First time tow car with tow dolly.

[Matthewc45]

I tow our Camry for the frist time this weekend. I have a karkaddy tow dolly without brakes. I only tow it about 70 miles to the campground some back roads and interstate driveing and would have to say the motor home handle without any issue. Did not go far so no mpg at this time. Leaving the frist of June with it heading to South Carilona so I should have some good mpg readings after that trip.

[Bobbo]

Normal stops, you won't have any trouble. It is the butt clenching emergency stops we are talking about.

[Matthewc45]

I just made my first long trip with my tow dolly. Which was around 850 miles. So far it pull and work great. Have not had any issues with stoping it (most the trip all interstate) thanks for all the feed back.

[dbates]

The KarKaddy SS I bought 8 years ago didn't have surge brakes. When I was planning some long trips through mountains I called Demco and installed the surge brake spring assembly they sent me. I did notice a little improvement in braking and figured I’d have better state law compliance. I don't know if this can be done with your particular model or age of dolly but it would be worth checking. Since mine was a recent purchase they didn't charge me for the parts; therefore, I don't know what the going price was then or is now. Demco provides very good customer service.

Dave

[mowermech]

Vet Man wrote:
I would try an emergency stop from about 60mph before it is needed. That's a lot of weight without brakes, doubt if it is legal, in many states be careful

Actually, many states have braking performance standards. Here in Montana (MCA 61-9-312) you must be able to stop any "combination of vehicles" within 40 feet from 20 MPH on a clean, hard, level surface.
Other states (and FMVSS) have similar standards. CA, IIRC, is 45 feet.
Remember, a towed motor vehicle in many states does not meet the definition of a "trailer", and most braking laws refer to trailers. Most states do not have laws directly referencing towed motor vehicle braking.
DO NOT believe ANY "List of Towing Laws", especially those sponsored by auxiliary braking manufacturers! They are wrong more often than not!

[myrtle_beach_rv]

I have been towing cars 2 PT Cruisers and 2 Jeeps on tow dolly for past 10 years with out any issues some trips 1200 miles through mountains of SC, NC, TN and KY which offer some pretty steep grades. Watch speed 60 mph max. keep dolly bearings greased, take it out of overdrive on the down hills.

[Matthewc45]

I am towing a 2012 Toyota Camry . I did do a few hard stops from 55-60 and it handle it with just a little push not much more than our boat. I have look into puting electic brakes on it just the funds have not came available.

[vic46]

What are you hauling on the dolly?

[Vet_Man]

I would try an emergency stop from about 60mph before it is needed. That's a lot of weight without brakes, doubt if it is legal, in many states be careful