Community Forums

cherv · 08-18-2024, 08:31 AM

we are considering a dolly for our class c to tow a 2021 Acadia SLT.we are seniors 83/72yrs. currently rent a car from enterprise rental for each trip, very convent but loose a day for pickup and a day for return car.

Unplanned Tourist · 08-18-2024, 08:55 AM

Unless you're really pressed for time, I would keep renting a car. The cost of the dolly plus extra fuel used and the hassle to get in and out of gas stations, parking the dolly, and loading/unloading are all negatives IMHO.

Look at flat towing if you really want to bring your own car.

Just my 2 cents.

twinboat · 08-18-2024, 09:13 AM

Easiest dolly has built in ramps and surge brakes.
You pull a pin, tilt the ramps down and drive up until they flatten out.Then you strap the tires down.
Be sure to get a a tongue jack, with a wheel, on the dolly. That makes it easy to disconnect and roll around.
You can't backup with the car on the dolly but you can disconnect it with the car still on it, if your not going to use the car.
Once the car is off the dolly, you can backup, just like any short trailer.

VA-Apraisr · 08-18-2024, 09:18 AM

I sold mine when I hit my 60th birthday........that darn thing is about 300-400lbs if you get a quality one and try moving that around by yourself to hook it up, and when you have to leave it in your campground in a storage area (if they don't let you use your RV space). Either way, just pulling that thing around is an ENORMOUS challenge.

As mentioned, I moved to a Jeep Wrangler with 4-wheel down and it's been HEAVEN! Two bolts, one wire, put it in appropriate mode for hauling and you're good to go. Takes me about 10 minutes to hookup and unhook. Easy peasy.

cherv · 08-18-2024, 09:39 AM

thanks, do not have a flat tow vehicle, but I am still leaning toward continuing rentals. you are right. cost is not an issue but the hassle of connecting and disconnecting will be a game changer, especially for my bride.

cherv · 08-18-2024, 09:42 AM

we are looking at 2024 jeep for that reason as an option. you convinced me at our ages to not do a tow dolly. thanks and happy trails

VA-Apraisr · 08-18-2024, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cherv

we are looking at 2024 jeep for that reason as an option. you convinced me at our ages to not do a tow dolly. thanks and happy trails

Make sure any vehicle you purchase to tow has an easy tow-and-go setup. Some vehicles require a transmission cooler pump setup to flat-tow and others require you to stop every 100-200 miles and start the engine of the vehicle! If you're going to purchase a vehicle, get one that is able to be hooked up like the Jeep Wrangler or similar vehicle. The owners manual should have a flat-tow section that will describe exactly how it can be or can NOT BE flat-towed! Do NOT listen to a salesman! Read the manual and research before buying.

Gary RVRoamer · 08-18-2024, 04:32 PM

Some amount of hassle is inherent in using a dolly, so the brand or model of dolly is not relevant. As another 80 yo, I can assure you that you do not want to get down on your knees to put on the tire straps or hook up the safety chains that makes sure the car cannot escape the dolly is something goes wrong. And if the campground doesn't make it practical to keep the dolly hitched to the coach on the site, you probably don't want to manually trundle the thing around either. I did it when I was 70, but only three times in one season. That was enough for me.