Driving tips for first time with tow dolly

dbates wrote:
Glad you got there safely!

I and may others on this forum have found that "Big Katuna's suggestion about the front wheels "snug against the front stops" is not the right thing to do. When this is done the straps will not slide over the tires and leaves some slack behind the tires. It's been proven that if you leave about 1/2 to 1 inch clearance between the tires and the front stop, as you tighten the straps down the wheels will roll forward making the tension equal in both the front and back of the tire, plus make sure that you tighten the straps down until the tires squish. When this is done I've never had to tighten a strap since I started doing this but I still check the tension whenever I stop.

When you park always remember to leave the dolly tires away from a curb or you'll scrap the lettering of the curb tire and always leave plenty of room in front to pull out because if you pull out to quickly the dolly tongue will swing toward the curb and force the tire into or over the curb.

Dave

Dont take my word for it. This quote is directly from U-Hauls loading directions.

"Keep doors closed and drive slowly up the ramp until tires are resting firmly against the wheel stops. DO NOT brake quickly or ram the tire stops at the front of the ramps. Make sure the vehicle is centered on the platform. There must be at least three inches of clearance between the side of the towed vehicle and the tow dolly fenders. Towed vehicle tires must fit in wheels troughs without overhanging sides."

This is from Penskes manual.

"
5. With someone safely guiding you, slowly drive the front end of your vehicle onto the tow dolly until the front tires are resting against the tow dolly wheel stops. As you drive your vehicle onto the tow dolly, the platform will go into the upright position. NEVER BACK UP YOUR VEHICLE ONTO A TOW DOLLY."


I dollied for years. Before I learned to get the car forward hard on the stops, I had problems with the straps loosening.