Community Forums

lionessrohr · 01-24-2021, 01:12 PM

We are new to RVing and have a 36' Holiday Rambler with a Ford Fiesta. We are looking into getting a car dolly and would like to know which is the best and any other tips you might have.

HarryStone · 01-24-2021, 01:52 PM

You are going to get recommendations for all the different tow dollies out there. I use a Master Tow dolly, with the electric drum brakes. There are dollies that have surge brakes and dollies with electric brakes. There are dollies with drum brakes and dollies with disc brakes. There are dollies with a turntable and dollies without. There are light dollies and heavy dollies. There are narrow dollies and wide dollies. I have the wider dolly to tow my Elantra, not because it's what I needed, but that is what was available used to me. I like having the turntable, so I don't have to keep the steering wheel from locking, but your vehicle may not have a locking steering wheel. I'd suggest looking on Craigs list and other local sales platforms for used tow dollies in your area, unless you have a big budget and don't mind buying new.

twinboat · 01-24-2021, 02:11 PM

Many tow dollys use standard trailer tires, look for that.

If you don't want to mess with electric brake controller install, look for surge, disk brakes.

If you don't want to pick up the ramps, store them, and place them back down every time you need the car on or off the dolly, look for a dolly with ramps built in.

MasterTow and Stehl tow, are about the same dollys.

Stehl Tow is sold at bigger hardware stores. Go to the website and enter your Zip code.

FL420 · 01-24-2021, 02:17 PM

I suggest you search the posts on irv2 for "American Car Dolly." Go to its website at https://americandolly.com/ and compare its specs to the scanty specs you find on the websites of all the other manufacturers. Ignore the marketing hype and look for factual data.
IMO, it is the best design, materials and construction available and the price makes it a great value. You can sometimes find a used one on Craigslist from someone who doesn't need it anymore but they go really fast.

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Flyer15015 · 01-24-2021, 02:23 PM

I changed over from a "Car Tow Dolly" with the little 10" wheels and stowed loading ramps, to a "Master Tow Dolly" with car sized tires and fixed ramps and a swivel plate for our 2014 Chrysler T&C toad, and never looked back...........
Got tired of buying those little tires that would "skid" on any turn less than 40 acres.
The Master Tow Dolly does not have any brakes, and with 8 trips from Colorado to Florida and back I have not seen the need for them. Still on the same set of tires with no evidence of "skid wear". They will "time out" before they wear out.

Found my Master Tow Dolly on Craig's list for $600.00 in Colorado Springs with brand new radials on it.

Mike in Colorado

Cooperhawk · 01-24-2021, 02:47 PM

We tow four down now but previously we towed with two different Demco Kar Kaddys with surge brakes. They were excellent. I was able to purchase one from PPL in a crate shipped to my home where I assembled it. No special tools required. In fact the hardest part was getting the crate open.

https://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/...e-brake%3atrue

FL420 · 01-24-2021, 07:41 PM

Tow dolly comparison table
https://images.app.goo.gl/1nUWMkTAV1itPv8k9

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Firedog53 · 01-24-2021, 08:04 PM

[Mod Edit] This is my dolly of choice also; well made, durable and dependable. The "SS" has the folding tongue, folding ramps, drop-over hitch coupler, surge brakes and wait for it.....chrome wheels...!

twinboat · 01-24-2021, 08:07 PM

This information was compiled by Acme Dolly and some info is old and other misleading. Its biased towards his dolly.

Many of the dollys that are listed as having electric brakes, also have hydraulic surge disk brakes.
Most of the dollys now come with LED lights.

When I bought my StehlTow dolly, back in 2014, it came with 14" tires, LED lights, and surge brakes.

Acme Dolly is the only dolly that does not have some way of cornering, besides the steering of your car. That's why the steering must not be locked.

FL420 · 01-24-2021, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

This information was compiled by Acme Dolly and some info is old and other misleading. Its biased towards his dolly.

Yes, I realize it's an old chart probably with some out-of-date information. That's why I suggested in my first post that potential buyers visit the websites of the different manufacturers to gather the information they need to make comparisons of the various features of most value to them to make an informed buying decision.
It's primary value lies in identifying most of the current dollies and their manufacturers.
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lionessrohr · 01-25-2021, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cooperhawk

We tow four down now but previously we towed with two different Demco Kar Kaddys with surge brakes. They were excellent. I was able to purchase one from PPL in a crate shipped to my home where I assembled it. No special tools required. In fact the hardest part was getting the crate open.

https://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/...e-brake%3atrue

Thanks for your very helpful info. Just curious...why did you switch to 4 down?

Wrapped · 01-25-2021, 01:06 PM

3 years American Car Dolly never a problem, owner answers the phone and he also delivers and demonstrates free anywhere . Electric brake controller mounts to Dolly no mods to rv just plug in the lights and go also has bigger tires.