Okay I think introductions are in order--we just pulled the trigger on a American Coach Revolution 42T. We will take delivery in about a month or so (getting modifications made).Turns out I made a minor mistake in my research. I was under the impression I could tow my 2008 Ford Escape FWD with all wheels down. It turns out I am clearly wrong. I am completely out of my element with towing dollies. I have towed travel trailers (Nash 32D) and fifth wheels (Cedar Creek 362BTS), but never another car. I have a ton of questions and I am about to start doing my research but I was hoping the board could point me in a general direction.I am thinking I am needing brakes on the dolly right? Lights? I am also thinking I should probably put a hitch on the escape so I can tow the dolly when it is not attached to the motorcoach, right? I am making the assumption it will become a pain to move otherwise...I am thinking of trading out the Ford Escape for a Ford Edge in the next year to two years--so again, I assume I should keep that in mind when I purchase this set up correct, or is there a set up that would work for both.So the bottom line question is what dolly would you recommend for my set up? I have a Revolution 42T and 08 Ford Escape FWD with the idea of upgrading in a year or two to a Ford Edge.

First, WELCOME, and Thanks for Serving!Others'll be along directly, but:Yes, Brakes on DollyLights required on Dolly but not on the vehicle on the Dolly, although some light both.Hitch is a good ideaSome brands of dolly are narrower than others and some offer a couple different widths. By Narrow and Width I mean the wheel track of the vehicle being carried. Don't go too Narrow now and not be able to fit your next vehicle.

j-d wrote:First, WELCOME, and Thanks for Serving!Others'll be along directly, but:Yes, Brakes on DollyLights required on Dolly but not on the vehicle on the Dolly, although some light both.Hitch is a good ideaSome brands of dolly are narrower than others and some offer a couple different widths. By Narrow and Width I mean the wheel track of the vehicle being carried. Don't go too Narrow now and not be able to fit your next vehicle.Thanks for confirming my initial suspicions. Just doing a cursory search I am seeing the ACME and the Kar Kaddy being talked about. I see all sorts of dollies being sold on craigslist, but I am suspicious of deals that are "too good to be true". Will I need anything else to hook up to the Motorcoach other than the dolly? Crazy thought, but I should be able to back the rig up with the dolly attached correct?

GreenSalsa we have a Tow Master that is not wide enough for like a 2000 S-10 in my view but still too wide for narrow roads. I picked up the tow dolly because we have two teenage drivers and after pulling it with a PU I have no plans to use it with the MH. :)After we bought it an awesome deal turned up on a Kar Kaddy with surge brakes which was my dream dolly but after learning the issues of loading and KEEPING it tight after loaded I passed on it. I have marked each door of the S-10 with the fenders because they turn as the dolly wheels turn unlike the Kar Kaddy I think that stay out of the doors of the towed vehicle better.My physical limitations (little movement from waist up) rules out solo use of a tow dolly but it is nice to have around the place since it was only $400 and two new tires. I know a new one would work much better.

Hi, I've never towed a car on a dolly behind an RV but I've towed countless cars on dollies behind trucks and other cars. So the only real thing I have for you is some dollies have a pivot/swivel point in the front at the back of the tongue. I don't know the proper terms for all this but those that have the pivot are a bear to back up. It's like you're trying to back tandem trailers. They pivot on the ball and on the dolly. I've used that type dolly behind a 30 foot Uhaul type truck. When backing up and the dolly is straight you can't see the car or the dolly. By the time you do see it right or left it's too late to correct. I can back a trailer with the best of them but those swiveling dollies used to kick my butt.

Our Tow Master has that pivot/swivel point and it is a killer for sure. If I get another I would like the kind that steers more like a car front end.

Dolly recommendations please... | Good Sam Community

12 Replies

blknomad
Explorer
May 28, 2014
I have a demco car caddy and have pulled it behind 2 class As and pulled 2 different cars. Now You can back it up a few feet if you miss the pump, I have never ran aux lights just the lights on the dolly. I have never had to store my dolly away from my site most of the time I use a pull through. The fist car had struts run to the front of the frame so I could hook safety chains on one knee, after I traded and got a new toad it was all plastic and I soon got tired of laying down to hook chains. now I have a steel cable that runs from the frame to just under the front bumper and I hook themby just bending a little. Be sure to go with surge brakes that way you can pull it with another vehicle. Never had a problem with straps but I docheck at every stop.
Safe Travels
dbates
Explorer
May 28, 2014
I've been pulling my Vibe on a Demco KarKaddy SS for 9 years & almost 50,000 miles. It's a very good dolly and Demco's customer service is GREAT. When I needed a tire even though they sell tires they advised that I could get one locally and they upgraded the surge brakes for free. They are fully galvanized so you will never have to worry about rust, have hydraulic with break-a-way brakes. The SS model folds down to almost ½ size for storage and the maximum tongue weight with any toad is 200 #. The comment above about having problems with keeping the straps on is not a problem if it is strapped down properly (not as Demco recommends). If you end up getting a dolly send me a “personal message” and I’ll message you back with that procedure.

Dave
BTPO1
Explorer
May 28, 2014
I have an older Demco steerable dolly and I don't even know that it is behind me when in use. Has both lights and electric brakes. Use magnetic lights on the car as I want someone to see me after dark. The only thing that I wish I had was attached ramps, mine are removable and are a pain to carry. Lately my DW has been helping with putting them on and taking them off. JMO
mowermech
Explorer
May 27, 2014
http://www.americancardolly.com/

I think that one is quite possibly the best bang for the buck, if buying new.
However, I have an old Demco Kar Kaddy that serves us well for the PT Cruiser.

Brakes and lights on the dolly? Yes, and Yes. Brakes may or may not be required, depending on what state you are in, but lights are required in every state I know of. Some states may require lights or reflectors on the back end of the towed vehicle, as well.
As for backing a dolly with a vehicle loaded, nearly every dolly manufacturer says "DON'T TRY IT!" The same goes for nearly every tow bar manufacturer: "DON'T TRY TO BACK UP!"
If you want to be able to back up anywhere, anytime, with no possibility of damaging something, a car hauler trailer is the best option.
A hitch on the towed vehicle for moving the dolly is a good idea, however, for moving the dolly short distances, a "trailer dolly" from Harbor Freight works great. I have one that is modified so I can put it in the basement compartment of the coach. It takes me just a couple minutes to install the handle, and I can move the dolly easily. Again, for SHORT distances! I would NOT want to drag the thing the length of a campground!
ronfisherman
Moderator
May 27, 2014
We had a Kar Kaddy SS for 6 years. It was a great dolly. The feature you pay extra for on this model are well worth the extra cost. Ease of load is on the top of list. Low angle attached ramps with easy locking mechanism. Easy hook up of straps. Hardest thing to deal with is hooking up safety chains. Need to be hooked to car frame. Steering wheels make for easy towing. Even in tight areas. Being able to fold up dolly when not in use made it easy to store.
Changed over to flat towing 1 1/2 years ago. Both DW and I are getting to old to move dolly around.
cochise49
Explorer
May 27, 2014
We towed on a Master Tow dolly with surge brakes for several years. it had a pivoting platform and towed easily. You just can't back up, ever. It is risky to back up when towing four down too. We used magnetic lights for the dinghy. In California, if the dolly lights are to far forward of the rear of the toad, you must have additional tail and brake lights. We towed a 1996 Camry and it was too long to have legal lights on the dolly. I think the Escape would also be too long for the dolly lights to suffice. Check the laws in states you must travel through.
Nomadac
Explorer
May 27, 2014
Do a Search on the subject and you will find numerous post on this subject.
Gale_Hawkins
Explorer
May 27, 2014
Our Tow Master has that pivot/swivel point and it is a killer for sure. If I get another I would like the kind that steers more like a car front end.
EndeavourNiche
Explorer
May 27, 2014
Hi, I've never towed a car on a dolly behind an RV but I've towed countless cars on dollies behind trucks and other cars. So the only real thing I have for you is some dollies have a pivot/swivel point in the front at the back of the tongue. I don't know the proper terms for all this but those that have the pivot are a bear to back up. It's like you're trying to back tandem trailers. They pivot on the ball and on the dolly. I've used that type dolly behind a 30 foot Uhaul type truck. When backing up and the dolly is straight you can't see the car or the dolly. By the time you do see it right or left it's too late to correct. I can back a trailer with the best of them but those swiveling dollies used to kick my butt.
Gale_Hawkins
Explorer
May 27, 2014
GreenSalsa we have a Tow Master that is not wide enough for like a 2000 S-10 in my view but still too wide for narrow roads. I picked up the tow dolly because we have two teenage drivers and after pulling it with a PU I have no plans to use it with the MH. :)

After we bought it an awesome deal turned up on a Kar Kaddy with surge brakes which was my dream dolly but after learning the issues of loading and KEEPING it tight after loaded I passed on it. I have marked each door of the S-10 with the fenders because they turn as the dolly wheels turn unlike the Kar Kaddy I think that stay out of the doors of the towed vehicle better.

My physical limitations (little movement from waist up) rules out solo use of a tow dolly but it is nice to have around the place since it was only $400 and two new tires. I know a new one would work much better.