Tow dolly

I prefer a tow dolly with electric brakes for my own reasons. The main one is when coming down a mountain I don't have them over heating on me. I also like the fact that I can manually engage them. I would say to get one with brakes over no brakes but it is really more of a choice on what you prefer.

I have neither. But, my choice would be surge brakes. Simple and effective.

dddonkey wrote:
I prefer a tow dolly with electric brakes for my own reasons. The main one is when coming down a mountain I don't have them over heating on me. I also like the fact that I can manually engage them. I would say to get one with brakes over no brakes but it is really more of a choice on what you prefer.

X2, I have electric brakes on the dolly, but have surge brakes on my boat trailer. I also personally prefer the electric over the surge. JMO

I have never had a dolly with any kind of brakes----

We're shorter @ 36' and use a Demco tow dolly with surge brakes that I'm happy with. Use it to tow a Lexus RX350 SUV. Also have towed our 24' boat with the MH and it has surge brakes on the trailer as well. I can't compare to electric brakes but there seems to be very little, if any, difference in perceived stopping distance when towing (or maybe I'm just more careful).
However, I do notice a difference when I'm towing the Jeep Wrangler 4-down and not using an auxillary braking system (like I should).

Tweeter wrote:
Have a 42 ft Winnebago and need advice on a tow dolly. Do we need a tow dolly with an electric brake or a surge brake. Thanks guys.

With that 42' length then add a tow dolly extra length.
It may be best to get a Toad that can be towed 4 down.
That way you can have 4 wheel brakes instead of only 2 wheels.

There are numerous type of tow dollys. I have a Master Tow dolly with electric brakes. I have locked up the brakes on the dolly numerous times mainly due to other drivers thinking I can stop on a dime when they cut me off and suddenly stop for a right turn. The other important factor is how handy are you putting straps on the front wheels? Myself, I am fine with it and after a few rounds it becomes second nature. Look at the various tow dollys other people are using and talk to them before you jump onto a particular model based on what we say here. It isn't that difficult and I don't see the length being an problem either. I have seen mighty big rigs towing very large trailers so have fun. Investigate the different models and options.

I've been pulling my Vibe on a Demco KarKaddy SS dolly with surge brake for the past 10.5 years, 58,000 miles and over all kids of terrain (see map below). When I first got it there was a little problem with down hill brake application but I contacted Demco and they advised that there was an adjustment spring for this in their newer models. They sent me one (free of charge) and I installed it. Since then I’ve traveled in quite a few mountains with no brakes overheating. With surge brakes you can pull the dolly with any vehicle because there is no brake controller installation or activation required.

Demco’s KarKaddy SS is a little more expensive but here are three things that make it worth the extra dollars: 1) it is fully heavily galvanized so you never have to worry about rust. 2) Its tongue folds back and the ramps fold up so you can store it in about half the space others require. 3) Life time sealed wheel bearings that require no lubrication.

Good luck with your choice.

Dave

Surge brakes

I have a Acme Tow Dolly that I used for a couple of years it had surge disk brakes and worked well. One little trick on tightening the straps over the wheels. Leave about 1-2 inches between the tiers and the front bar. When you get the straps in place put the car in neutral and tighten the straps. this allows the straps to rotate the tiers and take any slack out of the straps on the back of the tiers. You can't tighten the straps if you don't do this as they will not slide on the tiers.
I think any one who uses a tow dolly with out brakes is well crazy or stupid. Most states require supplemental brakes. If you have an accident your insurance co will smile and denie your claim. So if you like risk use that dolly with no brakes.
Bill