4 Down hurt my "TOW" so you can call me "DOLLY"!

[WyoFree]

Hi guys,

My new coach is not that far off and I’m in search of the right dolly. Now I know many of you will chime in extolling “The wonderful world of 4 down”! But I’ve only been down a couple times in my life and have no desire for a hat-trick (a Hockey expression meaning one guy getting 3 goals in a game, come on guys)! So please don’t jump in with your normal “you must 4 down craziness” because I have very good reasons to NOT go 4 down and go with a dolly... Dolly Parton not withstanding!

My reasons for not towing 4 down are simple enough.

1. I have a friend who owns a Newmar Ventana LE who lives in North Carolina, has recently spent time in Colorado and is currently soaking up the rays in Destin, Florida!
2. I have a friend who owns a Forest River Berkshire who is retired, lives in Delaware, has property in West Virginia but wanted it in Colorado and is now visiting Florida.
• I have a friend who also owns a Forest River Berkshire, is a CPA, who lives in New Jersey, has recently been to Paris (yes France not Texas) has spent time in Colorado and wants to go back there but not until he spends some winter time in Florida.

If there was ever three good reasons not to pull your TOAD 4 down, what you’ve just read should make it crystal clear!

And I know exactly what you’re thinking; Hey Harry, how did you get three friends? Well how rude!

Now For The Right Dolly: I’m looking for a dolly with a surge brake and known for quality of product. ACME immediately comes to mind as does STEHL and MASTER TOW and I know there are others?

What Dolly do you use and please tell me why you like it?

Thank you one and all

Harry

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by WyoFree

Hi guys,

My new coach is not that far off and I’m in search of the right dolly. Now I know many of you will chime in extolling “The wonderful world of 4 down”! But I’ve only been down a couple times in my life and have no desire for a hat-trick (a Hockey expression meaning one guy getting 3 goals in a game, come on guys)! So please don’t jump in with your normal “you must 4 down craziness” because I have very good reasons to NOT go 4 down and go with a dolly... Dolly Parton not withstanding!

My reasons for not towing 4 down are simple enough.

1. I have a friend who owns a Newmar Ventana LE who lives in North Carolina, has recently spent time in Colorado and is currently soaking up the rays in Destin, Florida!
2. I have a friend who owns a Forest River Berkshire who is retired, lives in Delaware, has property in West Virginia but wanted it in Colorado and is now visiting Florida.
• I have a friend who also owns a Forest River Berkshire, is a CPA, who lives in New Jersey, has recently been to Paris (yes France not Texas) has spent time in Colorado and wants to go back there but not until he spends some winter time in Florida.

If there was ever three good reasons not to pull your TOAD 4 down, what you’ve just read should make it crystal clear!

And I know exactly what you’re thinking; Hey Harry, how did you get three friends? Well how rude!

Now For The Right Dolly: I’m looking for a dolly with a surge brake and known for quality of product. ACME immediately comes to mind as does STEHL and MASTER TOW and I know there are others?

What Dolly do you use and please tell me why you like it?

Thank you one and all

Harry

I don't see any "reasons" to go with a dolly in anything you posted.

[WyoFree]

Come on Mr.D, surely you jest!

[Cranemec]

Originally Posted by Mr_D

I don't see any "reasons" to go with a dolly in anything you posted.

Guess, I missed it too.

[WyoFree]

4-down-er's end up in Florida of Course!

Oh well, a poor shot at humor! But I'm serious on the question of the dolly!

[Podivin]

The way *I* read his reasons is --
He wants to do what he wants to do and he doesn't need to justify his reason(s), so please don't try to convince him otherwise, and simply answer the questions asked about the dolly.

WyoFree, how'd I do?



Edit: I see WF snuck in an answer while I was typing.
And I was wrong, yet again...

[WyoFree]

Wow Podivin, you're a true forum Deva!

Oh and I do really have those three friends! Although they may turn on me after this thread!!!

[Sandy Swede]

Harry, I too missed the subtly of your humor and for a minute there I thought you had an early start on the Rum Punch. Perhaps you are just jazzed with excitement of anticipation in picking up your new coach!

[twinboat]

I use Stehl Tow because it was in stock, complete assembled, near where I was at the time. I like to see what I'm buying. The hardware store guy help us get it hooked up and loaded.

I picked one that has surge brakes, like Acme

It has greasable wheel bearings, like Acme.

It has fixed ramps, so no lugging them around and storing. They can't slip out, as some have had happen. If the ramps are wet, I need a little momentum to climb them, but the stops are high enough to not drive over when all the way on.

I pull the tilt pin, step on the ramp to tilt, drive up until the ramps are up again and replace the pin. There is a secondary tilt lock.

It has a swivel plate, no need to unlock steering. Not that big a deal now days. Locking steering seems to be going away, but I'm not pulling my steering back and forth with every turn.

It has standard size trailer tires. They have 30,000 miles and still look new. They also turn slower then small tires, so probably less heat and wear on the bearings. Mine are fine.

It's a bit heavier the Acme, but I put a caster wheel on the tongue and the DW and I each take a steel fender and push it around like a tricycle. The larger tires roll better in the grass and dirt too.

Can't say anything about customer service at Stehl Tow, because I haven't needed any. With 30,000 miles the straps are showing some wear and the brake pads are nearing replacement time.

Your milage may differ, I tow a Kia Soul.

I'm a retired heavy equipment mechanic and haven't fixed anything on it yet. Just happy with it.

[WyoFree]

Some truth to all that Sandy, maybe the thought of the new year is making me giddy!

[WyoFree]

Thanks twinbiar, that's terrific information and I also have a dealer within 30 miles of me!

[affreeman]

I went with the Acme simply because I can store it standing on end, which I need to do as I keep it in an indoor storage facility with the motorhome.

I believe it's also lighter than the others, but I'm not certain on that point.

[WyoFree]

Hi Allen, I think the Acme and Stehl are about the same price. Around $1800.00

[affreeman]

Originally Posted by WyoFree

Hi Allen, I think the Acme and Stehl are about the same price. Around $1800.00

The Acme is $1800 + $350 for shipping in the US, so $2150 delivered.