Dolly Toads

[jamesrxx951]

Originally Posted by Scarab0088

The OP changed the question...
...FWD (front wheel drive) vs. 4WD or 4X4 is very different.

Most small 4x4's (like the Toyota highlander, Kia Sportage, Nissan Xterra, and Ford Escape) can not be dolly towed. This is because the rear wheel drive cannot be fully unlocked without an aftermarket driveshaft disconnect.

Except for Jeep's - "real transfer cases" with a neutral position are rare and locking hubs are a thing of the past.

All the small SUV's I mentioned above are made in FWD, and they will tow on a dolly - no problem.


About the dolly...I have an Acme Eze-tow, it is SO EZE to use, and move around by myself...love it. I do not understand why the flat-tow crowd always wants to ensure everyone knows how difficult dolly's are - it's just not true, U-Haul rents them everyday. And dolly's are actually much better for your car than flat-towing (no miles accrued on the lower driveline, no baseplate install in the crumple zone, etc.). But in the situation of wanting to tow a small 4x4, a dolly will probably not be best.

Best luck

At least for the Ford Escape, even if you remove the rear drive shaft it still cannot be towed on a dolly. The rear differential unit contains the rear differential gears and also the 4x4 engagement system that uses clutch packs to engage the rear diff. The packs are duty cycled and soaked in fluid. With the vehicle on a dolly and angled towards the rear, you run the risk of the fluid moving to the very back of the diff and not allowing the front section (including bearings) to receive any lubrication.

[Brockx]

Originally Posted by Scarab0088

About the dolly...I have an Acme Eze-tow, it is SO EZE to use, and move around by myself...love it. I do not understand why the flat-tow crowd always wants to ensure everyone knows how difficult dolly's are - it's just not true, U-Haul rents them everyday. And dolly's are actually much better for your car than flat-towing (no miles accrued on the lower driveline, no baseplate install in the crumple zone, etc.).

Best luck

Yeah, you were one of the members that helped me thru my dolly decision. I think most people that have FIRST HAND problems with a car dolly may just not have done their homework or may have physical limitations. I don't give much thought to any of the stories my spouse's hair dresser's, first cousin's, Father's best friend, that had a problem.
I had some concerns because it was all new to me. However; I'm real happy with my decision. I could afford to do whatever I wanted, but ended up only spending $1100 on a "new/used" dolly a person decided to never try or use.
Plus, I did not modify (can you say damage, devalue) my new Toad. I also added a trailer hitch in the event I need to move the dolly to storage (so happens that happened to me in Key West two weeks ago).

[VAGABOND JIM]

You guys rock. My sister's, brother-in-law's, unhandyman thought he was going to have trouble with one too cause he kept trying to hook it up with the wheels on top and it made an awful noise as he dragged it down the street.

I knew I wanted a dolly so I went out and bought what I wanted: Acme EZ. I knew any dedicated FWD could be towed but so many of the smaller models come in 4 or all wheel drive that it's hard to find a FWD. When shifted to 2WD does the front become primary or the rear and if the front what happens to lubrication in the rear axle???

JamesrXX951 has a handle on it but instead of looking each one up I think one of the dolly companies could save us some time.

[Scarab0088]

Originally Posted by VAGABOND JIM

You guys rock. My sister's, brother-in-law's, unhandyman thought he was going to have trouble with one too cause he kept trying to hook it up with the wheels on top and it made an awful noise as he dragged it down the street.

I knew I wanted a dolly so I went out and bought what I wanted: Acme EZ. I knew any dedicated FWD could be towed but so many of the smaller models come in 4 or all wheel drive that it's hard to find a FWD. When shifted to 2WD does the front become primary or the rear and if the front what happens to lubrication in the rear axle???

JamesrXX951 has a handle on it but instead of looking each one up I think one of the dolly companies could save us some time.

Thanks for the laugh...the first line is SO true.
Yes many new 4wd cross overs are first and foremost front wheel drive. When you "disconnect" the 4x4, it only opens a clutch somewhere (transaxle or rear differential)..and everthing is still spinning. There is no transfer case like traditional 4x4 systems. Everything gets lubed by the spinning motion because nothing really gets turned off.

Any list of what car can and cannot be towed - flat, or on a dolly - is old the second it is printed because of constant changes and even the factories are wrong sometimes. Plus, in our society, if a car that is "approved" to tow OK - does not, lawyers get busy and empty everyones pocket

I love my Acme Eze-Tow too.
Best luck on your dingy search.