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Rsponsford · 03-29-2016, 11:38 PM

I've done about 7000 miles all over the mountainous Western U.S. with zero brake issues. I have a Demco Kar Kaddy SS which is a steering dolly with surge brakes. I bought it on Craig's List for about 1/3 of the new listed price. I highly recommend getting a steering dolly. The only part I don't like about using the dolly is crawling underneath to put on the safety chains. It's only been a minor inconvenience finding a place to put the dolly in campgrounds (so far).

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mohamer · 03-30-2016, 05:20 AM

I have a KarKaddy II with surge brakes, never had a problem with brakes on it.
Don't care too much for electric brakes, too much can go wrong. YMWV

Deano56 · 03-30-2016, 06:37 AM

is the surge adjustable?

spritz · 03-30-2016, 07:42 AM

I have a KKSS had it for going on 5 years this trip out one of the bolts that holds the axel on and a weld let go. Thank Heavens we were in a Truck Stop. it could have been really bad out on the HWY. I was able to find a replacement bolt, and then 4 pickups pulled into the Truck Stop (all 4 had welders in the back of there bed) and we went out and asked if they could do a weld job for us as we are stranded. They all came over picked up the front of the KKSS and set it on end and proceeded to weld it back in place plus they added a piece of steel stock and welded a plate over the broken weld.
Cost $50 bucks and we were able to finish the trip.
And now are heading back home. Our toad is not towable 4 down. Although a major problem that is all that has happened too us while using the KKSS.
Tim

tomwalt · 03-30-2016, 07:52 AM

Surge brakes since 2011 - no problems (EZ tow). If you buy used make sure you factor in tire age. Just like the RV, tow dolly tires age out at about 10 years old.

twinboat · 03-30-2016, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deano56

is the surge adjustable?

There is no adjustment, being disk brakes.

The harder the push of the dolly, the more brake is applied. As it slows the brakes let off, until a balance is found.

Mr.Geritol · 03-31-2016, 01:35 PM

Hi Deano56
I tow a 2005 impala on my dolly with electric brakes.
The Impala is similar in size and weight to your Regal

I have towed trailers before with a surge brake as well, no problem but you usually can't back up. Something your not likely going to do with a dolly anyway.

Deano56 · 03-31-2016, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr.Geritol

Hi Deano56
I tow a 2005 impala on my dolly with electric brakes.
The Impala is similar in size and weight to your Regal

I have towed trailers before with a surge brake as well, no problem but you usually can't back up. Something your not likely going to do with a dolly anyway.

Oh, I forgot about that. There might be a time to back it up some, I've see people back them up before. Some say it's impossible but, it can be done

Mr.Geritol · 04-01-2016, 09:38 AM

Re backing up with a tow dolly.
I have done it but it is difficult. If you have any farm experience its like backing up two hay wagons but more difficult because its shorter.

Deano56 · 04-01-2016, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr.Geritol

Re backing up with a tow dolly.
I have done it but it is difficult. If you have any farm experience its like backing up two hay wagons but more difficult because its shorter.

wow , two hay wagons would be terrible. I have an old wooden grain wagon and, that's bad enough to back up with my small tractor

Wryly Blithe · 04-04-2016, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rsponsford

The only part I don't like about using the dolly is crawling underneath to put on the safety chains.

I installed a short length of chain (5 or 6 links I think) to the spot on my frame I used to attach my safety chains to using a chain link like this one. I still have to get down on my hands and knees but now I can simply snap the safety chain onto the chain link instead of having to get under there and run it up through the frame. Saves a bit of time and hassle. Might work for you if you have a spot on your frame you can attach it to like I did... just make sure each chain link you get supports the weight of your car. I got 2 of the 3,500# links for added safety.

Just a thought

twinboat · 04-04-2016, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rsponsford

The only part I don't like about using the dolly is crawling underneath to put on the safety chains. It's only been a minor inconvenience finding a place to put the dolly in campgrounds (so far).

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I push a coated steal cable thru the slots in the wheels.

One end is clamped to the dolly, outside the wheel and the other end has a loop that I push thru.

The look gets "snap hooked" back to the dolly frame in front of the wheel. I bend over to do it. Replacement knees don't kneel.

Rsponsford · 04-04-2016, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wryly Blithe

I installed a short length of chain (5 or 6 links I think) to the spot on my frame I used to attach my safety chains to using a chain link like this one. I still have to get down on my hands and knees but now I can simply snap the safety chain onto the chain link instead of having to get under there and run it up through the frame. Saves a bit of time and hassle. Might work for you if you have a spot on your frame you can attach it to like I did... just make sure each chain link you get supports the weight of your car. I got 2 of the 3,500# links for added safety.

Just a thought

Totally agree. I was planning on doing exactly that but we just bought a Jeep Wrangler and think I will flat tow it instead.

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