Community Forums

BeenThereB4 · 12-30-2018, 06:44 AM

I recently bought a used tow dolly, and just tried using it for the first time. It is the type which is designed to "pivot" while cornering..
The problem is that it tends to "stick" (remains in the fully turned position) even after the corner is completed.. Of course, this causes the tow dolly to dog-track as it is towed along, and it even damaged the left fender, which made contact with the running board on my 96 Chevy Silverado pickup truck, bending the fender in such a way that it dug a big gouge in the tow dolly tire.
I removed the fender. (which I can fix and reinstall) and returned back home, and today I will need to either find a way to cure this problem on this dolly I have, or go rent one..one way or another, I would like to safely depart today on my trip out of state, if possible.
I will have to reinstall the driveshaft and pull my truck off from the dolly, then I am considering just putting a couple of 1/2 inch bolts in to make the tow dolly completely NON-Pivoting.. I realize that a pivoting type of tow dolly follows the tow vehicle somewhat better, but here is my question :
If I bolt his tow dolly so it remains in the straight ahead position at all times, will this cause any issues ? Also, should I have the steering wheel locked (on my pickup) while I am towing it ? Is it considered OK to rely on the steering column lock mechanism to hold the steering wheel in place, or should I also add a ratchet strap to secure it ?
The trailer I own is not quite wide enough to carry my pickup, so I will need to either use the tow dolly or flat tow method..
I would very much appreciate any advice on how I should handle this issue, especially from any members on here who have used tow dollys of both types (pivoting and non pivoting)
I am going to go out there this morning, reconnect my driveshaft and take the truck off from the dolly, then I will check back here on the site to see if any replies..

twinboat · 12-30-2018, 07:43 AM

First look to see if the nylon rubbing blocks are missing and that the pivot bolt isnt to tight. The plate on mine moves easy with my foot.

If you have a swivel plate dolly, steering locked is recommended.

If you secure the swival plate, you must unlock the steering, otherwise you will skuff off the tire tread in turns. Something has to steer.

In a last ditch effort, back the truck on, lessening the weight on the dolly. Lock and tie the steering straight.

BeenThereB4 · 12-30-2018, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

First look to see if the nylon rubbing blocks are missing and that the pivot bolt isnt to tight. The plate on mine moves easy with my foot.

If you have a swivel plate dolly, steering locked is recommended.

If you secure the swival plate, you must unlock the steering, otherwise you will skuff off the tire tread in turns. Something has to steer.

In a last ditch effort, back the truck on, lessening the weight on the dolly. Lock and tie the steering straight.

I am putting a very stout 1/2 inch hardened grade 8 bolt through the front of deck at center of frame.. thanks for the advice though, I appreciate it

twinboat · 12-30-2018, 09:38 AM

Let us know how that works out. If there is any room for movement, I think it will wallow out the holes or break.

BeenThereB4 · 12-30-2018, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

Let us know how that works out. If there is any room for movement, I think it will wallow out the holes or break.

Got it very tight, shimmed with flat washers very sturdy, so going to give it a try,, Will keep a close eye on it though. Have to check the tie downs periodically any how.. Thanks again.. I'll let you know how it worked,