Dolly or 4 Wheels Down?

[gordonpond]

We just purchased a 2008 Subaru Forester Manual Transmission to tow behind our 1999 32' Dolphin. Does anyone have a recommendation for which is better - using a Dolly to tow to the car or a tow bar with 4 wheels down? It seems to me that towing 4 wheels down puts a lot of mileage on the car that aren't really there when I try to sell the car later. Plus I'm a little wary of the auxiliary braking systems for cars - how well they work, how reliable they are, etc. As you can tell, I'm leaning towards the Dolly but there are problems with the dolly as well - needing room to park it at a campsite, having one more thing to hook up when leaving, etc.

[wa8yxm]

On a 2008, I would assume the odometer and speedometer are electronic and odds are it will NOT run up millage when towed ignition off,, HOWEVER that is an assumption and we all know how to remember the spelling of assume (-u-).

Assuming that is the case. 4 down is always going to be my choice.

But even with a stick shift... Go to remcotowing and make sure google remcotowing USA.

I have heard of at least one manual tranny which does not like to be towed,, JUST one, but still one.

[Dadeaux]

I have used both and I much prefer towing 4 down. I agree with you about the mileage that is there but unseen when trading but each time that I have traded one in I reveal the fact that it has been towed and I usually leave the tow system intact so there is obviously no attempt to deceive.

The only braking system that I know of that you can really feel comfortable that it is not braking too much or too little is the ReadyBrake. It is effectively a surge brake activated by the pressure placed on the hitch by the tow.

[mikf]

I will find out next week which way I like best. I have always towed 4 down, but due to some unforseen car trouble I bought a cardolly to tow my other car this winter. the one thing that bothers me so far is the directions say only make 90 degree turns, no u-turns. plus the tires are a full 8 ft. wide. so I am sure it will be a learning experence. plus I am not sure about driving up the ramps and putting the staps on in the SNOW.

[RVThere]

I did tow dolly for 10 years and now have towed a Jeep GC 4-down for 3 years and would NEVER go back to a dolly.

Do a search for posts on your specific questions on mileage.

Here is what the Remco site says:

1992 - 2011 Subaru All 1992 and newer Suburu

Engine:
ALL
Drivetrain:
AWD
Transmission:
Manual

Application Notes

All manual transmission, AWD, Suburus can be towed 4 on the ground without modification.

[Steve N Sal]

I'm sure you'll get a lot of suggestions on this topic. We opted for a tow dolly. No mods to our car (cutting valance for base plate, wiring etc.) and brake system is on our dolly. If you decide on the dolly make sure it comes with brakes because not all do. So far we have been happy with our choice.

[wildtoad]

Towing four down is preferred as you don't have to buy a dolly, use a dolly, hook up the dolly, store the dolly. If you plan to tow the same car (and your car allows it)for quite sometime then four down is the way to go.

If you don't want (or can't) to modify your car for towing, or you want flexibility in what car you take when, then go with the dolly.

[bluepill]

I think that thsi is the best answer

[MegaRoadie]

Now that looks like something a guy could fall in luv with there BluePill...WOW

Sadly it also looks like some euro/techno/futuristic -wanna-b, thing-a ma-bobber !!!

But damn the doubt... still ought to wow em !!!

[frankdamp]

It was my understanding, from a Subaru specialist mechanic, that NO Subarus could be towed four-down or on a dolly, not even those with manual transmissions. He couldn't say whether dolly towing with the front wheels off the ground plus a driveshaft disconnect between the rear differential and the transmission would be OK. The only recommendation given by Subaru is to trailer tow with all 4 wheels off the ground.

[RVThere]

Frank,

According to the Remco website, that Subaru restriction is only on PRE-1991 models.

[GaryKD]

Hi gordonpond,
I currently tow with both a dolly and 4 down (not at the same time ). I use the dolly when the car needed for the trip requires it. Otherwise I tow 4 down. I really do not have a preference. The tasks are different. When making a CG reservation, I make sure the pull through site can accommodate the coach and dolly while connected. Once we start a trip, with the dolly, it is never disconnected from the coach.

If I had to do it all again, I'd do the same thing. My choice of toads is, for the most part, not limited by towing considerations.

[TXiceman]

Having had both dolly and 4 down, I would go back to a dolly anytime.

Ken

[Tha_Rooster]

4 down so much easier and less weight.