Tow Dolly Recommendations

[sparky60]

Hello everyone,
We’ll be buying a tow dolly to pull our 2022 Toyota Corolla behind our Class C Motorhome (cannot flat tow the Corolla). There are many kinds, no pivot, center pivot, electric brakes, surge brakes. I'd like to hear from those of you that are using or have used a car dolly and what kind and brand you would or would not recommend.
Thanks very much!

[SteveJ.]

Surge brakes work very well except for descending longer grades. This is with drum brakes. They will not release heading downhill causing them to get hot.

Disc will likely be better.

I had to replace our Master Tow dolly and replaced it with a used one with electric brakes as we do some mountain driving.

Do make sure you get one with brakes.

This is our second dolly with center pivot. I like that the ramps stay attached. Can't help comparing to one that does not pivot or one that has a steering axle but it has worked well for our Kia Soul.

Are you buying new or used?

[twinboat]

I have about 40000 miles on my StehlTow dolly. It has surge disk brakes and a swivel plate for the tires.
Bought it in 2014 and replaced 1 set of 14 inch standard ST trailer tires and 1 set of $22 brake pads.

Took 2 trips on the Blueridge Parkway, very steep hills, and never overheated the brakes.

It has built in ramps that tilt up as you drive up them. Tighten the safety clamp and install a pin and your done.

Some of the wiring near the LED lights has cracks in the insulation but I'm replacing the pig tails that every truck stop carries.

It's a great tough well built dolly.

[2cyber71]

The day I bought my new tow Dolly in 1999 was the first day I was trying to get rid of it.
I finally gave it away.

[yeloduster]

Contrary to popular belief, properly designed and adjusted surge brakes do not overheat going down hill.

Every U-Haul trailer has them. The people who tow the trailers are mostly totally ignorant of the subtleties of trailer towing and they don't burn the brakes.

I have a surge brake on my Toad. I live in Colorado and all my trips have long steep grades. I haven't damaged nor replaced my brakes in +55K miles.

[sparky60]

Thank you SteveJ for the great info. Leaning towards a new one because you just don't know how people have treated and possibly abused a used one.

[sparky60]

Thanks twinboat! Great information!

[sparky60]

So, 2cyber71, how does that help me??

[Piney2]

Originally Posted by sparky60

Hello everyone,
We’ll be buying a tow dolly to pull our 2022 Toyota Corolla behind our Class C Motorhome (cannot flat tow the Corolla). There are many kinds, no pivot, center pivot, electric brakes, surge brakes. I'd like to hear from those of you that are using or have used a car dolly and what kind and brand you would or would not recommend.
Thanks very much!

I own a Demco KarKaddy SS. It takes up minimal room when stored and has center pivot w/ surge brakes.. eTrailer.com has some good prices on it but you could also check you local RV dealer.
https://www.demco-products.com/rv-to...ies/karkaddyss

[Sweetbriar]

Originally Posted by sparky60

Thank you SteveJ for the great info. Leaning towards a new one because you just don't know how people have treated and possibly abused a used one.

I wouldn't write off the used market. Keep in mind abusing a tow dolly means abusing what ever is being towed by the dolly. I have a used dolly that a RV owner was selling at very good price. Has hydraulic surge disc brakes and I've had no evidence of brake overheating. As an added bonus I can tip in up and store vertically taking up air space rather than driveway.

Which ever make and model you choose budget for an extra set of straps and a spare tire.

https://cartowdolly.com/disc-brake-car-tow-dolly/

[jaydee325]

Originally Posted by Piney2

I own a Demco KarKaddy SS. It takes up minimal room when stored and has center pivot w/ surge brakes.. eTrailer.com has some good prices on it but you could also check you local RV dealer.
https://www.demco-products.com/rv-to...ies/karkaddyss

Demco makes two models; the KarKaddy X and the KarKaddy SS.

The X does not fold up and has a swivel platform.

The SS folds up to take up less space when parked and has a steerable axle which really tracks the motorhome nicely. I think the steerable axle is reason enough to go with the SS.

I've got the SS and I found it used. The original owner only used it a couple times so it was like new. Got it for half of new price.

[SteveJ.]

Originally Posted by yeloduster

Contrary to popular belief, properly designed and adjusted surge brakes do not overheat going down hill.

Every U-Haul trailer has them. The people who tow the trailers are mostly totally ignorant of the subtleties of trailer towing and they don't burn the brakes.

I have a surge brake on my Toad. I live in Colorado and all my trips have long steep grades. I haven't damaged nor replaced my brakes in +55K miles.

Are your surge brakes disc or drum?

[DuaneMiller]

I pulled a Demco KarKaddy SS from 2009 until 2020. I had absolutely no issues, and I was completely satisfied with its performance. It had the surge brakes, was galvanized and folded up like some of the other posters mentioned.

I pulled this thing all over the NC mountains and never had an issue with the brakes overheating.

[yeloduster]

Originally Posted by SteveJ.

Are your surge brakes disc or drum?

I my case the surge brake is for 4 down towing and uses the brakes on the toad. Disc front and drum rear.

I've towed boats, car haulers, trailers, etc. with surge brakes. Never had a problem with too little brake action, too much brake action or over heating of the brake components.

I've also used electric proportional brakes. they were always tricky to get adjusted just right so they didn't slide the trailer tires or not brake enough. In addition the electric brakes need to be readjusted if the weight of the load on the trailer changes!

I prefer the surge brake.