Community Forums

RV Dan · 03-16-2013, 08:55 AM

I have read that some people prefer towing with a dolly as opposed to 4 wheels down. I am not sure the reasons why some prefer one over the other. I am looking for a toad vehicle ad need to decide how I will tow it before I can pick the vehicle.

Thanks,

Dan

mbrandt1402 · 03-16-2013, 09:05 AM

We wanted to take our Miata with us, but it lacks the ground clearance necessary to use most dollies. So if you are wanting to have something sporty to drive once you get to your destination, that might make the decision for you.

I've thought a skyhook and a Smart car would be an interesting tow combo, though I guess it technically would not be towed.

RV Dan · 03-16-2013, 09:09 AM

I could build a small ramp mounted to the 2" receiver and park a smart car on it. LOL

CampDaven · 03-16-2013, 09:17 AM

A lot of it comes from toads that can only be towed 4-down or 2-down.

RV Dan · 03-16-2013, 09:26 AM

I know that is a consideration. I have also read where some people went from 4 wheels down to a tow dolly. I just wonder why they liked the tow dolly better?

CampDaven · 03-16-2013, 09:33 AM

You posted in "toads and motorhome..."

If you cruise it you will see many opinions and several good links regarding toads and equipment.

I chose to toad my Wrangler 4-down for good reasons. It will not go 2-down, and it lets me see places and things that most folks cannot: off-road.

Happy trails

jzick · 03-16-2013, 10:02 AM

Everyone is different, of course. Started traveling with a dolly and the first time I had to load in the rain I thought I needed to learn how to do this better. Then we stayed at a commercial park that required dollys to be stored in a lot provided for extra vehicle storage. The second time I had to load in the rain I decided this way was not for me. Sold the dolly. Sold the car, and bought one suitable to tow four down. I would not go back to a dolly.

DaleM · 03-16-2013, 10:29 AM

Hi

I went 4 down cause its simple and the biggest
Reason is, I have no where to store a dolly.
It really all depends on the vehicle, some you have to have a dolly, some don't, I'd figure out what kind of vehicle you want and then check
Out the tow requirements for it . You don't want to find out After you buy it that it has to be towed
The opposite way you were planning.
Dale M

GaryKD · 03-16-2013, 11:14 AM

Hi RV Dan,
I do both (not at the same time). Been doing both for many years. The decision is based on which vehicle we want to take with us. For me both methods have an equal amount of irritating tasks. I do not plan to change to only one method. I want the freedom to choose the vehicles I purchase based on my need for their features. I do not want to be limited to choosing a vehicle based on a towing need.

RV Dan · 03-16-2013, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaleM

Hi

I went 4 down cause its simple and the biggest
Reason is, I have no where to store a dolly.
It really all depends on the vehicle, some you have to have a dolly, some don't, I'd figure out what kind of vehicle you want and then check
Out the tow requirements for it . You don't want to find out After you buy it that it has to be towed
The opposite way you were planning.
Dale M

I have a vehicle that can be towed 4down now. I guess the only negative to 4 down is tire wear on the vehicle. I know you have tires on the dolly but they are less expensive than the tires on my toad.
I just want to know the opinion of others before I invest in the 4 down equipment or a tow dolly.

alageezer · 03-16-2013, 11:32 AM

I would imagine the expense of setting up a vehicle to tow 4 down is a major factor. If you trade vehicles frequently, or want to take different ones for different uses, then a dolly would make sense.

I personnaly use both. I much prefer to tow the car 4 down, but I also have a desire to carry an off-road buggy at times, so I use a tandem tow dolly then.

CampDaven · 03-16-2013, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RV Dan

I have a vehicle that can be towed 4down now. I guess the only negative to 4 down is tire wear on the vehicle. I know you have tires on the dolly but they are less expensive than the tires on my toad.
I just want to know the opinion of others before I invest in the 4 down equipment or a tow dolly.

Never had any unusual tire wear 4-down in 13 years.

RV Dan · 03-16-2013, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CampDaven

Never had any unusual tire wear 4-down in 13 years.

That is good to know. There are some threads on here say they have excessive tire wear and needed alignments after towing four down. I am just trying to do my do diligence so I can try and make the right decision for me..

Thanks

Dan

CampDaven · 03-16-2013, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RV Dan

That is good to know. There are some threads on here say they have excessive tire wear and needed alignments after towing four down. I am just trying to do my do diligence so I can try and make the right decision for me..

Thanks

Dan

Thanks!
Never even met anyone that had any tire issues 4-down. I suspect those that did may have had alignment issues or worn ball joints or tie rod ends. Or maybe some just cannot handle it. I have the Wrangler and previously towed a 97 saturn. 12K miles towing the Wrangler so far, did about 60K on the saturn.