First time using tow dolly
Using a Roadmaster tow dolly to tow my Ford Fusion (4CYL-FWD) Its older, 10-12 yrs with all new brakes complete and tires, my main question is besides safety chains to the hitch and tire straps do I n...
Forum Discussion
Based on other posts on this forum you could end up having problems with loose or broken wheel straps; therefore, it’s a very good idea to have chains between the toad & dolly. If you strap the wheels down as suggested below it may never be a problem but I’d still recommend installing & using them.
Loose tire straps are not a problem if you make 2 changes in your loading procedure:
1. Don’t pull the toad all the way forward on the dolly. Leave about 1 inch between the front tires and the front wheel stops.
2. Tighten the straps down until the tires squish.
When you pull all the way forward the strap will not slide over the tire leaving them a little loose behind the tire. By allowing the 1 inch gap in front of the tire the wheels will roll forward tightening the straps on both sides of the tire.
Since I started doing this, 9.5 years & 51,000 miles ago, I’ve never had a problem with loose straps. I still check them after the first 50 miles and each time I take a rest stop (about every 2 to 3 hours) but rarely can tighten them any further.
Two other things to watch for. A dolly is wider than the toad & in my case a little wider than the MH so watch when you park next to a curb that you don’t rube the lettering off of the curb side dolly tire. Also make sure that you have plenty of room to pull way from a curb. The sharper you turn away from the curb the more the dolly tongue will swing into the curb causing the dolly to jump the curb.
Dave
Loose tire straps are not a problem if you make 2 changes in your loading procedure:
1. Don’t pull the toad all the way forward on the dolly. Leave about 1 inch between the front tires and the front wheel stops.
2. Tighten the straps down until the tires squish.
When you pull all the way forward the strap will not slide over the tire leaving them a little loose behind the tire. By allowing the 1 inch gap in front of the tire the wheels will roll forward tightening the straps on both sides of the tire.
Since I started doing this, 9.5 years & 51,000 miles ago, I’ve never had a problem with loose straps. I still check them after the first 50 miles and each time I take a rest stop (about every 2 to 3 hours) but rarely can tighten them any further.
Two other things to watch for. A dolly is wider than the toad & in my case a little wider than the MH so watch when you park next to a curb that you don’t rube the lettering off of the curb side dolly tire. Also make sure that you have plenty of room to pull way from a curb. The sharper you turn away from the curb the more the dolly tongue will swing into the curb causing the dolly to jump the curb.
Dave
