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CountryB · 11-14-2017, 06:45 AM

There is a used Tow Dolly for sale in my state. I was going to drive over to see it in my SUV (which has a 2" receiver hitch). If I buy it, I would have to tow it home empty (its about 230 miles).

The Tow Dolly I would be looking at is a 2004 Demco Kar Karry SS. Assuming the tires on it are good/safe, can I tow this home empty without any issues (I don't want it bouncing around or weaving, etc.)?

JohnBoyToo · 11-14-2017, 06:54 AM

You could... check the max speed for the dolly and dolly tires, then just watch it for a few miles and worse case scenario, drop the tire psi down low so they don't bounce and maybe bring along a container or two so you can lash some sand bags to give it some weight if needed.

but first, I'd think long and hard about a dolly... I watch a youtube video of a couple that use a dolly and it seems it gets in the way more often than not. and he never shows them crawling on the ground hooking up the chains, etc..

I much prefer 4 down towing. good luck !

CountryB · 11-14-2017, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnBoyToo

but first, I'd think long and hard about a dolly... I watch a youtube video of a couple that use a dolly and it seems it gets in the way more often than not. and he never shows them crawling on the ground hooking up the chains, etc..

I much prefer 4 down towing. good luck !

I would prefer 4-down too. But I don't have a vehicle that be towed like that, so for the next year or two, a dolly is my only choice.

Playtime III · 11-14-2017, 07:23 AM

Look up its manual.

Our Master Tow requires reducing the tire pressure from 50 PSI to "around 10 PSI" to reduce bouncing and potential cracking of the welds. Towed empty from Tampa to Albuquerque (loaded on the way back) with no problems. Having surge brakes prevented us from having to adjust a controller for the different weight changes (empty, car 1, car 2)..

oldmattb · 11-14-2017, 07:24 AM

I towed a motorcycle trailer to California. I bought several bags of gravel at Lowe's, put them inside heavy trash bags, and strapped them on to keep the trailer from bouncing around. Delivered the trailer and gave the recipient the bags of gravel.

Matt B

twinboat · 11-14-2017, 07:26 AM

I have towed my empty dolly a few hundred miles empty. As per the manual, I dropped the tire pressure down to 20 psi.

It followed me from Georga to South Florida trouble free. After leaving it stored for months, I reinflated the tires to 50 psi and put the car on it.

Adding weight, without suspension, like a vehicle has, will not soften the unsprung dolly. While towing empty, the soft tires do that.

khocke · 11-14-2017, 07:30 AM

I was in a similar situation (150 miles, Acme dolly). I dropped the air pressure and didn’t give it a 2nd thought all of he way home. I pulled it with my toad, a Fiesta ST. I did get the mfg certificate of origin but it was never registered. Drove it home without a plate and no problems. In NJ and don’t plan on registering it.

Waiter21 · 11-14-2017, 07:31 AM

OK to tow empty. Let most of the air out of the tires. i.e. Someone said 10psi, that sounds about right...

Cooperhawk · 11-14-2017, 07:37 AM

Just a warning, most dollys are a lot wider than your pickup so keep a sharp eye on turns ect.

We towed with a Demco for twenty years with no problem. Just recently converted to four down because of a change of vehicles.

CountryB · 11-14-2017, 08:01 AM

Thanks for the feedback and sharing your experience.

I just re-read the Demco manual (the manual I downloaded is for the disc brake model - but the one I'm considering has drum brakes - if that matters) and the only mention of towing empty is that there is a "pin" that needs to be in place to lock the auto-steer. Nothing about lowering tire pressures - but that's a good tip.

The manual does say that the Towed vehicle must be at least 1,000 pounds heavier than the dolly (which is around 650lbs.). But that doesn't apply in my question.

Mich F · 11-14-2017, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CountryB

I would prefer 4-down too. But I don't have a vehicle that be towed like that, so for the next year or two, a dolly is my only choice.

What vehicle do you want to tow ? Many vehicles can be towed four wheels down with the addition of a drive shaft disconnect or a lube pump.

zuteduff · 11-14-2017, 08:54 AM

I have a Acme EZ tow and picked it up just north of Dallas, 4 hours from me. Just reduced the air pressure and came home pulled by a tahoe. No problems and stayed at the speed limits. Everything should be ok....

CountryB · 11-14-2017, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mich F

What vehicle do you want to tow ? Many vehicles can be towed four wheels down with the addition of a drive shaft disconnect or a lube pump.

It's a 2014 Lexus RX350 (front-wheel drive). The manual says do not dingy tow. Front wheels must be on a dolly.

Mich F · 11-14-2017, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CountryB

It's a 2014 Lexus RX350 (front-wheel drive). The manual says do not dingy tow. Front wheels must be on a dolly.

Unfortunately Remco can't help you either.
Store : Remco

My wife's 2016 Mazda CX 5 is the same. I towed that on four trips on a dolly for almost 6,000 miles. That got old quick.

I bought a 2017 F 150 RWD and had a drive shaft disconnect added so I can tow it 4 wheels down. Went on one short (around 180 miles ) trip last week. Headed out to Las Cruces, N.M. tomorrow. I think I'll like the 4 wheel down towing a lot more.