Forum Discussion
Jarlaxle
May 12, 2021Explorer II
Groover wrote:thegrindstaffs wrote:
oh really?? We would be completely fine with that. there's really no downside is there? other than having a dolly at the campsite.
That is the main disadvantage. I strongly suggest that you get one with brakes. Even towing behind a motorhome I like having all of the brakes that I can get. Anything that weighs over 3,500lbs is supposed to have brakes in most states but many dollies do not and use the excuse that the dolly is rated for less the 3,000lbs. Nevermind the other axle of the vehicle or the fact that many dollies do end up with more than 3,000lbs on them.
The other downsides are that you do have an extra piece equipment to maintain, that can be a pain to load and unload, they add about 450lbs to your rig, they sit low and are prone to dragging, you need to put magnetic lights on the vehicle being towed and worst of all, you have to crawl under them in whatever weather situation that you are in to tie down the vehicle that you are towing.
On the flip side, they don't cost much more than adding brakes to a toad, no vehicle alterations are required and you can back them up a little if you have a backup camera that lets you watch for a jacknife situation. You can tow a rearwheel drive vehicle loaded backwards, just be sure to lash the steering wheel in place. Don't count on the steering wheel lock to hold it while towing backwards.
Note that U-Haul dollies can top out around 4500lbs, and they do NOT have brakes.
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