Acme Tow Dolly Good But...

[Thud]

Hey Ron,

I bought one last year, only assembly was to attach fenders, and check brake fluid. It shipped to my home, but not via a local last mile delivery truck,
a big tractor trailer backed into my driveway and lowered it via a lift gate. I believe I paid around 2100 with extra set of straps.

[kevinapple]

We had an Acme and used it from 2012 thru 2016. Nice dolly. BUT, Bought a Demco Kar Kaddy in 2018 (used on craigslist for $2500 only 2 months old) with foldable tongue and it far exceeds the Acme. Seller had paid $4k for it and had to sell due to medical issues. The turning wheels work so much better and both my VW Beetle and Nissan Altima have no clearance issues. Twice as easy to load and unload.

[osull]

My friend has had an ACME for four years (gas coach and DP) and loves it. I had looked at the site to purchase one and found the a-la-carte became expensive. Shopped Craigslist and found a top of the line, 1-trip old, Mastercraft for 1/3 the original cost. Have used it on two coaches for three years....works superbly. I have bought new tie down straps, the originals were 4 years old. I have seen Demcos in our travels and am very impressed but the cost has put me off.

[DougASE]

We have used a Demco for two years now. I consider them the Cadillac of Tow Dolly's. Have about 7000 miles on it now. We bought a used one, the folding version, that was built the first year they made that model. I did quite a bit of refurbishment as this one had been abused. New tires, wheel bearing assemblies, and brakes. I didn't pay much for it and it is now like new mechanically. I have come to trust it explicitly and find it easy to use and maintain. The company was extremely helpful with parts and advise. I give them an A+ on customer service.

[Blazeman]

Originally Posted by pushtrk99

Demco KAR KADDY is the way to go-at 75 we have used Demco dolly since 2010 with 3 different MHs and 5-6 front wheel cars, no problems, wheels on dolly steer going around corners instead of a plate-disc brakes-led lights, we think the only way to go, we upgrated 2 yrs ago to a brand new one because it folds for storage in the garage

X2 on this one, very happy with it. It’s also the one U Haul uses...

[Walt Graham]

I bought a Master Tow dolly for around $1600 with brakes and it works just fine and weighs in at 500 pounds. I put our Escape on it with no problems especially since it has the larger deck. I have had people ask me why the dolly and my response is very simple, to save the front end wear that is caused by flat towing a vehicle. Now I know some people won't agree with my statement about front end wear but it's real when you see how much strain is put on the vehicle in corners.

[soberskier]

Originally Posted by Sarz272000

Been reviewing tow dolly options and come to a point of total frustration. Many dollies available at range of prices. However, none that fits all my needs. Sort of like buying an RV! Acme tow dolly definitely on top of list due to light weight, service response and cost. Also, new design adds improvements to the dolly. However tried to order a new one and several deal breakers came up. It looks like they have taken up the airlines business model. Break up options and charge for each to make it appear flexible. Not.

* Delivered partially assembled. Looks like one has to bolt together front braces to complete, connect brake line and bleed. Rather have welded frame. This creates a maintenance issue checking bolt tightness.
* Can get it fully assembled, for a price of $300, but has to be picked up at factory. Factory 8-9 hours away. Nope.
* Can be delivered to a nearby site with loading dock or forklift. Fine but how do I get the partially build dolly home?
* Can be delivered to home but have to pay addition $175 plus original $249 delivery charge. Yikes! Can we use Amazon Prime?? LOL
* Five year warranty gone. Only get 6 month warranty. Have to pay $200-300 for more years. Not good nor competitive.

Also in looking for a vehicle to tow I find less available for a dolly. Many are going to AWD which cannot be towed on a dolly. Some have front wheel drive but you can’t get all the good options with FWD.

Might look for used Acme or Demco Kar Kaddy.

The Ram 1500 Laramie towing a quality travel trailer is looking better every day!

Ron

I have only been RVoong about 9 years, but DH. Had been an RVer for about 40 years. He would not begin to consider a tow dolly. If you are going to purchase a vehicle, and a tow dolly....why don't:t you simply consider buying a vehicle that can be towed flat? I am sure that even buying a good tow bar and vehicle would be more cost effective than a dolly and vehicle....and you would not have the problem of storing that dolly in parks with only 50' spaces.

[vagaron]

Re whether it's hard to lift the tongue of the dolly: I added a retractable trailer jack w/wheels so I never have to lift, just push it around.

https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Jac...w/MT70149.html

Mine's an Acme w/surge brakes.

[leroybrown]

We have a Jeep Wrangler and a all wheel drive Ford Escape. The Jeep is towable all four down. The Escape is on trailer only, not even tow dolly allowed. We tow them both on a 2 axle Aluma brand aluminum trailer with brakes on both axles and up graded 5K axles and enclosed front rock guard. Works great and we usually tow the Ford. Don’t want to put a tow bar on the Jeep so just trailer it if we take it. I can load either one on the trailer in about 10 minutes. Would never even consider a tow dolly. This way there is no wear and tear on the towed vehicle, and I can back up for miles! The trailer weighs about 1500#s and tows like a dream. The brakes are surge brakes which require nothing to be hooked up to the motor home except the light cord! We have a tilt style trailer which is very easy to load with no ramps. This type of Aluma trailer retails for $10G.

[leroybrown]

[leroybrown]

Originally Posted by leroybrown

Attachment 275079Attachment 275080

Notice lockable tool box in tongue. Great place to store tie down straps when your gone.

[f14av8r]

Originally Posted by leroybrown

Attachment 275079Attachment 275080

That's not a dolly, that's a nightmare! Who would want to deal with that!

[leroybrown]

Ok you can have your junk dollys, and I’ll keep my nightmare!

[leroybrown]

Originally Posted by leroybrown

Ok you can have your junk dollys, and I’ll keep my nightmare!

Have fun backing up. In 5 years I’ve only had to unhook it one time. Most pull through sites are plenty long for this rig. And we dry camp most of the time. I’m not fond of RV parks. Only stay at them for a destination. Never for a night or two. Pics above were at a casino.