Community Forums

cherv · 08-29-2015, 11:25 AM

Looking at fiat,honda and nissan sub compacts with an average weight of 2500 to 2700lbs..thinking of an open trailer vs tow dolly.would like all comments.....

Selah · 08-29-2015, 11:44 AM

Some of the brand names mentioned have models that can be towed four down. I would look a those first. Only if none of those would suffice would I look for one to be dollied and lastly trailered.

Scarab0088 · 08-29-2015, 11:52 AM

You don't mention why not considering flat towing, so stand-by for owners who would do it no other way. So much they will buy a car mostly because it can be towed 4 down.

Our primary toad is not flat towable and we were not buying another car just for RVing. We have used a car carrier (flat bed trailer) and dolly...rented both from U-Haul to see what worked best for us. We settled on a dolly.

A car carrier is great for driving...easy to back-up, has good brakes, and protects the car best. But it is a big piece of gear to park at the destination.

The dolly we use has brakes, is lightweight and can be pulled by the toad if desired to move it any distance with a light hitch on the toad, and the dolly can slide under the RV when in tight camp spots.
Acme "EZE-TOW" Tow Dolly - Car Tow Dolly

Best luck

homeless · 08-29-2015, 11:52 AM

I have a dolly and like it. I would not have a trailer as it will be as heavy as the car and harder to handle when you need to take it off. The dolly can be moved by hand and can hook to the back of your toad if you want to have another option to tow it.

cherv · 08-29-2015, 02:23 PM

thanks for all your comments. looks like dolly is the way to go...

wa8yxm · 08-29-2015, 04:38 PM

Without reference to the cars you are looking at as a towed I will discuss 4 ways of doing it.

Flat tow is the lightest, if you have weight limit concerns on your Tow Vehicle (MOTOR HOME is a Gasser) this is how I'd do it, in fact it is how I do it. Easier to hook up than any other method but .. Limited as to what you can tow, even more limited if not modified.

Dolly is good for FRONT WHEEL DRIVE cars in most cases (Some can not be dollied however)

Full trailer (OPEN) for those which can not be towed any other way but this adds around a ton to what you are towing.

Enclosed trailer (Even heavier) can store a few things other than the car and double as a portable garage..

Depending on your RV you may be able to slide it under your Motor home for stowage at a campground but I know of at least one that discourages that Flat trailers (open or enclosed) may need to be parked remotly to the RV.

Waiter21 · 08-30-2015, 04:41 AM

On a rating of towing loading, storing, etc, I'd rate convenience as follows;

4 down > most convenient
Dolly > middle
trailer > least convenient

The trailer would be a little more inconvenient loading/unloading than the dolly. The trailer also has the problem of what do you do with it when your not using it. The dolly I can usually slide under the back of my MH.

A trailer does offer the ability of backing up. You might be able to back up the dolly a few feet, be careful. You may also be able to back up with 4 down, check your tow bar manufacture. I have no problems backing my toad 4 down.

jeryan59 · 08-31-2015, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cherv

thanks for all your comments. looks like dolly is the way to go...

If you have the capacity to tow a trailer, I would encourage you to follow Scarab0088 advice and rent both. I have rented cars, dolly, 4 down and trailered (enclosed). Each has it's own advantages and disadvantages.

Dolly gives you some flexibility for front wheel drive vehicles, trailer will give you total flexibility for any vehicle. Dolly is initially cheaper, but long term I don't think it is any less expensive than a trailer.

Think about how you will use the towed vehicle, do you like getting under the car in inclement weather to secure safety chains?

Either of your options are good options, just depends on your individual circumstances, needs and desires. Good luck.