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Tom-Tom · 01-20-2015, 05:49 PM

I have to go pick up my Coach and I intend to get a dolly for the trip home and put my 06 PT on it. It's straight drive. Do I have to do anything other than make sure the brakes are off after I have strapped it down and insured all that is good to go? Is there any reason to unlock the ignition? The dolly should have a swivel plate on it. Any advice here folks? Thanks,

BFlinn181 · 01-20-2015, 06:20 PM

Are you talking of a PT Cruiser? What's "straight drive? If it's front wheel drive, it doesn't matter if it's manual or automatic, drive wheels are on the dolly. Rear wheel drive, it needs to be a manual transmission or an automatic approved for towing in owner's manual.
You are correct, using a dolly with a swivel plate, steering can be locked. After tightening straps and safety chains, after about 25 miles stop and check the straps, they tend to stretch and loosen.

Tom-Tom · 01-20-2015, 07:35 PM

Hi Bob/Donna, right after I posted, I read what I asked and I felt sooooo stupid! Can't believe I asked that. I apologize; it's been a long last 3 days. BUT, I do thank you very much about the tip of going 25 miles and rechecking the straps. I did not know that they would stretch. I learned something new today. I've never had to use a dolly before so this is good info to know....and store. Thanks, Tom-Tom

coupevilleDF · 01-20-2015, 08:03 PM

We dolly tow a PT Cruiser as well. We check the straps every time we stop. They technically don't stretch (at least I don't think so) but they do tighten up on the take up reel making them loosen on the wheel. Also check them if you jump a curb because that can knock them loose.

Even with the Kar Kaddy SS, we have had the front wheels turn some after we have taken tight turns. Lesson learned, just take the turns gradually and you should be ok.

burgman50 · 01-20-2015, 08:24 PM

We have dollyed a Hyundai elantra, mini cooper, and scion on our swivel plate dolly. Every time the steering wheels move enough to lock the steering.
Also, do stop and check straps after a few miles. We are a couple miles from interstate so I always stop at top of entrance ramp ( a safe place) and retighten straps. Amazing that they can get loose in such a short distance. I check them at every stop and they have never needed retightened.
Oh, always make sure the safety chain is off before unloading.
Have fun!

C-PHartley · 01-21-2015, 06:14 AM

I was given the following tip for dolly towing and have found that it reduces the need to tighten wheel straps significantly. After the vehicle is loaded on the pan, and the straps are installed, put the car in neutral to allow it to roll forward against the front stop while tightening the straps. This has worked well for me for years and thousands of miles towing. I hope this helps.

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KennyGolub · 01-21-2015, 06:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C-PHartley

I was given the following tip for dolly towing and have found that it reduces the need to tighten wheel straps significantly. After the vehicle is loaded on the pan, and the straps are installed, put the car in neutral to allow it to roll forward against the front stop while tightening the straps. This has worked well for me for years and thousands of miles towing. I hope this helps.

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Thanks for that tip. I haven't thought of doing that, but now it will become SOP when loading.