I've decided on a Tow Dolly

[DGShaffer]

I've been following these threads on tow dollies for quite some time and have found them quite informative. Using the advice here as well as my own preferences, I've decided that I'm going to go the extra cash and get a Demco Kar Kaddy 460SS. I only take two to three long trips per year where I would need to bring the car along so towing 4 down isn't a practical option for me. I also have my bike in the garage of the motor home in case I break down somewhere.

So here's the story, I found a 2004 for sale locally and I'm going to look it over tomorrow night so I have a few questions for those of you that may own one.

1) Seeing as how it's a 2004, what improvements have been mad in the last 6 years and are they worth it?

2) I've read about a "spring upgrade" to keep the wheels from locking up, was this already addressed in 2004?

3) Did they always have sealed bearings or will this model need to be greased?

4) Being 6 years old, what are the chances that the tires and hydraulic brake system would need replacing/repair?

5) I've found that I can have a new model shipped to my shop for under $2500.00. The used one I'm looking at is priced at $2000.00. It almost seems like buying new is a better choice but having to assemble it may out weigh the savings. What would you do? If you decided to buy the used one, what would you offer for a 6 year old dolly with a new one being only $500.00 more?

[GaryKD]

Hi DGShaffer,
Congratulations on your decision. I can not answer all your questions. I have the 2005 version of what you are purchasing. The $2K price is way to high. Unless the dolly has been never used (or seldom used), then I might go $1800. The real price should be around $1,200. It all depends on what options are on the dolly and what the new dolly has. Some options are:
1. tongue jack (third wheel)
2. tool box
3. spare tire

If the tires are Carlisle tires, they will need to be replaced. Carlisle is noted for making the cheapest trailer tires in the world. Assembly is not a problem as long as you have the space. The dolly takes up a lot of room (i.e., in a garage).

I've had zero problems with my dolly. I would make the same purchase again.

[DGShaffer]

Thanks for taking the time to post your thoughts. You may have saved me from paying too much because from what I've been seeing in my area, $2k didn't seen all that out of line but this one is older than most.

I have plenty of room at my shop to put it together if I choose to go that route which I may do in light of your comments.

Thanks again.

[DGShaffer]

Well, it seems the sale price of $2480.00 (shipped) from PPL Motor Homes ended today which sort of pushed me towards making a decision. The used Dolly was only $480 less than having the new one shipped to my shop although the seller did tell me he was willing to go down to $1500. I just though that since he was already the second owner, I had no history for the first 2 of the 6 years it was on the road. I hate spending money twice so this was a pretty easy decision.

Thanks Gary for taking the time to post. I have two trip this Summer and one to Key West at Christmas where I'll be using it. From what I can see up this way, these things have great resale value so if I decide it's not for me I think I'll be able to move it easily

[wardy]

Sounds like you made your decision and it's a good one. I have a 2006 and would buy it again. The only negative is it is heavy, not a problem on smooth surface. Other than that a peach, enjoy!

[DGShaffer]

Thanks Wardy, I think I did as well.

I have a metal shop so I was thinking about making an Aluminum push/pull type handle for it to make it easier to move about. I comes with the third wheel so that might help a bit at least.

[DeanLinAZ]

Don:

IMHO you made the right choice for your tow dolly, the Demco 460SS. We have used one (2004 or 2005 model) for five years and about 30K miles. We did have a blowout from a tread separation on the OEM Carlisle's last summer so our dolly now has new tires.

We are now towing a Jeep Wrangler 4-down, so I will be selling the Demco soon. From where I live in AZ, a top price would be near $1,500.

Good luck.

[DGShaffer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeanLinAZ We did have a blowout from a tread separation on the OEM Carlisle's last summer so our dolly now has new tires. We are now towing a Jeep Wrangler 4-down, so I will be selling the Demco soon. From where I live in AZ, a top price would be near $1,500. Good luck.

Thanks!

Gary warned me about those tires so I bought two extra sending units for my TST pressure system that Ill be putting on it. I may go ahead and swap out those tires for a nice set of radials pretty quick.

I missed out on two of these over the last year and both went for $2k. I offered the first gut $1900 but he wouldn't take it and it sold a couple of days later. The second I just let go after that and it sold in a week. Both were only two years old though.

[whem2fish]

demco is quality i couldnt afford i got a steltow with electric breaks for $1150 new just a thought used over 20000 miles never had a problem towed many friends cars home that broke down a lot of people knock dollys i tow a 2003 chevy 4 door pickup with no problems
dave

[DGShaffer]

I'm right there with you, I was about to get a Master Tow with electric brakes and have been looking at them since I started considering a dolly. My issue is parking it in my driveway, I just don't have the room to spare. I have an acre of property but access to the back is limited so what ever I had, it would be stored with the RV in the front.

Although not totally necessary, being able to fold it carried a lot of weight. Then there's the steerable wheels, fully galvanized frame, surge brakes with a safety lock, outboard ratchet handles, the list goes on. I've spent money twice on so many occasions that I just knew this was going to be another example of that so I bit the bullet and came up with the additional $1k

[DGShaffer]

Well that was fast! I ordered this thing from PPL Motor Homes late Friday afternoon and it arrived at my shop today at 2:00 on a Fed-Ex truck.

I'm fortunate that I had a business address which saved me $75 in shipping costs but I'm really glad since this thing is pretty heavy and having overhead electric hoists to maneuver it during assembly.

They also come with Goodyear Marathon radials now. I'll take some photos when I get it together.