Hauling a dolly across the country

[Snowman9000]

I have an ACME dolly. I want to haul it EMPTY behind the MH for 2000 miles.

I have hauled it empty for 15 miles a couple of times. With full tires it hops a lot. With the tires reduced to whatever the ACME guy recommended, it still bounces. Not as much, but it still does. I don't see it being good for the dolly if this was for 2000 miles.

Actually it will be 4000 miles, because there will be a return trip. I'm trying not get into the thread going sideways deal here, by not providing too much other info. 🙂 Bottom line, we will be hauling it 2000 miles, then using it for two months, then hauling it home empty again.


First idea:

Load the dolly with something heavy that can be removed and stored. We will have a place to store whatever it is. So, what, and how much? A couple of 55 gallon barrels of water would weigh 900 lbs. I could drain them to be able to handle and store them. Then when time to go home, mount them and fill em up again.

I can buy used food grade 55 gallon barrels for $20 each. So $40 for a pair, plus the hold down stuff. Well within budget.

That seems the most sensible? Although, I don't have the dolly handy at the moment to see if anything would be crushed by the barrels sitting inboard beyond where the car tires sit. Wires, brake lines, whatever. I would think not, but I just can't say right now.

I would think I should be able to properly secure the barrels if I don't cheap out on straps. I could add temporary wood cradle material to assist with securing them. I'm saying the barrels would be laid down, not standing up.

Would 900 lbs be enough to keep the dolly on the ground?

Other ideas?

[Sam_Spade]

Snowman9000 wrote:


Other ideas?

Rent a dolly at the destination for 2 weeks ?

If the distances aren't too far, have someone DRIVE the Toad instead of pulling it ??

[rjstractor]

oldmattb wrote:
I went to Lowe's and bought several bags of gravel. That small load kept the trailer from bouncing. Gave the bags of gravel away when I reached my destination. Total cost around $12.

This is what I would do. The water drums are not a bad idea, but in the unlikely event they came loose on the road they could cause quite a disaster. If bags of sand or gravel came loose they likely would cause little or no damage. With tire pressure lowered, I'd think about 500 lbs should be enough weight to smooth out the ride.

[Big_Katuna]

I think one barrel would do it. Tire pressure too. 15 psi or so.

[Mandalay_Parr]

Could you rent a dolly at your destination and leave yours at home?

[oldmattb]

I transported a small bike trailer, which was unruly without a load.

I went to Lowe's and bought several bags of gravel. That small load kept the trailer from bouncing. Gave the bags of gravel away when I reached my destination. Total cost around $12.

Matt B

[the_bear_II]

In my opinion yes it would help. A wood cradle wood be a good way to secure the barrels.

[Mfan]

You will feel the water sloshing around.

Fill a box of sand?