Have 2010 Jetta Wagon (auto) want to pick dolly

LCD · 08-26-2011, 09:29 AM

We have a DP, are interested in a dolly for our Jetta, I am concerned with :
(1) the low clearance of the Jetta
(2) Choice of braking system. We live out west and it seems we
are either going up or down a steep grade. How do surge and or
electric brakes interact with exhaust brakes on the tow vehicle.
I Would appreciate advice.
Thanks

JDT · 08-26-2011, 12:39 PM

Look at Stehl, Acme Eze-Tow, Master Tow, Kar Kaddy SS, Roadmaster, etc. There are a number that will probably fit your needs. Also, do a search here and you will find a bunch of info.

We went with one from Landgrebe Mgf (towtrailer.com) because they could build one to our specs that fit our larger suv. We needed a wider width and heavier capacity and they were the only ones that could accomodate both needs. We found several wide enough but the load capacity was short. Not sure about the low clearance but there is only 8'" clearance on our car measuring from the ground to the bottom of the front spoiler. I don't have the dolly yet but have been assured it will not be a problem.

I went with electric brakes because that is what Landgrebe advised me to do. We spend several weeks each summer in the Colorado Rockies and their advice was surge would work fine under many circustances but electric is better for steeper grades.

Electric brakes will only interact with your brake controller. If you have it wired to you brake pedal light wire the exhaust brake should not affect it. With surge you could get some braking with the exhaust if there is enough pressure on the actuator on the dolly.

macnkat · 08-30-2011, 04:24 PM

For a low front end car like the Jetta you may need to use a ramp to get up on the dolly and what Jim said about the brakes pretty much covers it. Surge will work with the engine brake, and electric will not. I have a Stehl with surge brakes and like them.