Community Forums

Waiter21 · 07-11-2017, 05:41 AM

I do both, dolly (Camry) and four down (Vue).

I prefer the 4 down as its easier faster, and more convenient to load / unload.

However, the dolly offers versatility, I can tow just about anything with it. I own a Acme dolly.

As for the straps, I snug them up, I do NOT honker down on them. On the Acme dolly, the vehicle needs to roll a little bit on the dolly.

I check the straps after a few miles, they sometimes require a little more snugging, but generally not.

Regardless of how I'm towing, I always do a walk around at every stop to check chains, pins, straps, wheel temperatures, etc.

mikebreeze · 07-11-2017, 05:53 AM

If I had to choose between towing an Audi on a dolly and a Jeep 4 down I would go with the Jeep.

I tow a Chevy Captiva 4 down now. It does take some time to get it set up but it tows well and we have a vehicle to run around in when we get to the campground. If we are going to a campground that is less than 100 miles away my better half will just drive the toad there.

hohenwald48 · 07-11-2017, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickySpanish

Not an expert on this - but I see tow dolly's all the time at campgrounds. The advantage to a tow dolly (from my understanding) is:

- You can back up in the motorhome (some flat-tow bars allow this, seems most do not)

Can you elaborate on which tow dollies or flat tow bars you can back up with? I've always heard that dollies and flat tows are not backable.

MikeD1 · 07-11-2017, 09:38 AM

Another vote for 4 down. We've now towed our Wrangler about 12K miles, first behind a 31' Class C, and now a 35' Class A.
I highly recommend the Ready Brute tow bar system with surge brake. Did the install myself for less than $1500 all new including wiring etc.
As mentioned, you can't really back up with a tow bar, well maybe about 6" to a foot if you're really careful. I was really worried about this at gas stations, etc. Has not really been a problem although I really try to plan my way out BEFORE I pull up to the pump. I suspect that some day I might get into a position where we have to unhook the Jeep to get out, but that takes less than 5 minutes so I no longer worry about it.

Mr_D · 07-11-2017, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hohenwald48

Can you elaborate on which tow dollies or flat tow bars you can back up with? I've always heard that dollies and flat tows are not backable.

Backing up can be done with a towbar, but only for short distances and very carefully and slowly.

DD788Snipe · 07-11-2017, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danny644

After Airstreaming since 1993, we recently bought a 2017 Thor Tuscany 44MT and rented a tow dolly for our 2014 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited. After 2 weeks on the road, we knew we had to make a change (for all the reasons mentioned before in this thread). We were fortunate enough to find a 2014 Fusion Hybrid SE, with similar mileage and certified, while camping in SD and made basically a straight up trade.

Now we are working through all the 4-down issues and have sourced everything except the wiring harness and braking system.

Any braking reccomendations would be greatly appreciated!

Air force one by SMI. Once installed it can't be seen. It's proportional braking using your airbake system. Takes 1 minute to hook up. Can be transferred to any vehicle. I've used it for 20k miles on my Colorado and love it. The customer service is awesome. www.smibrake.com
Check it out.

Streamintrip · 07-12-2017, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jondrew

The RVi3 is very small and appears to work well (first real trip coming up). Only installation issue was running the wire out to the break away switch ( I must have done it the hard way. It literally takes 5 minutes to put in when you're ready to go and is transferrable between vehicles.

Thx for the RViBrake referral. It seems to be an effective alternative to the other non-permanent systems, and it surely seems easier/less expensive to install than the 'permanent' systems.

LVJ58 · 07-12-2017, 12:31 PM

Our 03 Suzuki XL7 has worked great for us towing 4 down now for 13 years. Less than five minutes to connect to coach, then shift transfer case into neutral, place gear selector in park, turn key on to accessory position to unlock steering wheel. Also doesn't record mileage while being towed.

Good luck with your choice and safe travels..

Boondockin · 07-12-2017, 02:41 PM

Another vote for four down towing... super fast... super easy...

bruceisla · 07-12-2017, 03:26 PM

Since your question was "toad or no toad" the other option is "chase car". We traveled from Florida to Cal and back without towing ... Newmar Essex and spouse followed in a GMC Yukon. We only traveled 3 hours per day so it wasn't a big deal. Stopped every hour for breaks. Not for everybody but worked for us.

kaosinapig · 07-13-2017, 09:08 AM

Thanks everyone for your helpful replies! We've been looking at a Jeep
Wrangler, but really don't want to add that much more money into our system at the moment. I've noticed the Kar Kaddy and the Acme dolly mentioned several times - does anyone know of dollies that work with the car's steering wheel in the locked position? I believe the Acme needed the vehicle steering to not be locked. Since the Audi has an electronic ignition, there is no way to leave the key 'plugged in' to keep the steering unlocked.

Spk64 · 07-13-2017, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaosinapig

Thanks everyone for your helpful replies! We've been looking at a Jeep
Wrangler, but really don't want to add that much more money into our system at the moment. I've noticed the Kar Kaddy and the Acme dolly mentioned several times - does anyone know of dollies that work with the car's steering wheel in the locked position? I believe the Acme needed the vehicle steering to not be locked. Since the Audi has an electronic ignition, there is no way to leave the key 'plugged in' to keep the steering unlocked.

Add a battery disconnect. I have to do that on the Jeep as it has steering wheel lock and key must be on.

hohenwald48 · 07-13-2017, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaosinapig

Thanks everyone for your helpful replies! We've been looking at a Jeep
Wrangler, but really don't want to add that much more money into our system at the moment. I've noticed the Kar Kaddy and the Acme dolly mentioned several times - does anyone know of dollies that work with the car's steering wheel in the locked position? I believe the Acme needed the vehicle steering to not be locked. Since the Audi has an electronic ignition, there is no way to leave the key 'plugged in' to keep the steering unlocked.

I talked to a guy at a campground once who was using a dolly of some sort. He looked like he'd been using it for a long time and had a lot of experience. He said having a dolly with steerable wheels was the way to go as opposed to those with a "turntable". Just throwing that out for what it's worth. I have always towed a Wrangler so I know nothing about a dolly.

Toad Haul · 07-20-2017, 04:29 AM

With the varied opinions on 4-down vs Dolly, I guess I have a stupid question. When you tow 4-down, doesn't the toad rack up miles on the odometer? I'm assuming you end up putting miles on the toad without really driving it.

Am I missing something here or is that the way 4-down would work?