Community Forums

505scott · 12-24-2021, 12:48 AM

We used a tow dolly this past season for our Chevy Volt. There were clearance issues since the Volt sits so low. Our conclusion after a 5 month 4,000 mile ramble was the tow dolly works, but is a hassle. It takes two folks to
load, and was just a lot of work. This season we’re going to 4 down a Chevy Equinox.

Steve N Sal · 12-24-2021, 02:09 AM

Just my two cents worth but I wouldn't get anything but the Demco Kar Kaddy SS with surge brakes dolly. JMHO

BCam · 12-24-2021, 06:01 AM

I know that this is marketing information from the Acme Eze Tow dolly website but it does compare some specs with other dollies:

https://cartowdolly.com/2020/03/acme...ly-comparison/

CountryB · 12-24-2021, 06:07 AM

I bought the "Master Tow" brand dolly two days ago. A used 2021 model 80THDSB (used once). This model has the surge brakes. Paid $1700. Picked it up locally.
Thanks to all those that responded.

https://www.mastertow.com/towdollies

twinboat · 12-24-2021, 06:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BCam

I know that this is marketing information from the Acme Eze Tow dolly website but it does compare some specs with other dollies:

https://cartowdolly.com/2020/03/acme...ly-comparison/

Makes you wonder why they don't compare the 2 very popular Master tow and Stehl Tow dolly's.

My 2014 Stehl Tow has hydraulic surge disk brakes and LED lights. The weight is almost irrelevant, I don't pick it up.

VandCL · 12-24-2021, 08:00 AM

If you can live without a tow dolly do so. Remember, you'll now have three vehicles to deal with rather than two.

Cristos · 12-24-2021, 08:09 AM

I bought one (for $1000) & have used it for 2 months. I don't recommend them as they are heavy and beat to Hell. The Lights are biggest issue - making sure they work b4 taking delivery and KEEP working. (U-Haul charges 2x as much for their rented dollies as their trucks because they need constant repair. Buying one used can be a challenge because the U-Haul mechanics are happy to let them be stolen off the lot. Also, replacing a bulb is $100 per hour...)

You will need and should do a complete R & R b4 hitting the road: clean, sand, file and oil everything to make your life easier down the road.

Good Luck!

Reniram · 12-24-2021, 08:24 AM

Get the tow dolly with the hyd Surge braking system..this allows the dolly to be pulled behind any vehicle with a ball hitch..They work very well..Dont be put off by the people saying you have to continually check or adjust and having to lay on the ground and lift heavy ramps and carry spare tires...just use your common sense when towing...This is my 6th year snowbirding from Ia to Fl and zero problems.

richardkronz · 12-24-2021, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CountryB

Thanks for all the advice.

There are two for sale in my area.

Both are the Tow Master model 80THDSB.

These both have the surge brakes, so I won't need to buy a controller (for the electric brake models). I'll just need some auxiliary lights and should be ready to tow.

I know about the downsides of using a Tow Dolly over Flat Towing. But I don't have a vehicle that can be flat towed - so I need to work with what I have. And a Tow Dolly is much cheaper than a flat-tow setup since I don't need a Tow bar, baseplate, in-car braking system, or need to do any wiring on my car.

Thanks

I bought a tow Master Dolly new and I've had no problems with it. The surge brakes are wonderful and you don't have to worry about adjusting a brake controller to keep the dolly wheels from locking up if you have very little weight on it. Personally I would never flat tow as I don't like the wear-and-tear it puts on the towed vehicle. Towing on a dolly is much simpler and as a benefit you will have a dolly in case you ever need a tow a vehicle not using your RV. I have used mine more for towing Vehicles without the RV then with it! Comes in very handy. I don't know what model tow master I have but I know a full-size pickup truck can be towed with it.

richardkronz · 12-24-2021, 12:09 PM

If you have a low vehicle you just need some to buy sexes to make ramp extensions and blocks to make it easier to get it on the dolly. I made all of mine and they go in the bucket with the tie down straps and ratchet and everything. It really isn't hard once you figure it out. I load by myself all the time.

Our Life · 12-24-2021, 08:44 PM

Howdy. Just a note. I have a Acme tow dolly with surge brakes. Question you had about going down a mountain and brakes apply. They do!!! Smoked mine coming down from Eisenhower tunnel. I was using engine brake there is enough forward force to apply. I had to pull over and lockout the dolly brakes. I also have upgraded to 13 inch wheels

SteveJ. · 12-24-2021, 09:25 PM

We have a trailer hitch on the toad to move our Master Tow around if it comes to that but it does back up just fine with the Trek. BTW, it came with 14" wheels.

Unfortunately the surge controller on it does not have a lock out. It's something we will have to deal with on long grades, I'm sure. So far have used it in NM and AZ without a problem.

FL420 · 12-24-2021, 10:46 PM

A couple of tips you might find useful:
My American Car Dolly is as wide as legally allowed at 8.5'(102".) Normally not a problem behind a motorhome which is normally the same width at 102" not counting mirrors. When pulling the dolly with your toad it is important to keep your toad centered in your lane because it is narrower than the dolly. If your lane discipline isn't what it should be one of your dolly wheels might wander outside your lane and contact something it shouldn't.
Any dolly wider than 80" is required to have a red light on each fender visible to other traffic viewing it from a 90° angle to the direction of travel.
When you pull away from a curb leave at a shallow angle at first to prevent the tow dolly wheel from climbing up on the curb and possibly hitting a pole or other object. When you turn the coach wheel to the left while moving forward the hitch ball moves to the right. The further the hitch ball is from the pivot point of the rear axle or the more you turn the wheel the farther the dolly and your toad will swing out to the right. Since you will lose sight of the dolly in the mirror as you pull away from the curb your rear camera can be used to monitor the position of the dolly's right wheel.
You also have to be aware of where the dolly will be when maneuvering in a campground. Many State Parks, USFS and COE campgrounds love to line campground roads and campsites with low posts and small boulders that can be hard to see and easy to smack with a tow dolly fender.

...

MarvinG · 12-25-2021, 06:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Our Life

Howdy. Just a note. I have a Acme tow dolly with surge brakes. Question you had about going down a mountain and brakes apply. They do!!! Smoked mine coming down from Eisenhower tunnel. I was using engine brake there is enough forward force to apply. I had to pull over and lockout the dolly brakes. I also have upgraded to 13 inch wheels

I wonder if anyone else has had this trouble? Because I never have and I regularly go down steep and fairly lengthy grades. I’m towing a Ranger pickup which is about all my gasser should tow. Wondering if you tow a heavier vehicle?

What did going to 13” tires gain for you?