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GuitarLefty · 10-14-2012, 09:09 PM

We bought a 37' Diesel pusher '94 Fleetwood Southwind with the 230 hp Cummings diesel and Allison transmission. We got a car dolly along with the motor coach, I have bought new tires, painted with Rust-oleum hammered paint and bought new straps. We are looking to tow a '11 Kia Soul the car dolly is a basic solid model with no breaking options, any thoughts would be appreciated

JoePut · 10-15-2012, 06:08 AM

I tow a 2010 Soul on a dolly with no problems

speed racer · 10-15-2012, 07:07 AM

Some think brakes on a toad aren't needed but I believe they are. Any time you ad weight to a vehicle you increase the stopping distance.

GuitarLefty · 10-15-2012, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoePut

I tow a 2010 Soul on a dolly with no problems

Do you have brakes on the car dolly?

Ed-Sommers · 10-15-2012, 09:04 AM

You said that the dolly was a "basic solid model". If, by that statement you meant that it had no swivel base, remember that you have to unlock the steering on the vehicle for that type dolly.

Ed

Scarab0088 · 10-15-2012, 10:16 AM

Congrats on the RV/Dolly package!

If this is your first dolly experience, I recommend making a quick check of the tire straps for tightness and hubs for excess heat everytime when you stop.

Brakes are a good idea, but even U-haul doesn't have brakes on many of their rental dolly's, so just be careful.

If the dolly ramps extend rearward from the dolly when ready to roll (Like the Stiel Dolly), be careful about contact with the underbody of the Kia when driving over any curbs.

If the dolly is like the EZE-Tow (no pivot pan or steering axle) be sure to unlock the steering of the Kia to allow a pivot point while turning.

Finally, unlike what many folks say - any dolly can be reversed, albeit for short distances. If you get in an emergency spot, give it a try first. Just be careful!

GuitarLefty · 10-15-2012, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scarab0088

Congrats on the RV/Dolly package!

If this is your first dolly experience, I recommend making a quick check of the tire straps for tightness and hubs for excess heat everytime when you stop.

Brakes are a good idea, but even U-haul doesn't have brakes on many of their rental dolly's, so just be careful.

If the dolly ramps extend rearward from the dolly when ready to roll (Like the Stiel Dolly), be careful about contact with the underbody of the Kia when driving over any curbs.

If the dolly is like the EZE-Tow (no pivot pan or steering axle) be sure to unlock the steering of the Kia to allow a pivot point while turning.

Finally, unlike what many folks say - any dolly can be reversed, albeit for short distances. If you get in an emergency spot, give it a try first. Just be careful!

I'm going to post a pic later, thanks

Edouard · 10-26-2012, 06:14 PM

Depending on the weather, we are booked to pick up a U-Haul tow dolly Monday morning for our trip south for the winter, we will be towing our 2013 Kia Soul.

We will be looking for a more permanent solution over the winter while we are in Florida, either pick up a good used late model dolly with brakes & swivel tire/steering features, or perhaps Remco will come up with a tranny pump kit.

Because it is getting so difficult to find a flat towing auto tranny in the new car line-ups, the dolly may end up being a better long term solution, we'll see.

sockayefla · 11-01-2012, 10:32 AM

I just bought an Acme car tow dolley. It has surge disc brakes with led lights on the fenders. My question is do I need lights on my toad also?

sockayefla · 11-01-2012, 10:37 AM

This is in regard to car dollies. Acme car dolly Inc. out of NC has a good one for 1595 plus 249 shipping to all US. They have disc brakes surge operated with led lights on the fenders. They weigh 400 and come complete with all attachments.
My question is, do I need lights on my toad in addition to the dolly lights?

Scarab0088 · 11-01-2012, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sockayefla

I just bought an Acme car tow dolley. It has surge disc brakes with led lights on the fenders. My question is do I need lights on my toad also?

Congrats on getting the Acme! If you take a few precautions (many typical of any dolly) you should have a good experience.

I do not use extra lights - not required in CA-AZ-NV-OR-WA where we usually go. I can't speak to other states laws.

But, extra lights (for extra visibility) are always a good idea if you want to use them.

Suggestions:
~Be sure to unlock the steering wheel on the toad to allow the wheels to turn - creates a pivot point for turns.
~Be sure to check the straps at each stop for tension (webstraps stretch)
~Be sure to check for excess heat (simply touch the hub cap) in the dolly hubs at each stop.
~Be sure to check that the toad is still on center of the dolly at each stop ('cuz sometimes the toad will creep to one side of a dolly - especially on roads with a high center).
~Have fun!

wimberleyman · 11-01-2012, 10:50 AM

I have an ACME EZE-Tow as well. I use the brake lights if I tow the dolly empty. However, I was told that I needed lights on the rear of the vehicle when towed on the dolly. I purchased a set of magnetic lights that attach to the rear deck of the toad and they work fine.

WM

Spine Fusion · 11-03-2012, 10:35 AM

Check laws, most states require brakes on towing anything over 3000 lbs ; some states 2500 lbs. I would rather be safe then sorry. Also, check how it affects your insurance if you have an accident with no rakes on tow dolly. I had a tow dolly with brakes, lites, etc. , to much hassle, loading car,taking off, storing. Went to 4 down with a 4 wheel drive JEEP . HAPPY MOTORING.

Scarab0088 · 11-03-2012, 11:09 AM

)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spine Fusion

Check laws, most states require brakes on towing anything over 3000 lbs ; some states 2500 lbs. I would rather be safe then sorry. Also, check how it affects your insurance if you have an accident with no rakes on tow dolly. I had a tow dolly with brakes, lites, etc. , to much hassle, loading car,taking off, storing. Went to 4 down with a 4 wheel drive JEEP . HAPPY MOTORING.

Thats right...check the local laws, because dollys are not considered trailers by many states and therefore the brake laws do not apply. EXAMPLE: U-Haul dollys do not have brakes (if anyone can find a U-Haul dolly with brakes, please post a picture of it

)

Instead they use some formula about weight of the towing vehicle vs. weight of the toad.

And like the post above said, you can go flat tow if you want, just remember that requires dedicating to only one toad for all the assorted stuff needed (tow bar, backing plate, lighting on the toad and supplimental braking). The braking stuff needed because, not being a dolly, the toad would be required to have brakes.

So, enjoy the dolly. It is a simple device that gives many advantages in towing a car along your travels...the big one is that you can tow that modern front wheel drive car that you probably already own with no transaxle damage, no miles on the toad, no expensive mods to the car, and no issues at resale of the toad about the unseen miles the car rolled around the country.