Do You Know How To Use A Car Tow Dolly?

A car tow dolly can be a valuable asset to a vehicle owner. Perhaps due to a long-distance move, you need to transport a second car, and you want to execute the entire tow on your own. But there’s one issue you need to address: Do you know how to use a car tow dolly?

Selecting the Right One

Car tow dollies are trailers with two wheels that allow for easy hookup of the front two wheels of most vehicles. But this dolly cannot be attached to just any tow vehicle. The total weight of both trailer and the loaded vehicle must not exceed the limits of the transport truck. In addition, the towing vehicle must be equipped with a matching hitch set. If you plan on renting a moving van, truck or trailer to haul the tow dolly, check the weight limits with the rental company before making a reservation.

In addition, before the tow dolly can be counted on as a towing option for your vehicle, check that the drive shaft can be disengaged and removed. Some makes and models of all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive cars do not allow for this, so review the owner’s manual or call the manufacturer to make sure.

Loading the Vehicle

First, make sure the towing vehicle and the dolly ramp are on level ground and perfectly aligned. Slowly and carefully drive the vehicle onto the ramps with the assistance of another adult to signal when the front of the wheels are touching the dolly’s wheel stops. Place the vehicle in park and secure the tire ratchet straps tightly. Loop the vehicle security straps around a structural component of the vehicle’s frame and connect the end back to the same strap or to a structural component of the dolly. Do not tie any straps around fuel lines or engine components to avoid damage to the vehicle. Before driving with the dolly in tow, make sure the vehicle’s parking brake is disengaged.

Safe Driving Tactics

Towing cargo always presents unique challenges, especially when the tow cargo is an item as valuable and important as your car. When driving with a car tow dolly, allow a significantly longer stopping time than normal, and keep at least four seconds of stopping time distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you. Attempt to keep a steady speed below the speed limit. Drive in the center lane to account for the wider dimensions of the dolly. Avoid maneuvering in close spaces — fill the gas tank of the tow vehicle beforehand and only operate with the dolly between destinations.

You may think you have to tackle this towing project alone, but you are not without professional assistance when you need it. You can call Stauffer’s Towing for help towing any size or weight vehicle, including assistance with car tow dolly hookup and operation.