That sounds like a problem to wheel around? I know I could add a hitch to the toad, but hitch/unhitch would get to be a real session.

haha This topic comes up all the time and everybody swears by their choice. Both systems work fine. After all the hot air, if you own and want to tow a car that can't be 4 down a tow dolly or trailer are your options and plenty of folks use them just fine. Some even haul their dream cars in enclosed trailers which provide the ultimate in protection for an expensive toad. If you own or intend to buy a 4 down towable, then going that way is a very good choice. I would never tell someone what they should do. I would try to help them understand the pros and cons.

supercub wrote:
I'm looking at a new car, but it can't be towed 4 wheels down........so thinking of a tow dolly. I've never had one. So, I'm looking for any and all comments, pros and cons concerning the use of a tow dolly. Thanks
Brian

PS: I assume any front wheel car can be towed on a dolly, like a Ford Escape?

Ok by now you have read all the responses. So why do you want to complicate your life by buying a car you can't tow 4 down?
Bill

blknomad wrote:
I have read several of these post of people who are downing the use of tow dollies and I'm pretty sure I know what you are doing.
First, tow dollies as are trailer axels are made with a certain amount of caster and toe-in so it will self center after a turn same as a car. If your receiver is not the proper height it won't track straight.
Second, If your straps get loose, you didn't put them on properly. I may have to add a click to the strap ratchet but not often.
Third, How do you hook up your 4 down in the rain? The tow bar pins, the safety cables, the light wire, how long do you have to idle and run through the gears to oil the trans? How often do you stop to do this? Did you pull the fuse? Install brake controller? Must be Magic.
Fourth, I can back my dolly and car just as far as you can your 4 down.
Finally, DW and I can load our car and strap it less than 10min. and unload it in 2min.

If you decide to go with a tow dolly, get a good one It will be cheaper than having nice car butchered to install tow hooks and having to buy a brake controller.

Sorry I had to vent.

I've connected & disconnected in the rain plenty - no biggie....connect/release 2 pins, connect or release 2 chain hooks and plug in or remove the electrical....its 60 seconds TOPS.....Im sorry you're spending 10 minutes in the rain.

I don't need to lube or run thru the gears in my Jeep's to lube the trans periodically....pull the transfer case into Neutral & your done.

Theres no fuse to pull either....and i don't have to leave the key in the ignition to keep the steering wheel unlocked either.

no butchering necessary EITHER - base plates are made to fit, no bumper, frame or body modifications necessary....baseplates BOLT on (thru the frame) using factory bolt holes....its almost like Jeep BUILT the Wrangler (and others) KNOWING they would be towed....oh thats right they DID !

i guess your right....my toad is more magic and much less hassle that i realized....thanks for pointing it out to everyone !

Chevy, Saturn vue, tow 4 down

I have read several of these post of people who are downing the use of tow dollies and I'm pretty sure I know what you are doing.
First, tow dollies as are trailer axels are made with a certain amount of caster and toe-in so it will self center after a turn same as a car. If your receiver is not the proper height it won't track straight.
Second, If your straps get loose, you didn't put them on properly. I may have to add a click to the strap ratchet but not often.
Third, How do you hook up your 4 down in the rain? The tow bar pins, the safety cables, the light wire, how long do you have to idle and run through the gears to oil the trans? How often do you stop to do this? Did you pull the fuse? Install brake controller? Must be Magic.
Fourth, I can back my dolly and car just as far as you can your 4 down.
Finally, DW and I can load our car and strap it less than 10min. and unload it in 2min.

If you decide to go with a tow dolly, get a good one It will be cheaper than having nice car butchered to install tow hooks and having to buy a brake controller.

Sorry I had to vent.

I'm not sure why anybody would do the dolly thing intentionally.
Among other issues, you would need to check weight, both weight bearing capacity and CGVWR. For me, it's pretty close to max gross weight with just a tow bar setup.
Some state require the tow dolly to have its own tag.

hershey wrote:
If your heart is set on a particular car that isn't towable four down, your only choices are: a tow dolly, most cases that will work, check before you buy, and Remco Industries. Remco can provide you with alternatives that may be available to you. Lube pumps, drive line disconnects etc. With those alterations, you can tow most any car.

Just to update your info, Remco no longer makes or sells drive shaft disconnects.

The OP said "I'm looking at a new car, but it can't be towed 4 wheels down".
That limits the OP to a dolly.

I see a lot of comments against his only option, by people that do not use a tow dolly. I fail to understand why.

We have had an Acme EZ dolly for 3+ years now.
All welded construction and American made.
Built in Surge Disk Breaks and LED lights.
There is NOTHING else to buy or install.
Tongue weight is under 50 lbs.
Total Weight is under 400 lbs and at age 67+ I can easily roll it around.

Setup is around 10 min and we are off and running.
I took reflective tape and marked where the ramp center need to be so
when I setup they are ready.

The unit tracks well and I have to remember to check that it is there.

Simple, easy and effective.
We are pleased with it.

I have used both and I hope I never have to use a tow dolly again! 4 down is the only way to go. It may cost a little more upfront but in my opinion it is well worth it.