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Old 08-16-2018, 01:33 PM   #1
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Best way to "lock" steering wheel for dolly?

Looking for suggestions on the easiest / best way to immobilize the steering wheel on a toad that does not have a lockable column.
I'm currently looping a short length on 3/4" nylon rope through the wheel and locking it in the seat belt. (I snug it by running the seat further back after attaching)
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Old 08-16-2018, 01:45 PM   #2
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The Strap cinch-style is most popular and easiest to use, and cheaper.
I have used the mechanical (bar type) when I operated a tow truck since that is what the company had. I did a good job but takes up more room to store. For personal use (if I needed one) I would go with the strap.

https://store.newtowtrucks.com/steer...ocks-c495.aspx
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Old 08-17-2018, 05:53 AM   #3
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I like the strap.


Anchored to what? The seat frame (mount)?
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Old 08-18-2018, 03:43 AM   #4
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Pull your seatbelt all of the way out, then loop it thru the bottom of the steering wheel and then fasten it as if wearing. Depending on the belt, you may have to do two loops around the wheel, or just wrap it around the belt itself to make it taut.
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Old 08-18-2018, 08:38 AM   #5
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I used the technique ThePowells described on a 2103 Buick Verano. Worked great and quite easy to do. Two wraps around the wheel on mine, than snap the belts ends together and run the seat back to tighten it down snug.
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Old 08-19-2018, 05:17 AM   #6
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ThePowells and RVRoamer... basically doing that but the seat belt was not long enough. Hence, the rope loop.


But... I've decided to use a different car and the seat belt is long enough.
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Old 08-19-2018, 08:47 PM   #7
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Many times the female end is attached to the seat and will move forward with the seat.
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Old 08-20-2018, 12:05 AM   #8
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Why tie the steering wheel ?

I never have and all seems fine while towing.
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Old 08-20-2018, 01:57 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by twinboat View Post
Why tie the steering wheel ?

I never have and all seems fine while towing.

What do you tow and how do you tow it?
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Old 08-20-2018, 05:21 AM   #10
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Quote:
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Why tie the steering wheel ?

I never have and all seems fine while towing.

I would guess that your dolly does not have steerable wheels.


On basic dollies with fixed wheels you have to unlock the steering so it can turn in corners. On dollies with steerable wheels the toad steering has to be locked/secured so it can't turn.
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Old 08-20-2018, 05:45 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MrWzrd View Post
I would guess that your dolly does not have steerable wheels.


On basic dollies with fixed wheels you have to unlock the steering so it can turn in corners. On dollies with steerable wheels the toad steering has to be locked/secured so it can't turn.

I still don't understand how steer tires that are not in contact with the ground can make a car turn.....
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Old 08-20-2018, 06:01 AM   #12
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I use a Stehl Tow dolly and have towed a Kia Soul with steering lock removed and now tow a Jeep Renegade 2X4.

I know we are not talking about the Acme dolly because that requires the steering unlocked. That leaves the swivel plate and steering tires type dolly.

Saying the steering needs to be tied does not answer my original question, Why ?
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Old 08-21-2018, 06:06 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by twinboat View Post
I use a Stehl Tow dolly and have towed a Kia Soul with steering lock removed and now tow a Jeep Renegade 2X4.

I know we are not talking about the Acme dolly because that requires the steering unlocked. That leaves the swivel plate and steering tires type dolly.

Saying the steering needs to be tied does not answer my original question, Why ?

But I did answer your question.

"On basic dollies with fixed wheels you have to unlock the steering so it can turn in corners.

On dollies with steerable wheels the toad steering has to be locked/secured so it can't turn."


If you allow the toad steering to turn on a dolly with a swivel plate or steerable wheels they will work against each other. When the dolly turns left the toad would want to turn right and you would end up with an offset toad.

You could find that your toad is tracking straight ahead but is half off the road or half in the left lane. Neither is good.
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