Tow Dolly

[1ciderdog]

If for some reason you need to back up chances of backing with a dolly are much better than towing four down. I also have towed the same vehicle on dolly and four down. Just my opinion but neither are a real pain to deal with - just part of the fun (or work) of RV travel.

[Zoafan]

May be a dumb question but....

If towing 4 down it obviously adds miles to the vehicle but if you tow using a dolly does it also add miles?

Jamie

[bmacrc46]

Originally Posted by StevieG

All very good advise. Thanks everyone! For the time being, based on your comments, I am going to keep the dolly and make a trip and let you all know...

Good choice! Since you are already set up to tow on a dolly it would be beneficial to try it and see how it works out.

I am also a first timer having bought the motorhome and dolly and still waiting to take my first trip. I read a ton of threads and the populace tends to be fairly evenly split with a slight preference towards 4 down.

The 4 down folks major points are:
1. Easier and less time to hook up
2. No getting dirty hooking up
3. No worries about finding a place to store the dolly.

The dolly folks major points are:
1. Flexibility to take different vehicles
2. Does not take a lot longer to hook up
3. Cheaper than towing 4 down

[Dan DeBruin]

Like most folks, I started with a dolly because I had a FWD automatic that could not be towed flat. I know tow a 2010 Jetta TDI manual tranmission flat. It took me a while to get all the gear but purchased some of it here and some on craiglist so the cost was considerably less than new. Works great, cuts set up time by about half and if it is raining and nasty, I don't have to reach into the wheel wells to hook up the car. I would tow with a dolly anytime if I had to, not a problem, just easier flat. I never really had a problem with storage of the dolly but it is a pain to hand tow around. If you keep the dolly, have a trailer hitch on the car, then you can just spin it around and tow the dolly with the car where ever you need to go.

[CampDaven]

Originally Posted by Zoafan

May be a dumb question but....

If towing 4 down it obviously adds miles to the vehicle but if you tow using a dolly does it also add miles?

Jamie

Most odometers are now electronic. I have had 2 toads: Saturn SL2, Wrangler. No miles are added while towing.

[Vickie 4369]

Originally Posted by StevieG

When I recently purchased my motorhome, I also purchased an almost new tow dolly for an extra $500. It's the kind of dolly where the front wheels of the toad are off the ground. In doing some reading, it seems like most people tow with a bar setup where all 4 tires are on the road. I'd like to know if there is some major reason why I would want or would prefer to have this setup over the one I have now. This is all so new, that I have not yet towed my car, and would like to get this figured out before I do. I have a 2012 VW Passat SE with a manual transmission. Any insight is appreciated. I'm sure I'm not the first newb to ask this question, so if this is a beat to death topic, please direct me to the thread. Thanks!

You own the Dolly Stick with it, the flexibility to tow any vehicle that is Front wheel drive is Awesome.

I started with nothing and weighed all my options and a Dolly was the Best fit for me.

I bought a KarKaddy SS which is the cream of the crop, first trip was 2600 Miles, I had to leave my back up camera on so I would know the car was there otherwise I might forget, can't feel a thing it is So Smooth.

I roll 70 MPH on cruise control.

Hook up is Fast and Easy, I carry a 3 x 6 tarp in case the ground might be wet.

The Trick with the Straps it to not have more than 2 turns of webbing on the spool and make sure you carefully place the straps evenly on the tires taking all the slack out, and it will not loosen up.

I only had to readjust mine once after the first hook up about 10 miles, I assume because the straps were brand new, after that you should be able to set them and check them at each fill up.

I suggest you establish what works best for you.

Ted.

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by GaryKD

Hi StevieG,
I tow 4 down and with a dolly (not at the same time) Forget the dealer. Look in the owners manual to determine if a vehicle can be towed four down. The owners manual is the only place the manufacturer makes the towing statement, in writing.

But also remember: the owners manual can be wrong too!!

That has happened to Honda and Ford and probably others.

Best to call the manufacturers customer service, ask them and tne get it in writing. I did that in 2004 re the 2005 Odyssey. By having it in writing I forced Honda to pay us back over $2,300 we spent on the towbar and brackets.

[trampsrv]

you need safety chains on the dolly to attach to the VW for safety reasons.do you have a spare tire with the dolly? try towing the VW on the dolly with a buddies truck to see how it handles before you try it with the rv.

[Vickie 4369]

Originally Posted by bmacrc46

Good choice! Since you are already set up to tow on a dolly it would be beneficial to try it and see how it works out.

I am also a first timer having bought the motorhome and dolly and still waiting to take my first trip. I read a ton of threads and the populace tends to be fairly evenly split with a slight preference towards 4 down.

The 4 down folks major points are:
1. Easier and less time to hook up
2. No getting dirty hooking up
3. No worries about finding a place to store the dolly.

The dolly folks major points are:
1. Flexibility to take different vehicles
2. Does not take a lot longer to hook up
3. Cheaper than towing 4 down
4. Brakes included
5. lights included
6. no vehicle specific items like tow bars and wire harnesses

Added to your list

I have a spare tire mounted on mine also.

[Zoafan]

Originally Posted by CampDaven

Most odometers are now electronic. I have had 2 toads: Saturn SL2, Wrangler. No miles are added while towing.

That is good to know. I recently leased my wife a 2013 Explorer and was worried about towing it.

[TheArnolds]

Originally Posted by GULFSTREAM37

You own the Dolly Stick with it, the flexibility to tow any vehicle that is Front wheel drive is Awesome.

I started with nothing and weighed all my options and a Dolly was the Best fit for me.

I bought a KarKaddy SS which is the cream of the crop, first trip was 2600 Miles, I had to leave my back up camera on so I would know the car was there otherwise I might forget, can't feel a thing it is So Smooth.

I roll 70 MPH on cruise control.

Hook up is Fast and Easy, I carry a 3 x 6 tarp in case the ground might be wet.

The Trick with the Straps it to not have more than 2 turns of webbing on the spool and make sure you carefully place the straps evenly on the tires taking all the slack out, and it will not loosen up.

I only had to readjust mine once after the first hook up about 10 miles, I assume because the straps were brand new, after that you should be able to set them and check them at each fill up.

I suggest you establish what works best for you.

Ted.

Agreed! I have the Kar Kaddy SS460 and I like the option to tow either of my cars (both FWD). I have observed a number of people hooking up the 4 wheels down as well as loading the dolly and in my opinion the time and effort is a wash between the two towing arrangements.

[Sargee]

I have a 2001 tracker 4x4 automatic can put transfer case into neutral. Got a Demco hitch with MH. But hadn't gotten base plate bought yet. Came across Demco kk260 kar kaddy bought it. Question tracker on kk backwards or front with transfer case in neutral which would you do. Bought kk for flexibility to tow other vehicles.

[chboone]

In the manual, Demco says to always load the front wheels on the dolly. If you don't have the manual go to their web site and down load it.

Owners Manuals

Chuck Boone