Dolly towing not much more difficult than a tow bar, except for hookin up the safety chains.I'm thinking of an easier way so as to not have to crawl under the toad.What about just an extra set of straps w/ big snaps mounted to both ends, thrown over the first ones ?I think code calls for chain, cable, or straps, so seems this would qualify. Or they could be chain, kinda like a set of tire snow chainsWhatcha all think?

Some trailer dollies come with the web style straps that go over the tires like what the snow chains do. They are then tightened with a ratchet style device.look through this manual from Roadmaster. It gives some incite.Dolly manual

What are you towing? On all of my vehicles, I have a tiedown hole at the front of the frame on both sides. My safety chain fit through that hole without me having to do more than sit on the towbar frame and lean over. When I first got my dolly, I knelt down on the ground in order to fish the chain through, but soon learned that I didn't have to do that. The only thing I have to do is take the "D" ring off of the chain to fit it through the frame tiedown hole. The safety chain is the safest setup, although cables and proper straps are ok. My chains were rated for 6,000 lbs and came with my Roadmaster. Again, after learning that I didn't have to crawl under or kneel on the ground to connect my safety chains, I was happy with that setup. I changed toads to a rear wheel drive and no longer have my dolly. That is the only reason I got rid of it though. I now tow 4 down with a towbar. I'm happy both ways.

Our RAV4 had tie downs on the frame used for shipping that I used for the safety chains.

Road master states it is up to the person if they want to use safety chains, same with master tow. You are using basket straps made of 12000 lb webbing with a braking figure of 5000 lbs on each wheel. If chains make you feel better use them. New York does not require safety chains from dolly to car on dolly but all states require safety chains from dolly to towing vehicle. Acme EZ TOW dolly gives you safety chains with their dolly.

Saftey Chains on Tow Dolly | Good Sam Community

enblethen
Nomad
Oct 25, 2014
Some trailer dollies come with the web style straps that go over the tires like what the snow chains do. They are then tightened with a ratchet style device.
look through this manual from Roadmaster. It gives some incite.
Dolly manual
Leeblev
Explorer
Oct 25, 2014
What are you towing? On all of my vehicles, I have a tiedown hole at the front of the frame on both sides. My safety chain fit through that hole without me having to do more than sit on the towbar frame and lean over. When I first got my dolly, I knelt down on the ground in order to fish the chain through, but soon learned that I didn't have to do that. The only thing I have to do is take the "D" ring off of the chain to fit it through the frame tiedown hole.
The safety chain is the safest setup, although cables and proper straps are ok. My chains were rated for 6,000 lbs and came with my Roadmaster.
Again, after learning that I didn't have to crawl under or kneel on the ground to connect my safety chains, I was happy with that setup.
I changed toads to a rear wheel drive and no longer have my dolly. That is the only reason I got rid of it though. I now tow 4 down with a towbar. I'm happy both ways.
MrWizard
Moderator
Oct 25, 2014
moved from technology
Nomadac
Explorer
Oct 26, 2014
Our RAV4 had tie downs on the frame used for shipping that I used for the safety chains.
- cvholmes
  Explorer
  May 26, 2024
  What year RAV 4? I have a 2024 Limited and see nowhere to attach chains. Thanks
jergeod
Explorer
Oct 26, 2014
Road master states it is up to the person if they want to use safety chains, same with master tow. You are using basket straps made of 12000 lb webbing with a braking figure of 5000 lbs on each wheel. If chains make you feel better use them. New York does not require safety chains from dolly to car on dolly but all states require safety chains from dolly to towing vehicle. Acme EZ TOW dolly gives you safety chains with their dolly.
Donna_and_Rob
Explorer
Oct 26, 2014
My safety chains wrap around the lower control arms and hook back into the chain. Reason being if tow dolly comes loose from MH the car and trailer will stay together. I've wore out two straps from rips and tears and my car always moves 2 or 3 inches back from original position.
robertbenita
Explorer
Oct 27, 2014
Mine attach to the front area so I do not have to get under the toad or the RV. Mine are cables now too. Maybe a good trailer shop or tow yard can point you in a good direction. Good luck.
wa8yxm
Explorer III
Oct 27, 2014
Proper safety chain attachment is fast and simple, epically on a dolly where it's up in the air about a foot, Just get one of those folding steps (single step) and sit on it to attach the chains.

With practice you will find a place where you can attach swiftly, You may even be able to hook into the slots many cars provide for safety chain attachment.
traveylin
Explorer
Oct 27, 2014
Do tow dollies have brakes actuated when the car comes off the dolly
enblethen
Nomad
Oct 27, 2014
Traveylin:
If I understand you correct, No the brakes on the tow dolly will not be applied and neither will the brakes on the vehicle.
Many tow dollies have surge style brakes. Some do have electric brakes. Some electric brake setups do have a break away function if dolly comes loose. Not many though.