Tow flat or with dolly?

Komfort 23TS wrote:
I have a new class c motor home. I have a Buick 2016. Would like to pull it using a dolly, don t think I can pull flat. In general is it better to pull flat or with a dolly? In general I tend to want to pull wi th a dolly. Help ! Thanks

Pull your "owners manual" out. Look up recreational towing. It will state right in the manual HOW you can tow that vehicle.

I have the same dolly that zigzagrv does. Once you get use to it, you can hook things up pretty quickly. Was pulling out at same time as neighbor who was 4 down with Blue Ox towbar. Took him just as long to hook up as it took me. Biggest difference, his hands were clean, and min were dirty from putting on tire straps. I found that the biggest issue with storing the dolly is not at campgrounds. It's storing it when home at the S&B. Be sure to take that into consideration when making your decision. When the toad is replaced, will be going with something I can pull 4 down. Dolly will add 500 - 700 pounds to the weight of your tow. Make sure that you do not exceed your rig's tow rating.

As the others have stated, there is no universal "best way". It's a function of personal circumstances. Having done both, I can say it's less expensive to use a dolly but a pain in the behind to move it around and worry about storing it. It took a little longer to hook up the safety straps and chains and was a little messy if it was raining. 4-down is a breeze but cost me $$$'s to purchase a towable car and will be expensive if I replace the car to purchase and install a new base plate, etc. I've included a break down based on my costs in 2012 showing the difference between the dolly and 4-down items that may be of some assistance. I tried to format tabs but the final product doesn't reflect the 3 columns, sorry.

Tow Dolly v. Four Down Towing Comparison

DOLLY 4-DOWN
Need new vehicle n/a yes
Dolly w/ surge brakes $1250.00 n/a
Tow Bar n/a $600.00
Tow Bar Install n/a $0.00
Brake system n/a $1250.00 portable system (less if installed)
Brake system install n/a $0.00 total L&M for installed system +/-$1300
Base Plate n/a $355.00
Base Plate install n/a $450.00
Receiver n/a n/a add $100 if receiver adapter is req'd
Auxiliary lights $20.00 n/a
Wiring labor & materials n/a $315.00 diodes
Safety cable included $100.00
7 -> 6 pin cable Included $100.00
TOTAL $1,270.00 $3,170.00

Bumpyroad wrote:
what does your owner's manual say about 4 down towing? that would be my preference vs. dolly or trailer. one less thing to license/insure/etc.

bumpy

Here in PA, no license required for tow dolly.

what does your owner's manual say about 4 down towing? that would be my preference vs. dolly or trailer. one less thing to license/insure/etc.

bumpy

Once you flat tow versus a dolly you will always want to flat tow. But you have to be more selective on what you choose to tow, and then you have to spend the money to equip the car for towing and will need to go through the process each time you swap cars. Dolly towing gives you more options of the towed car, but can be more of a hassle each time you hook/unhook and then you need to mess with the dolly.

Many Buicks can be towed 4 down. Check your owners manual. I have a 2012 Enclave and tow 4 down. Base plate, tow bar and braking system would cost in the $3500 range. Easy to hook up. No storage concerns at the campground. Can't back up 4 down.

I have done both, flat tow and dolly tow. For me, flat towing is easier and quicker to hook up. However, I had to get rid of my flat tow vehicle and was left with a front wheel drive suv. To convert the fwd car to flat tow would have cost approximately $2600.00. That's for baseplate, trans lube pump, and braking system. I bought a Master Tow dolly with hydraulic surge brakes new for around $1800.00. It takes a bit more time and effort to hook up with the dolly, plus you now have the dolly to deal with at campgrounds. I try to get pull-thru sites to avoid unhooking the dolly, but that's not always possible.

Rent a U-Haul car transporter, once and see how easy it is to go 4 up.
Flat bed trailers are cheap, and easy to load plus you can back up with them.

There is no better, just differences. You only choice seems to be a dolly. A dolly adds weight, storage considerations, longer hookup/unhook and cost less. The vehicle must be able to tow with the rear wheels on the ground. The dolly can tow vehicles that can't be flat towed and adds flexibility on towing different vehicles.

Be sure your dolly has brakes.

I flat tow and never regretted that decision.