Community Forums

nothermark · 03-09-2017, 05:18 AM

A lot of us don't have room in the garage and don't bother with a tarp. Stehltow still looks reasonable after around 10 years.

purrin along · 03-09-2017, 06:04 PM

A lot depends on your location. Anything metal left outside at my keys home
will turn to rust in no time.

wredman · 04-12-2017, 07:31 AM

took my first trip to a campground. Only about 30 miles away, but it was a nice trial run for hookup an maneuvering.

Towing a Kia Sportage, the tall stance, especially in the front overhang, makes hooking up easy. I added some reese chain quick links midway on the safety chains so I can easily loop around the car's swingarm and hook back to the dangling quick link.

While towing, the only think I notice is the engine has to work harder going up hills, nothing in the steering. This should be a 5 minute job to hook up and 3 minutes to unload, at most.

Samsons Mom · 09-13-2017, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gidyupgo

We use the Electric brake Stehl. In 9000 miles, Have carried Nissan Leaf, Honda Odyssey, Lexus and Cadillac crossovers on it. We have TST TPMS on the truck, dolly and whatever toad happens to be on it. Upgrades.... Load Range D tires, bigger safety chains to truck and strap as safety for wheel baskets so no more crawling under.
Attachment 153021. Would purchase again.

Gidyupgo, can you provide more info on the strap setup you made/use for your vehicle? We just bought a tow dolly and need something like this as backup for the wheel baskets.

Thank you.

Gidyupgo · 09-18-2017, 11:50 AM

Sure. Amazon Nylon Lifting Sling - Twisted Eye and Eye - 2" x 3' - 2 Ply
Advantage Rigging
Sold by: Advantage Rigging. Shackles are tractor supply.

Samsons Mom · 09-19-2017, 05:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gidyupgo

Sure. Amazon Nylon Lifting Sling - Twisted Eye and Eye - 2" x 3' - 2 Ply
Advantage Rigging
Sold by: Advantage Rigging. Shackles are tractor supply.

Thank you!

vettenuts · 09-19-2017, 05:55 AM

I read in another thread that using straps for the safety chains was not legal and could be an insurance issue if something happens. I actually bought straps from Cargo Control for this purpose but after finding out about the legal requirements have not used them.

twinboat · 09-19-2017, 06:47 AM

If you dig into the safety chain specs, you would find that you can meet the chain specs with steel cables.

I've never heard about the specs until the other post, but this is what I did when I got my dolly.

Dan_S · 09-19-2017, 05:32 PM

Could the chains only be required between the rv/tow vehicle and the dolly?

twinboat · 09-19-2017, 05:51 PM

That's possible, but I couldn't find that out.

I kind of like the backup to the straps, but I can't kneel, to find a spot under the car for a chain.

nothermark · 09-19-2017, 11:00 PM

You hit the problem. Most modern cars do not have any accessible hard spots under the car. The wheels are about the best bet.

Samsons Mom · 09-20-2017, 05:01 AM

It seems counter-intuitive that straps areallowed / used as the initial tire hold-downs but not for the back-up system.

vettenuts · 09-21-2017, 05:29 AM

I agree that the laws are confusing. I would much prefer the safety straps through the wheels and US Cargo Control had a perfect set that I bought with a Cordura protective sleeve built over the strap. However, I too was unaware that this might be an issue and you know insurance companies, any slight deviation is their excuse when it comes time to pay a claim.

funmoneypit · 09-21-2017, 06:08 AM

We have the Master Tow. Love it. No issues with fenders hitting the car. Ours is a 2010 and it has been stored outside the entire time in Michigan. Very minimal rust. As mentioned, it has amber colored lights on the front of the fenders that mimic what the rear lights are doing. I really like this as you can make sure everything is working. Watch Craigslist. We got ours for $800 and it's in great condition.