My tow dolly again

In my mind if the plates don’t turn freely I'd never pull a toad with it because if you made a turn and a plate got stuck in that position when you straighten out the toad could be dragged down the road sidewise. The plates must twist freely.

The only other alternative would be to lock the plates in a straight parallel position and keep the toad’s ignition switch on so its front wheels can turn but I would not recommend that.

Demco KarKaddy dollies use a rack & pinion system (with ample grease jerks) that allows the dolly wheels turn rather than having swivel plates.

Dave

When I used to use a dolly, the plate was so hard to turn (by hand) that I used a "come along" to turn it.

I would avoid using grease. It will attract dirt and may react with the plastic spacers ( if used on your dolly). I would clean it up good and use some dry lube such as silicone.

If the dolly is like the Master Tow dolly the upper (carrying pan) part is separated from the lower by three pieces of "plastic". A center pad and two outside pads. The center bolt should be adjusted so that you can move the pan by hand with some resistance.

Good luck
Steve

You really need to take it apart and replace the bolt if it has corroded to the point of not turning. If it breaks while underway you'd have a big problem.