tow master tow dolly, ratchets are bad design- OPtions?

[oldschoolhdmike]

i have a 2019 master tow dolly. the ratchets are mounted to a bracket that is fixed on a round rail. it slides back and forth along the rail. my issue is, the ratchets will not release, because it hits my cars bumper. i physically have to remove the bolts to get it undone. I have tried to turn the ratchets around but it does not work either because the when tension gets tight the ratchet moves rotates toward the tire and will not let me. This is a horrible design and maybe cars without such a low bumper do not have issues but i need to find out something else.....

[freddmc]

My tow dolly is similar and I had the same problem when trying to tie down my Mini. The car is so short that the bumper interferes with the ratchet.So I welded a 1 foot piece of 2x2 square tubing to the front of the platform to prevent the ratchet from rotating upwards.The extra tube prevents the ratchet from rotating past horizontal. If you want me to text a picture of it I can do that.

Regards

Fred

[Retired_JSO]

I used a large screw driver to pry the release open when towing our old Honda Accord.

[Horizon170]

Check out the next to last post here.
MarvinClicky

[BarneyS]

I think you will have better luck with your question in the Dinghy Towing forum. I will move it there.
Barney

[mkirsch]

Do you have a picture of the issue you could post?

[STBRetired]

Used to have one of those. Use a small pry bar to release the ratchet. Not difficult to do and way easier than unbolting the bracket. I believe Master Tow suggests that in the owner's manual.

[angler]

I have a Johnson trailer car dolly which looks just like the master tow dolly. I pull an Nissan Altima. It uses a wrench to tighten down the straps instead of the handle. Barely clears the dolly with the front facia, but not a problem with removing or tightening straps. Not sure if not having the handles on the ratchets would help

[K_Charles]

I wouldn't buy it if it didn't work, there are many choices to pick from, make sure you get one that works for you.