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stevemiller2 · 08-19-2013, 08:43 AM

I purchased a tow dolly have to find out how to use it. the place that the tires sit has no movement to them. There is a lever that is supposed to release the tires so they turn left and right or lock straight ahead. What is this for and is it safe? when do you lock and unlock the tires or just keep it locked? thanks to the best forum on rv.

Shellback1 · 08-19-2013, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevemiller2

I purchased a tow dolly have to find out how to use it. the place that the tires sit has no movement to them. There is a lever that is supposed to release the tires so they turn left and right or lock straight ahead. What is this for and is it safe? when do you lock and unlock the tires or just keep it locked? thanks to the best forum on rv.

What's the make of the dolly? When you tow using the dolly you should have the dolly wheels unlocked (free to turn with the RV). The only time you would lock the dolly wheels would be if you wanted to back it up for a short straight distance.

Bobb.25 · 08-19-2013, 08:57 AM

I believe that it is good to lock the dolly wheels when you are towing it unloaded ( without the weight of a vehicle on it ).

spritz · 08-19-2013, 09:25 AM

Sounds like you might have a KarKAttySS by Demco.We have one also and love it. Just be careful not to go up and over it like I did!!!

And it wasn't the first time I loaded it

Other's have told you how to use it. I might add that its almost impossible to back it up, so don't go into a lot with out making sure you can get out without having to back up.
Happy travels, Tim

stevemiller2 · 08-19-2013, 12:06 PM

do you have to take the pin out or just loosen it

Scarab0088 · 08-19-2013, 12:32 PM

Like Spritz said...sounds like a Demco KarKaddy SS - NICE!
The Steering Lock Pin is used to disable the dolly steering for towing the dolly unloaded.

The pin has to be removed for regular use.

Using it to back-up while loaded would be a BIG PROBLEM, since you have to get under the dingy...but that is just my opinion.

See page 18 of the owners manual:
http://www.demco-products.com/assets...ts/RD20018.pdf

Best luck

Bobb.25 · 08-20-2013, 08:16 AM

You should also consider, when backing up a tow dolly that has hydraulic actuated brakes ( Karkaddy being one ); the act of going in reverse compresses the hydraulic cylinder, and actuates the brakes. So you are pushing against the brakes on the dolly. I have done this for a very short distance, as in when going to far past a gas pump, or slightly out of reach of the pedestal in a campground. But this is probably not good for the brakes on the dolly

Bob