Landgrebe 40 101 tow dolly

[Postflight]

Well, I change cars too often to have just one dedicated to tow, so, I am going to go the dolly route. I know I want surge brakes, and either stearable wheels or rotating platform.
I have seen the 40 101 from Landgrebe Corp and it looks good. Also the Roadmaster and Kar Kaddy SS.

Just thought I'd run it by the group and see what kind of opinions are out there.

Thanks

[Scarab0088]

I dolly tow for the exact reasons mentioned by the OP.

The dolly's mentioned are good dolly's and surge brakes are a very good choice because the dolly weight changes dramatically from loaded to unloaded. Brakes while unloaded are important to keep the dolly behind the tow vehicle if stopping hard while unloaded...electric brakes can do this too, but requires massive adjustment. Also, with surge brakes, you can tow the dolly with a lightweight hitch on the car to easily move it around, without adding a brake controller on the car. And the best brakes are disc brakes...worth looking for.

I will make one point...steering axles and pivot pans on dollys are not required and just add weight to the dolly. The EZE-Tow at only 405lb, proves that the dolly can use the cars steering to pivot while making turns...just like flat towing. Landgrebe weighs 555lb, Demco weighs 615lb. This weight is really important when moving the dolly around at the destination.

Which ever dolly you pick, just be sure to check the tire web straps for tightness when you stop...they all stretch over time.

Best luck

[Postflight]

Thanks for that good info. One question, for the car to do the pivoting, don't you then have to have the car ignition switch on? Or pull a fuse? I agree, the wt moving it around at the campsite is important, just trying to eliminate any additions things to forget.

[Scarab0088]

Originally Posted by Postflight

Thanks for that good info. One question, for the car to do the pivoting, don't you then have to have the car ignition switch on? Or pull a fuse? I agree, the wt moving it around at the campsite is important, just trying to eliminate any additions things to forget.

Great question! Steering unlock depends on the car. Many new models and most with pushbutton start have no steering lock at all. And many cars will only lock the steering once the key is removed after shutdown. Some even unlock in the accessory position.

If the car must be in the ON position to unlock the steering, then the power would drain...pulling a fuse or battery disconnect would be smart.

This is easy to check for your car...next time you drive it, stop and check the steering lock at each step; key off - try to turn the wheel. Key in accessory - try to turn the wheel. Key out of ignition - try to turn the wheel...etc...to see what engages the steering lock.

Best luck

[spritz]

We have a Demco KarKaty SS. Our toad is a 99 deville. we just drive it up and on, Put in park and lock the doors, strap it down hook up safety chains and we are off. I can't hardly tell its back there while driving 55. I Can move it thru the grass @ the S&B with no problems.
Its nearly impossible to back them up though so be careful not to get in some where and have to back up. You'll be sorry.
ps The Caddie is front wheel drive.

[Scarab0088]

Backing on a dolly is not impossible...but not the easiest thing to do. Surge brakes must be locked out and the path must be virtually straight or only slightly curved.

My max back-up experience was about 50 yards (50 paces) after getting blocked by a delivery truck at a truck stop/minimart/restaurant...driver came in and promptly disappeared inside.

After waiting longer than I really wanted to, I decided to back-out. With the dear navigator watching for dangers and other drivers coming in, I used the back-up camera to avoid any turn from developing in the set-up. Slow and easy wins the race.

Safe Travels

[cucamelsmd15]

Interesting. I was set to buy an American Car Dolly, might have to check this one out first.