Forum Discussion
Hikerdogs
Sep 11, 2014Explorer
Like others have said it generally took between 8 and 10 minutes to hook the dolly on the motorhome, load the car, strap down the wheels and add the auxiliary lights to the back of the car.
The time spent loading and unloading is somewhat dependent the brand and model dolly you buy. We had a Roadmaster 2000-1 and were towing a Buick LeSabre. There were no ramps to connect, disconnect, or store. They were an integral part of the platform that self extended or stored. Also there was no need to crawl under anything to strap down the wheels. It had built in lockable storage compartments for the straps and safety chains. We used it for over 5 years and 25,000 miles before switching to a Jeep Wrangler 4 down.
We are semi avid off roaders so we were renting a Jeep at almost every destination. After a few years it seemed pointless to tow a car half way across the country, then leave it in a parking lot while we explored the outback in a rented Jeep.
Originally I had intended to use the dolly for the Jeep. After reading through the owners manual I found a 4 wheel drive Jeep couldn't be towed on a dolly unless the driveshaft was disconnected. So I sold the dolly to a friend that uses it to this day.
If you haven't already purchased a dolly research as many of the makes and models as you can before doing so. There are a lot on the market and like most things you get what you pay for. Initial purchase price shouldn't be the only consideration. Many times the features incorporated in the more expensive models save you a considerable amount of time, grief, and money over the period of ownership.
We're still towing our Jeep 4 down and intend to for the foreseeable future. However if things change and we no longer like the off roading we'll probably trade the jeep for a little more luxurious ride. If it just so happens the new vehicle can't be towed 4 down we'll go back to a dolly without hesitation.
The time spent loading and unloading is somewhat dependent the brand and model dolly you buy. We had a Roadmaster 2000-1 and were towing a Buick LeSabre. There were no ramps to connect, disconnect, or store. They were an integral part of the platform that self extended or stored. Also there was no need to crawl under anything to strap down the wheels. It had built in lockable storage compartments for the straps and safety chains. We used it for over 5 years and 25,000 miles before switching to a Jeep Wrangler 4 down.
We are semi avid off roaders so we were renting a Jeep at almost every destination. After a few years it seemed pointless to tow a car half way across the country, then leave it in a parking lot while we explored the outback in a rented Jeep.
Originally I had intended to use the dolly for the Jeep. After reading through the owners manual I found a 4 wheel drive Jeep couldn't be towed on a dolly unless the driveshaft was disconnected. So I sold the dolly to a friend that uses it to this day.
If you haven't already purchased a dolly research as many of the makes and models as you can before doing so. There are a lot on the market and like most things you get what you pay for. Initial purchase price shouldn't be the only consideration. Many times the features incorporated in the more expensive models save you a considerable amount of time, grief, and money over the period of ownership.
We're still towing our Jeep 4 down and intend to for the foreseeable future. However if things change and we no longer like the off roading we'll probably trade the jeep for a little more luxurious ride. If it just so happens the new vehicle can't be towed 4 down we'll go back to a dolly without hesitation.
About RV Tips & Tricks
Looking for advice before your next adventure? Look no further.25,101 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 14, 2025