Community Forums

fhaynesh · 08-23-2016, 05:15 PM

I have a 2014 automatic Camry. Can I tow it with tow Dollie?do I leave it in what gear ? Leave key on?

fhaynesh · 08-23-2016, 05:25 PM

How long before anyone answers the question? Approximately ?

kenandterry · 08-23-2016, 05:35 PM

Be calm. Not everyone is "live" on line here, or can help with your question.

Yes you can tow your automatic transmission Camry on a dolly. You would put it in park, and you MAY have to do whatever it takes to allow the steering wheel to turn when making tight turns. Ask others that dolly for details. Which brand of dolly, is like asking which brand of car to drive.

With the car properly secured to the dolly, and with the proper braking system, and the proper lighting for the car/dolly, you're set to go.

mrfix · 08-23-2016, 05:50 PM

If you use a master tow with a swivel plate and electric brakes you just drive it on, put it in park and lock the steering wheel, put the wheel straps on and tow it away.
It all takes about 5 to 10 minutes and the master tow cost around 1500.00 with the straps and brakes they have 14" tires.
Mrfix

nothermark · 08-23-2016, 06:24 PM

And several other companies make similar dollies.

In essence any front drive car can be dolly towed. The back axle does not know why it is rolling forward. Drive on, hook up, put in Park and **leave the EMERGENCY BRAKE OFF** and do whatever is needed to keep the front steering happy.

Basically there are three types of dollies. Two have fixed axles, one with a swivel plate and one not. The third type has steerable wheels. Cars with locking steering columns need either the swivel plate or steerable wheels so the front tracks properly. The alternative is to put the key in the ignition and unlock the column while driving. Translate that to buy one with a swivel plate or steerable wheels.

There are two common braking systems. Surge hydralics use a captive sliding tongue to compress the brake cylinder supplying hydraulic brake action. The drawback is you have to lock the tongue to back up. Electric brakes use a controller to supply proportional current to solenoids to supply the braking pressure. The downside is you need to wire the tow vehicle for the brakes.

We add magnetic towing lights. Not sure they are needed, very sure they are a good idea.
If you are a bit handy a good source is Craigs List. Dollies are pretty basic mechanical devices most competent DIY folks can check out and repair.

Mich F · 08-23-2016, 06:40 PM

Your owner's manual should give you the information you need. According to Store : Remco
the I4 must be towed on a dolly, while the V6 can be flat towed if a lube pump is installed.

Gary RVRoamer · 08-24-2016, 01:33 PM

The Key On vs Off question is determined by the type of steering column the Camry has (locking or not) and whether the dolly brand requires steering to be locked or unlocked. We can't answer the key question without knowing more about the specific dolly brand/type or the year of the Camry.
In some situations, the dolly requires that the steering be locked and the car doesn't have a locking steer column. My Master Tow dolly coupled with my Buick Verano is like that. I use the seat belt to strap down the steering wheel when I tow, so that the front wheels can't turn.