Community Forums

Dogpatch · 02-06-2011, 04:13 PM

I just bought a used 09 Forest River 2 wheel dolly. The guy said it had electric brakes, however, after a closer look, I think he was referring to the emergency disconnect brake. As far as I know, the electric/surge brake is an option on this type of dolly. Without the electric/surge brake assembly, this means the toad will have to fall under the MH braking process. I'm a little worried about the added load on my MH brakes. Any thoughts anyone? I'll be towing a 2001 PT Cruiser.

mikron · 02-07-2011, 08:04 PM

Most states require toad or dolly brakes for weight over 3,000 lbs. NC it is 1,000 lbs. Get breaks on the dolly or get rid of it. You can figure your coach max stopping brake system by the differance between the GVW & the GCVW.

DAN L · 02-08-2011, 03:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dogpatch

I just bought a used 09 Forest River 2 wheel dolly. The guy said it had electric brakes, however, after a closer look, I think he was referring to the emergency disconnect brake. As far as I know, the electric/surge brake is an option on this type of dolly. Without the electric/surge brake assembly, this means the toad will have to fall under the MH braking process. I'm a little worried about the added load on my MH brakes. Any thoughts anyone? I'll be towing a 2001 PT Cruiser.

maybe you can retrofit the brakes.

Car-Tow Car Dolly By Forest River

Trailer Parts Superstore - Electric Trailer Brake Assemblies

George Z · 02-08-2011, 04:31 AM

If it has Brake drums then it is set up for brakes, if it just has free wheeling hubs than no brakes.

Steve N Sal · 02-08-2011, 05:52 AM

Could possibly you call him back and ask about the brakes? Seems that if he advertised it with brakes he should back it up. Emergency breakaway system has nothing to do with electric, at least not on my dolly.
If all else fails I'm sure you can adapt either a hydraulic or electric brake system aftermarket. Most shops that have trailer parts should be able to help you out with a system. Sorry that something that originally looked like a good deal is probably going to turn into a expensive one though. Good Luck and hope it all turns out well.

RVNeophytes2 · 02-08-2011, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dogpatch

...I'm a little worried about the added load on my MH brakes. Any thoughts anyone? I'll be towing a 2001 PT Cruiser.

I'm using a borrowed dolly, becoming convinced it is the best way to go.

Lack of brakes was a concern for me; the owner, a longtime RV'er insisted that the effect on my 12-ton rig, with its wide CCC margin and pusher configuration, would be negligible.

Still, I talked to the DPS in the state I was visiting, described my situation.

They replied that it would be no problem.

Of course, brakes are desireable; when I buy my own dolly -- his is for emergency hauling, he's pulling a toad with four on the ground -- it'll have brakes.

Simple economics lies behind my reasoning, taking the dolly over 4 down: setup is a breeze for either of us, we can choose the right car for the trip, and 4-down toads cost twice as much when the cost of brake systems and towbars are added (not to mention damaged brakes on the car, which seem to happen on occasion). Neither can be backed up; and, I've yet to see a campsite so small that I at least can't push the dolly in under the bus.

Hudsoner · 02-08-2011, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RVNeophytes2

Simple economics lies behind my reasoning, taking the dolly over 4 down: setup is a breeze for either of us, we can choose the right car for the trip, and 4-down toads cost twice as much when the cost of brake systems and towbars are added (not to mention damaged brakes on the car, which seem to happen on occasion). Neither can be backed up; and, I've yet to see a campsite so small that I at least can't push the dolly in under the bus.

These are exactly the reasons why I am leaning towards a dolly. I have three potential cars that I might want to take with me, depending on the trip.

What dolly would be better, one with electrical brakes or one with surge brakes? One with steering wheels or one with rotating wheel platforms?

DAN L · 02-08-2011, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hudsoner

These are exactly the reasons why I am leaning towards a dolly. I have three potential cars that I might want to take with me, depending on the trip.

What dolly would be better, one with electrical brakes or one with surge brakes? One with steering wheels or one with rotating wheel platforms?

whatever dolly you choose, make sure the wheels are aligned properly. you can check for toe with a long tape measure and a helper.

my stehl dolly had 3/4'' toe in.

it took 2 alignment tries, $400, and 2 sets of tires to get it right.

Monacoach · 02-08-2011, 06:38 PM

I would go electric over surge. To the original poster, you will need to install a controller on your dash for the electric brakes if you have em. Easy job. Getting back to the electric over surge, my bro bought a surge brake equipped dolly brand new and on the first trip when he applied the brakes this dolly bounced so hard it broke the hitch. Took it back and exchanged it for another which did the same thing minus the broken hitch. It bent something on the dolly this time. Took it back for a refund.

Dogpatch · 02-09-2011, 08:01 AM

I have looked into it further and apparently it does have electric brakes and all I will need is the controller in the coach. Phew! Thanks all for your input.

pwf16129 · 02-09-2011, 12:49 PM

bought a master tow with surge brakes pulled 1200 miles to Tucson with my hhr picked my 26 ft c loaded hhr on dolly brought home never knew it was there on the way home other then seeing there bright leds in turns was no were near the cheapest dolly i found but very glad i spent the extra cash pull a two axle with electric brakes and if you forget to dial down the controller you will smoke a tire fast
but after about 3000 miles of travel tires look new it is a swivel with non steering wheels

PHESPE · 02-20-2011, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikron

Most states require toad or dolly brakes for weight over 3,000 lbs. NC it is 1,000 lbs. Get breaks on the dolly or get rid of it. You can figure your coach max stopping brake system by the differance between the GVW & the GCVW.

Nope

In NC it is "Two Tons" i.e. 4000 lbs

Nope
Your coach is not designed to provide stopping power for the towed load. Most (many) MH makers state that aux braking is required for any towed load over 1000 lbs.

PHESPE