Toad on a Dolly

Thanks for all the responses. Yes, please move to correct place. I did not see that forum. Sorry.

Will check out ebay cost for parts. The big ticket items are:
- Base Plate
- Tow bar assembly
- Brake thingy (unless there is one with surge brakes)

Not sure I can cancel the dolly at this point but will check.

Wiring to use CRV tail lights just sounds simpler when hooking up for tow. Just plug in at front of car.

I prefer lights at back of the car not the dolly lights which are far forward. This just seems safer.

I assume the CRV steering still needs to be unlocked like when flat towing. If so, the ignition has to be on and hence a battery drain and a preference to charge the battery. The hot wire is there already. Simple to connect to battery. If the steering wheel can be locked. There is no battery drain.

So can you dolly tow with steering locked???

What is cost to assemble the dolly?
Bae plate and tow bar is high!
You should not require any wiring for the dolly. It should come with lights. The adapter to connect lights should be around $10.
I would get a light duty trailer hitch for the CRV to move dolly around.

We dollied back when we first got started. Toyota Camry. didn't like the idea of getting into the wiring and risk screwing up a computer. Bought a set of magnetic lights with long wire. taped the bottom of the lights to save scratching and was ready to go. The lights on the dolly were lower than I liked and certainly didn't want a collision from the rear. Wanted something high enough to be seen.
Only problem was the dolly when we got parked some place like Ocean Lakes where the sites are very tight. solution was sliding the tongue of the dolly under the MH with the tires and axel close to the back of the RV

E bay listed yours for 390 to 450.00 you do the math and all name brand company's.

Easiest solution is magnetic lights, attach and plug into MH. Next is to mount plug on car front and run 4 wires to the back installing extra bulbs for the lights. Plus the wire and plugs from MH to car. Or use the existing car lights installing diodes in the taillights to isolate the MH power and car power. You may also need a small isolator in the MH convert from separate brake and turn lights to the common brake/turn car light. Diagrams and kits are available online.

Why do you want a charge line? It's not needed for dolly towing.

For a charge line use a 6 connector cable MH to car with larger ground and charge line wires. ie For charging. 3 wires for the lights plus the ground. Ground and charge line for the battery with fuse. This leaves a spare wire.

For my non dolly toad the spare wire connects the toad brake lights to a cab light so that I know when the toad brakes are/are not applied.

Dolly towing is generally more useful for multiple different cars. Suggest you have DW deal with the car for towing or at least she provide significant help. Then you will both be able to determine any possible future changes.

3,400 for base plate and mounting is just crazy buy the plate and mount it your self for 500.00 or just take the plate to a local garage to mount it. Check E Bay for you part you will be amazed.

I have put many miles on while towing using a tow dolly, 4 down and on a trailer.

All three towed acceptably. It was when we stopped to camp that it could become a PITA.

The trailer Was The worst as far as far as time and hassle factor when camping.

Tow dolly second.

4down was by far the most convenient method.

bsheet2 It sounds like you've made your mind up since you already ordered your dolly.

I'm not sure exactly why you want to wire up your vehicle instead of using the dolly lights. IMHO the easiest if you really want lights on the back of your vehicle is to check out the magnetic lights you can buy at Harbor Freight. If not then you will need to buy and install some wiring kits or have them installed for you. eTrailer.com is a good place to get the parts you need.

My son started with a dolly and DID NOT LIKE IT. I've always flat towed and now he is and we both favor it a lot. Problem- the pool of vehicles you can flat tow with an auto trans is really shrinking.

We have a forum specifically for dinghy towing. I think you will have better response in that forum. I will move this one there. Good luck.
Barney