What tow dolly do you use?

[Scarab0088]

Originally Posted by fighterpilot

Assume max allowable load on the surge brake dolly. On a long decent, using engine braking, there will be deceleration force on the surge system. Will it brake and than as the pressure is released from the surge system, let up on the brakes, and with that event, than surge ahead again and start the cycle all over again, or, will it just sit at some level of steady breaking? Thanks

OK - got'cha - downhill, engine braking, no RV brakes...
In a perfect world with roads as smooth at a still pond and on a hill that has no change in angle, then breaking pressure would be constant...

But in our uneven and bumpy world, surge brakes will apply and release repeatedly as needed.

This scene is a typical example of when those with electric brakes might engage them manually, just so the toad doesn't try to push around the RV - right?

Safe travels

[Zoafan]

I've towed on my dolly down the Cajon pass and grape vine and all over CA's craptastic roads and have never had an issue with the surge breaks.

[Gormleys]

I'm still debating whether to use a Dolly or go with flat towing. If I use a Dolly, are the lights on it sufficient or do I need to add supplemental lights to my car?

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by Gormleys

I'm still debating whether to use a Dolly or go with flat towing. If I use a Dolly, are the lights on it sufficient or do I need to add supplemental lights to my car?

That depends on the state you are in as there is no reciprocity on equipment like there is on drivers licenses. Some states may require it so I went ahead and did mine.
I wired our Ody lights into the dolly and used diodes where needed.

Surge brakes are used on everything from light weight boat trailers to heavy equipment trailers with very few, if any, troubles.

[Sequim Guy]

I used magnetic lights on the back of the toad. Just be careful
where you run the wires, and put something under the magnets, so you
don't scratch the paint. Cheap and simple and you can use them on
"almost" any vehicle you put on the dolly.
I think the world is complicated enough, so I try to do things the
simple and easy way. It helps keep my stress level down......

.

[milasman]

Originally Posted by Zoafan

I've towed on my dolly down the Cajon pass and grape vine and all over CA's craptastic roads and have never had an issue with the surge breaks.

Same here, never had problem with electric brakes.

[milasman]

Originally Posted by Sequim Guy

I used magnetic lights on the back of the toad. Just be careful
where you run the wires, and put something under the magnets, so you
don't scratch the paint. Cheap and simple and you can use them on
"almost" any vehicle you put on the dolly.
I think the world is complicated enough, so I try to do things the
simple and easy way. It helps keep my stress level down......

.

Blue painters tape works great under magnetic lights.

[tedgard01]

I used a tow dolly and never liked it. I pulled a '07 Honda Accord and a '05 Ford Escape Hybrid as well. It is crucial that you check the wheel straps after a few miles. More often than not, I found one or both straps had loosened up after a few miles. That is a scary situation.

Another issue I had was the mount, tire tie down, etc. Do it a few times, not fun.

I also was too restricted when going over a sloped drive. There were to many times that the dolly hit bottom if the slope was much of anything. It was not a uncommon that I may have to unhook the car before going on the slopped drive.

Now I only pull with all four tires down. I also use a BreakBuddy system. I am real pleased I switched from a tow dolly to a Demco tow bar. Now the car is very easy to hook up and unhook. The car tracks behind the RV much better. There are no straps to tighten or feat that they will loosen up. I have not yet come across a situation, like a slopped drive, that caused any issue. The brakes work in consort with my break peddle in the RV. It was well worth the cost to switch.

My thoughts,
Ted

[chboone]

Demco KarKaddy SS 460 with surge brakes. Bought it used. Have a 2003 Nissan Altima, didn't want to buy a new toad or the lube pump, brake, and tow bar.

[Scarab0088]

Originally Posted by tedgard01

I used a tow dolly and never liked it. I pulled a '07 Honda Accord and a '05 Ford Escape Hybrid as well. It is crucial that you check the wheel straps after a few miles. More often than not, I found one or both straps had loosened up after a few miles. That is a scary situation.

Another issue I had was the mount, tire tie down, etc. Do it a few times, not fun.

I also was too restricted when going over a sloped drive. There were to many times that the dolly hit bottom if the slope was much of anything. It was not a uncommon that I may have to unhook the car before going on the slopped drive.

Now I only pull with all four tires down. I also use a BreakBuddy system. I am real pleased I switched from a tow dolly to a Demco tow bar. Now the car is very easy to hook up and unhook. The car tracks behind the RV much better. There are no straps to tighten or feat that they will loosen up. I have not yet come across a situation, like a slopped drive, that caused any issue. The brakes work in consort with my break peddle in the RV. It was well worth the cost to switch.

My thoughts,
Ted

Wrong thread...this is the "What dolly do you use" thread.

But I have to say, that took much longer than I thought it would take since the OP was 3/22...that's a FULL 4 WEEKS before a hijack!

-WARNING- fellow dolly users, DON'T HIJACK A "4 DOWN"thread or THEY WILL FLAME YOU!

They are a loyal bunch...but they have a dirty little secret - There is the large number of folks towing 4 down but using NO brakes. Seems that after paying almost $2000 for all the stuff to hook-up just 1 car, it seems that many don't have the dough for the complicated braking system needed to make the toad's brakes work
It's not everyone, but there are many...I know 2 of them myself.

Safe travels to all

[tedgard01]

Hey, I never meant to hijack the thread, just provided my thoughts because I have experience on both sides of this issue. It was meant to be a thoughtful insight, but I can see how you may not be interested in my opinion in regard to the whole story.

By the way, using the BreakBuddy is not complicated to use. I agree it does add to your cost, but as they say, you pay for what you get.

Have fun RVing and pulling your toad, regardless which method you use.

Ted

[DonDee]

ACME, had mine since 2012 no problems. Towed Dodge Neon, Geo tracker. Best one out there.