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Old 10-18-2014, 08:40 AM   #15
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A friend just purchased a new tow dolly. I went over to look it over as I was contemplating buying one next spring from the same maker. They safety chains used on the dolly were so small that any stress put to them would have snapped them like a toothpick.I then asked where his safety cables were from the car to the dolly? He said there were none. Just the straps. If I do purchase this make of dolly I will be making some upgrades to it.
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Old 10-18-2014, 12:59 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bullitt View Post
So...what if the straps don't break, but the dolly becomes unhitched from the receiver? OMG, just put on the safety chains. There are various city, state, and federal laws regarding this too
I mentioned my 4,000 pound towed came loose from my RV back on 2006.. Safety cables held, no damage to any but my towed and the tow bar.. Blue Ox sent me a new tow bar free (Even though it was not their fault.. I told them that when I called, and about a month later they agreed with me.. What can I say, Trained in that kind of inspection.. I believe a cable snagged a spring (hair pin type pin) and pulled it allowing the hitch pin (the one in the receiver) to fall out.. New receiver pin has a padlock on it)

If the dolly comes loose, one hopes the emergency braking system activates, that is if the safety chains do not (As mine did) hold.
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Old 10-18-2014, 01:15 PM   #17
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It's the law here in WA state and they also must be crossed under the hitch so the tongue doesn't hit the pavement and "catapult" the trailer.
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Old 10-18-2014, 01:16 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tomtall View Post
A friend just purchased a new tow dolly. I went over to look it over as I was contemplating buying one next spring from the same maker. They safety chains used on the dolly were so small that any stress put to them would have snapped them like a toothpick.I then asked where his safety cables were from the car to the dolly? He said there were none. Just the straps. If I do purchase this make of dolly I will be making some upgrades to it.
We have a KK-460, the chains are pretty large and the dolly to vehicle chains are the same size.
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Old 10-18-2014, 05:25 PM   #19
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Are Safety Chains Also Required on a Tow Dolly When Using a Roadmaster Wheel Net
Question:
Is it safe to just use tire straps or does a safety chain also need to attach vehicle to car dolly? Very important thank you very much.
asked by: Danny R

Expert Reply:
If you used a Roadmaster Adjustable Wheel Net # RM-2150 on both of your front wheels you would not necessarily need to use safety chains as these will provide an additional attachment point to the wheel chocks that are on the tow dolly already.
expert reply by: Jameson C
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Old 10-18-2014, 05:28 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jergeod View Post
Are Safety Chains Also Required on a Tow Dolly When Using a Roadmaster Wheel Net
Question:
Is it safe to just use tire straps or does a safety chain also need to attach vehicle to car dolly? Very important thank you very much.
asked by: Danny R

Expert Reply:
If you used a Roadmaster Adjustable Wheel Net # RM-2150 on both of your front wheels you would not necessarily need to use safety chains as these will provide an additional attachment point to the wheel chocks that are on the tow dolly already.
expert reply by: Jameson C
OP doesn't state what tow dolly he's asking about so this might not apply.
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Old 10-18-2014, 05:36 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jergeod View Post
Are Safety Chains Also Required on a Tow Dolly When Using a Roadmaster Wheel Net
Question:
Is it safe to just use tire straps or does a safety chain also need to attach vehicle to car dolly? Very important thank you very much.
asked by: Danny R

Expert Reply:
If you used a Roadmaster Adjustable Wheel Net # RM-2150 on both of your front wheels you would not necessarily need to use safety chains as these will provide an additional attachment point to the wheel chocks that are on the tow dolly already.
expert reply by: Jameson C
You need safety chains in addition to the wheel nets on any dolly.
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Old 10-19-2014, 09:02 AM   #22
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On my Master Tow, safety chains (from the dolly pan to the toad) are optional. WHY? I have added them.
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Old 10-19-2014, 12:36 PM   #23
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Originally Posted by Playtime III View Post
On my Master Tow, safety chains (from the dolly pan to the toad) are optional. WHY? I have added them.
I have no idea if the chains are required by law, especially in all states. If they are not, then I would guess some manufacturers don't make them standard (cost savings). My brand (Acme) includes them, tongue to tow vehicle and dolly to towed vehicle. To rely on one attachment point on each side is risky business.
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Old 10-19-2014, 10:17 PM   #24
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My dolly is a 2010 Master tow without any place to attach chains to the plate, didn't come with any. I emailed them and waiting for an answer to weather or not they are required. I will post their answer as soon as I get it. Now road master says they are not needed, only if you want them. Going to be interesting to see what master tow has to say. Anybody have any state laws in writing that say the towed car needs chains? I cannot find anything for NY state other than chains are required from the dolly to the tow vehicle.

NY law 29-a. No vehicle or mobile equipment shall be towed with the use of a dolly unless the dolly, vehicle or mobile equipment is secured to the towing vehicle by safety chains or cables which will prevent the dolly, vehicle or mobile equipment from separating from the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle or mobile equipment is securely fastened to the dolly. Dolly shall mean a multi-wheel device utilized to raise a part of a towed vehicle or mobile equipment while it is being towed by another vehicle. - See more at: http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/nycode/V....gQEAP3Iw.dpuf
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Old 10-19-2014, 11:02 PM   #25
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Had a horse trailer come off the ball hitch one time....The two horses were glad I had safety chains.

I can't imagine towing ANYTHING without safety chains.

So, in answer to your question, yes there is a good reason for using safety chains.

Safety.
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Old 10-19-2014, 11:03 PM   #26
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Tow Dolly Safety Chains

Quote:
Originally Posted by jergeod View Post
Are Safety Chains Also Required on a Tow Dolly When Using a Roadmaster Wheel Net

Question:

Is it safe to just use tire straps or does a safety chain also need to attach vehicle to car dolly? Very important thank you very much.

asked by: Danny R



Expert Reply:

If you used a Roadmaster Adjustable Wheel Net # RM-2150 on both of your front wheels you would not necessarily need to use safety chains as these will provide an additional attachment point to the wheel chocks that are on the tow dolly already.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Take a look at this wheel net. 
Name:   ImageUploadedByiRV2 - RV Forum1413781146.170065.jpg
Views: 694
Size:  58.7 KB
. There is still only one cloth strap attached to the dolly per wheel. It's only common sense to use safety chains. This is one expert I wouldn't trust. This is the roadmaster #rm-2150.
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Old 10-19-2014, 11:28 PM   #27
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If you look at the outside of the frame just behind the bumper on your car there will be a key hole which you can drop a chain in to then fasten to the dolly, you will find this key hole on right and left frame rails. These holes are what the car carrier uses to lock the car to the trailer for delivery so if it is good enough for them it will work for you. You should be able to reach these holes without laying on the ground once you know where they are. Also with slack in the chains the car isn't going to come off the dolly the chains will tighten before that, plus your car is in park if an automatic.

A lot of new cars don't have chain tie down holes or brackets any more. You will need to use the suspension for the safety chains. When car haulers use chains, (I've been one for 31 years) the chains (4) are winched down so there is no suspension bounce as that can cause a lot of damage to the frame or unibody. I plan on using the front tow brackets on my 08 civic for the safety chains when on the dolly but I will leave them loose enough so they won't snap tight while traveling.
I now use only wheel straps on my 10 car hauler. One strap per tire and no safety chains as per DOT. The difference is I am carrying the vehicles and not dragging them on the ground like a tow dolly.
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Old 10-20-2014, 08:49 AM   #28
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Originally Posted by Kuzzy View Post
Take a look at this wheel net. Attachment 76943. There is still only one cloth strap attached to the dolly per wheel. It's only common sense to use safety chains. This is one expert I wouldn't trust. This is the roadmaster #rm-2150.


Amen! Just makes good / common sense to have a stand alone safety back-up system.
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