Towing the car.

[Scarab0088]

Originally Posted by Irish Reb

Are there local dealers that sell the EZ tow dolly (Acme) or do you have to purchase it direct from the mfg. ? John

There are no dealers...I believe. It is all factory direct sales from NC. But they welcome anyone there.

That is why the shipping is done so well. Comes to you in an open crate. Just mount fenders, tires and lights (but the new lights might now be mounted) and go...no surprises.

Best luck

[Iwillbeit]

Originally Posted by Irish Reb

Are there local dealers that sell the EZ tow dolly (Acme) or do you have to purchase it direct from the mfg. ? John

John most people who are looking for an easy inexpensive way to tow, get a dolly. Shortly afterwords they get a tow bar 4 down toad ( towing vehicle) because the dolly is such a pain in the a$$. Do yourself a favor, save some money and forget the dolly. Just my opinion. You will thank me later. Randy

[jamesrxx951]

Originally Posted by Iwillbeit

John most people who are looking for an easy inexpensive way to tow, get a dolly. Shortly afterwords they get a tow bar 4 down toad ( towing vehicle) because the dolly is such a pain in the a$$. Do yourself a favor, save some money and forget the dolly. Just my opinion. You will thank me later. Randy

Cant put me in that group. I have no interest at all going 4 down. I can afford 4 down so I didn't cheap out. I wanted something where I was not limited on what car I can take with me and my future vehicle purchases are not as limited. I don't keep cars very long.

[Scarab0088]

Thank you for saying that so well!

[HHg]

When we started RV'ing some years back, we started in a Class C on the Sprinter chassis. We did not tow a vehicle with it. When we bought our first Class A we traded in our Tahoe and got the CRV.....we never go anywhere without it!

Hhg

[louigi]

the attached tow guide has some good info on vehicles you can flat tow, etc.

http://www.royrobinsonrv.com/images/...yGuide2013.pdf

[jamesrxx951]

I should also say that I have not had any issues with my straps stretching. On the very first trip I stopped after 25 miles to check everything out and there was some minor stretch on the straps. However it has never been needed since. But I also verify that the straps are tight, centered, and setup correctly. This really is a non issue setting up the straps but there should not be much stretching outside of the initial stretch. They can only be stretched so far before they are done. But for some 4 down is easier and if you have some bending limitations than that would be the better choice. However at my age I better be limber or im doing something wrong. LOL.

[mel s]

Originally Posted by Iwillbeit

John most people who are looking for an easy inexpensive way to tow, get a dolly. Shortly afterwords they get a tow bar 4 down toad ( towing vehicle) because the dolly is such a pain in the a$$. Do yourself a favor, save some money and forget the dolly. Just my opinion. You will thank me later. Randy

Randy
I agree 100%.
However I don't know how/where one can get a tow dolly for less $$ than the necessary 4 down towing hardware....(maybe from someone who wised up and switched to 4 down towing)?
When I began tow 4 down, (in '01), a dolly would have cost considerably more than the Roadmaster towing hardware I've been using for 100,000 + miles.
Mel
'96 Safari, 132k, (105 k mine)

[Iwillbeit]

Originally Posted by jamesrxx951

Cant put me in that group. I have no interest at all going 4 down. I can afford 4 down so I didn't cheap out. I wanted something where I was not limited on what car I can take with me and my future vehicle purchases are not as limited. I don't keep cars very long.

James.. This reply is not to start an argument, but to clarify some information for the newbee. There are many vehicles that can not be towed with a dolly including my 2013 CRV AWD. It must be towed 4down or completely on a trailer. Most RVing people buy a toad based on how they plan on pulling it. And John, you should shop accordingly. And lastly, don't but a "new dolly", there are tons of used ones out three for sale (I know people that gave theirs away). However, before you pay the guy for his used dolly, ask him why he is selling it. Then ask him what brand of tow bar did he buy. Just saying! ---whistling,

Randy

[jamesrxx951]

Originally Posted by Iwillbeit

James.. This reply is not to start an argument, but to clarify some information for the newbee. There are many vehicles that can not be towed with a dolly including my 2013 CRV AWD. It must be towed 4down or completely on a trailer. Most RVing people buy a toad based on how they plan on pulling it. And John, you should shop accordingly. And lastly, don't but a "new dolly", there are tons of used ones out three for sale (I know people that gave theirs away). However, before you pay the guy for his used dolly, ask him why he is selling it. Then ask him what brand of tow bar did he buy. Just saying! ---whistling,

Randy

No argument from me, just making sure you do not put me in your quote that you were talking about. There are many vehicles that cannot be 4 down either. Some people will by a car based on how they want to tow and many will by the vehicle they actually want and go from their. It just works out when the vehicle you really want can be towed the way you would like to tow. Me, I exchange cars faster than a lot of people so I choose the method that works best for me. This is all a personal decision the same as what motorhome is best, drivetrain is best, 5th wheel is best, travel trailer is best, hotel is best, what TV is best, what toilet paper is best, etc.

[Easyrider]

Not to start another argument, or steal this thread, but we all agree the toilet paper should come over the top of the roll towards you, correct?

[jamesrxx951]

Originally Posted by Easyrider

Not to start another argument, or steal this thread, but we all agree the toilet paper should come over the top of the roll towards you, correct?

I actually prefer the TP to be on a vertical plane and it exits on the right side.

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by Irish Reb

For those of you that use the tow dolly, what do you recommend as far as type or brand/model? What is your experience?

I like the Demco KK-460 but it is heavy compared to others.

[Scarab0088]

Originally Posted by mel stuplich

Randy
I agree 100%.
However I don't know how/where one can get a tow dolly for less $$ than the necessary 4 down towing hardware....(maybe from someone who wised up and switched to 4 down towing)?
When I began tow 4 down, (in '01), a dolly would have cost considerably more than the Roadmaster towing hardware I've been using for 100,000 + miles.
Mel
'96 Safari, 132k, (105 k mine)

A flat tow set-up for less $$ than a dolly...? Does that include a supplimental brake system?

I have a full Roadmaster set-up for towing 4 down and an EZE-Tow. Why?.....That's a long story for another thread. But anyway, because of this, I have actual costs of these things...

...Let's do some math (costs are retail/new and do not include sales tax, if any or shipping):

-Tow Bar......$600
-Base Plate (fits only 1 style car)...$300 (and that was a cheap one*).
-Roadmaster-BrakeMaster 9000 (car and RV system)....$800
--Total parts..............$1700.
-Installation of the base plate can be a DIY job**, BUT the RV side of the braking system involves modification of the RV's brake system. Not a DIY job IMHO...add $400 labor.
--Minimum TOTAL TO FLAT TOW (new parts)...$2100

*Base plates run a wide range of cost depending on the vehicle.
**Base Plate install can be a very complex job (including access to airbag sensors and light systems inside car bumpers...not for everyone.

--Acme EZE-Tow dolly...$1499.99

---Advantage...Dolly Tow

The dirty little secret of flat towing is that many folks forego supplimental brakes for the car. I personally know 2 who do not have brakes on the toad...but who needs brakes on the car behind a big ol' RV...right?

Safe travel to all