EASY Tow Dolly Hook Up & Load Vehicle in 5 Minutes | Check Your Owner's Manual!
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- Опубліковано 22 кві 2019
- #towdolly #towdollyhookup
How To Hook Up Tow Dolly Apr 20, 2019
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In this video, we show you how to hook up a tow dolly and how to load car on tow dolly.
It's super easy and takes less than 5 minutes.
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For a replay of this video: • EASY Tow Dolly Hook Up...
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We have heard that newer vehicles have electronics on the rear axle that require the vehicle to be placed in neutral and the battery be disconnected. Many people use safety chains connected from the tow dolly to the vehicle. I choose not to because I feel that the chances of both straps failing is pretty slim. Check your straps regularly for wear that could cause a failure and replace at the first sign of fraying. Check you owners manual before listening to any knucklehead on UA-cam! 😂
Don't worry about being fast, worry about being safe everyone! I know for some reason we want to challenge our selves to be faster but focus on safety.
Great video!!
Safe is definitely better Chris! The point of this video came from people saying that a tow dolly takes so much longer to load than towing 4 down. It doesn't take any longer. It's whatever works best for the user. The biggest pain of a tow dolly comes from having to store it in certain places, if you have to unhook.
We already had a front-wheel drive vehicle that worked perfectly with a tow dolly. Thanks for watching!
I must of watched at least 10 different videos on UA-cam showing how to hookup a car on a dolly and your video easily blows them all away. Just enough detail so one knows what you need to do without a bunch of extra filler that most bloggers just can't resist adding. Always eagerly lookiing forward to your next video. Paul.
Thank you Paul.
I agree with Paul’s comments. Best video on this subject I have ever seen.
Thanks for sharing the process with the dolly. If we ever go full-time, this will definitely be useful information.
Thanks Julie!
Like the fact yout did it without cutting it arms I liked the close up camera work as well... made it feel real. Good job
Thanks Alex!
I’ve been using the car tow dolly for about 12 yrs now, found an old Demco for 375$ and its a workhorse ! I pretty much mirror your way , I’m a little more on the side of precaution n I don’t leave my chains to low to the ground ( sparks=fire) i use locks all my points of connection ( prevents thievery ) ! I need to install a wheel in front like you did , I’m not getting younger n it will help in moving the trailer! Good video
I have a 4x4 (old but paid for) so I’ll start with 4-down but you make me feel much more comfortable about just getting a car I want (when it’s time), and if I have to use a tow dolly, it’s doable. Thanks.
Awesome Jody!
Good Vid Paul & Lorena... Thanks for your time and effort.
Thanks Mark!
Great video, well done. Thanks for taking the time. BTW your "camera woman"..... you lucky guy.👍
Paul, love your and Lorena’s video never thought i would have a technical question but here I am. We have a small Motorhome, 21 foot, capable of towing but we have a rear wheel drive Chevrolet tracker, 5 speed manual. Thoughts of towing backwards. There are so many ideas out there but you seem to understand and keep using a dolly for towing. Thank you in advance for your thoughts. Congratulations to Lorena and we are fortunate to have her as an American Citizen.
Hi Diane. I think towing your vehicle backwards is a bad idea because the front wheels can turn and may cause a wobble. If it's a manual you should be able to tow it 4 down without a problem? I use a tow dolly because we have a front wheel drive car and a tow dolly is easy for that.
Paul, Thank you for your replay!
Glad I watched this video. I have some straps that came with the master tow dolly and they literally suck. I'm buying the ones with two hooks which also seem to ride a bit higher and don't scare me about going around brake lines, components, etc. Thanks for this.
Yeah, some tow dolly straps seem like they aren't even supposed to be used for a tow dolly. They do get in the way of everything. I wish I could tell you which ones ours are, but I honestly don't remember. We've replaced them twice in our travels now. If they show a cut of any kind they should be replaced immediately, but if you install them correctly they should last a very long time.
Thank you for taking the time to make this video
Thank you for that video. Last year I bought a car which cannot be flat towed. Previous to that I was able to flat tow. I bought a tow Dolly but have not used it yet. After seeing many indicate that it is difficult for the dolly I was a bit worried. Appreciate you showing how easy it is. Now if you can do a video on how to backup with a Dolly attached....
Using a dolly is NOT difficult at all and I don't know where that train of thought came from. I'm sure it was the tow bar companies! Lol!
Thank you TME very much for your videos; it helps me a whole lot as a newbie.
Glad to hear it!
I’d like to see more on how you were able to slit the hitch for dolly as well as bike rack .
Thanks for the info. We are switching from a travel trailer to a 32' Class A. We are about to buy a dolly for our civic and enjoyed this video. Practice will make this process go faster.
Yes, practice will help you get faster. Remember, SAFE is better than fast, but we had people telling us they didn't want to use their tow dolly anymore because it took 30 minutes or more to hook it up. It doesn't take any longer than towing 4 down. The biggest con with a tow dolly is if you have to store it when at campgrounds. The biggest plus is you can still back it up with a car on it for a short distance, if you have to and if you are careful. That is something you definitely will need to practice!! We were able to back it into most spots and rarely had to unhook it. Safe travels!
@@LifeWithPaulLorena Thabks for the great reply. Was wondering about the backing up. Assumed you had to go slow and not too much angle because of the surge brakes. Know there may be tighter clearance issues possible with the car. But what about side load forces on the steering column? Assume this would be another reason for a gentle backing up with maybe a slight angle.
You can always test that. I've backed up a long way with ours and have even done a slight turn while backing up. Probably not recommended because you can get into a bad situation pretty quick, but I've done it to avoid unhooking everything to get out of a tight spot. You have to go off your comfort and safety level.
I lock our steering wheel because our tow dolly has a pivot plate. I try to not make really sharp turns. Safe travels!
@Life With Paul & Lorena once we get everything we will probably have a video out as part of our RV Hunt videos. Will try to let you know so you can have a good laugh
Good stuff. Almost went with a dolly but found a Hyundai Veloster, standard transmission 6 speed, so we went with 4 down with a Blue Ox tow bar system. There were no modifications needed to the Hyundai since it only weighs 2,800 lbs. Pretty easy and solved the storage problem since we have a 40' rig. Well done and yes you have a darling camera woman assist! Stay safe out there.
Always go with what works for you David! Safe travels!
Hope the car isn't stolen with a USB cable!
Awesome information. Ty
Glad it was helpful Jose!
Great video. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for watching!
Excellent video!
Thanks!
Great job, thanks!
Glad you liked it!
Great video! Couple of questions. Electric Brake controller or stick with Serge brakes? Is there a make of dolly that you can backup? What is up with some dolly's leave the brakes off steering wheel in locked position? I'm getting carried away. Thanks for your help
Hi Ron, the surge brakes have worked great for us. Less to go wrong, in my opinion. I back mine up all the time without issues, but you have to be careful because they can jackknife quick and damage your tow vehicle or coach. Not sure about your last question. We leave our car unlocked, but the steering wheel is locked and keys are out. Hope that helps! Safe travels!
I just learned a lot about the tow dolley......I need to buy one so the wife doesn't have to follow in her car. Thanks, it was very informative.
Glad you liked it!
Love the Tabasco T-Shirt!!! AAHH YYEEE!!!!
Thanks!
Good tutorial. Some questions; I just picked up my first master tow dolly so this is helpful. Brakes: you have a breakaway cable if the hitch disconnects; how do the surge brakes work if there is no “push back” from the tow vehicle ? Steering wheel lock , I was told it’s important to lock the steering wheel, you didn’t mention this. Is it necessary? Especially when backing up ?? Thanks.
Hi Todd! When you brake the vehicle towing, the vehicle being towed pushes forward and applies the brakes on the dolly. t is not a perfect system, but ours has worked flawlessly for over 3 years. i didn't mention locking the steering wheel because some vehicles steering wheels lock and some don't. Ours happens to lock when you turn off the ignition and pull the key. If you are thinking about backing up a car on a tow dolly you better know what you are doing or you will likely cause damage to your car, the tow dolly or your tow vehicle. It ain't easy!
Hi do connect your RV rear lights to your car lights .Great video as always.
Don't need car lights when towing with car dolly since the dolly itself has lights.
TT is correct... I actually have a kit to light the car lights as well, but haven't installed it yet because the dolly had them. Will add them soon for more visibility. Safe travels!
Great tutorial, thank you!!
You're very welcome James!
I agree totally on a dolly vs 4 down however I have a safety chain from the dolly to the car I noticed you don't . Just an extra safety precaution nothing wrong with being too safe.
I don't use them, but they are law in some states. I would like to hear from someone who had both straps break and the only thing that kept the vehicle on the dolly were the safety chains. I replace our straps when they even hint of being at breaking point.
@@LifeWithPaulLorena good to know about the straps feel the same. I hook the chains up simply because came with the dolly and they're not much trouble to hookup Not sure what would happen if the straps did break guess the chains would either crash me or hold the car in place till I could get stopped who knows. If you wouldn't mind knowing where you buy your straps at?. Sure like the way your looks with the three straps my only has two.
Great job. Helped a lot.
Glad it helped!
Thanks for the tutorial - well done. I had the same dolly, added the front wheel for convenience but still found it to be a major pain with the wheel straps and retightening the ratchets. I tried to add safety chains to dolly to attach to car but Kia Soul had no attachment points. Finally got rid of Dolly and 'sold my soul' for a four down Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk. More expensive solution but so much easier for us old guys. (You are catching up to the old guy club, Paul!) Judi and I enjoy your videos.
You definitely have to go with what works best for you Ron!
The frame that the ball is hooked onto looks bent so the ball isn’t sitting square. Still hooks on the trailer but looks bent in the picture. Cheers!!!
It got bent to hell on the dips on the east cape road...I'll replace it when we're back in the US.
Could you give me info on your hitch/bike rack combo. I basically just got a new RV and found out backassward that they don’t make a baseplate for my car. Also wanna transport bikes. That dual hitch looks like the ticket for me but can’t seem to get a close enough look at. Much appreciated on the video.
Hey Tim, the one we use can be found here....amzn.to/2CwvECx . You can use whatever bike rack you want as long as you make sure it clears your tow vehicle.
This is gold!
But quick question..
what are the requirements to be able to use a tow dolly in Mexico does it need to have a license plate? And do they ask for a temporary import permit for the vehicle being towed?
You only have to license your dolly in your state, if they require it. Nevada required it and I never put a plate on it, Traveled to Canada twice and Mexico once and nobody ever asked about it. You only need a "TIP" if you are going into mainland Mexico. Not required for Baja.
Added a spare tire to mine also. But I use magnetic lights on rear of car.
The spare for our tow dolly is up under our rig with the spare for the coach.
Hi, great video what size bolts and drill bit size did you use to install the tilt mechanism? Thanks
I believe they were 1/2". It was whatever size fit the holes in the mechanism. You should measure the length to make sure it fits right for your application and just in case something is different on yours.
@@LifeWithPaulLorena Thanks
So I know this is an old video but where did you get that tilt bed safety latch? I can’t find one on the Internet anywhere.Thanks
You a Legend Mate
Good information.
Thanks!
Hi, What's the torque specs for the tow dolly pan bolt once I remove the safety collar to install the mechanism? Also, does the bolts on the mechanism go all the way through the dolly frame to bolt on? I really like this idea I believe it will help load and unload way faster. Thanks.
I couldn't tell you what the torque specs are, to be honest. I'm an old school guy and rarely take my torque wrench out of the package. The bolts go all the way through the dolly frame. It definitely makes it easier.
Do you have to stop every 50 miles to retighten straps ? I see some manufacturers recommending that . That would be an inconvenience to say the least . Great video btw. I’ve convinced myself I’m going the tow dolly route .
just check and make sure they are tight as you started the trip, anytime you stop, just a quick check. you shouldn't have to retightin them.
I use a trailer instead of a dolly. I have needed to park the trailer in a parking area before but I can take any type vehicle plus we can add stuff on the trailer. I am concerned it can be stolen so I have wheel locks I use when disconnected. Not all 4 wheel drives can be towed 4 down.
I would love to have a trailer with storage. Dealing with the dolly is enough! Lol! Isn't it crazy we have to worry about someone else taking our stuff!? Safe travels!
Is it me or does the trailer tires look bald on the inside? And the hitch adaptor for the bikes is it rated the right weight? Why i say this usually adaptors cut the towing capacity in half. Otherwize very simple and straight forward video guys!! I think you ment to say FRONT WHEEL DRIVE. You can have 2wd but only rear and then you can use a tow dolly.
Trailer tires are good, it just looked funky in the video. Adaptors do reduce capacity but there isn't much tongue weight with the dolly. It's worked for 2 years without issue....I should have never said that! And yes, I meant FRONT WHEEL DRIVE...Lol! Safe travels!
While a jeep is usually 4 down capable, most late model 4 wheel drive cars are NOT listed in the dinghy guide for 4 down towing.
Yeah, you definitely want to check before trying to tow anything 4 down or worse yet, buying it thinking you can tow it 4 down and finding out you can't!
Great video. Love the tilt latch but cannot find it anywhere online. Anyone know where to find that safety latch?
Hi Richard, I got mine at a local trailer supply in Vegas. Here is a similar one from Amazon, but don't know if it works for yours or not....www.amazon.com/Buyers-Products-TL382-Tipper-Assembly/dp/B016MX4ZVS
Good luck!
The Motorhome Experiment great thanks so much. Exactly what I was looking for. This will work perfectly for my dolly. Love your videos. Keep up the good work!
I have a 2016 Navion 24G and want to tow a 5 speed VW Golf. A newbie when it comes to towing a vehicle. What differences does it make when its a manual vs automatic transmission? Are the keys in the ignition in the towed vehicle in the on position?
You'll definitely want to check with VW on how to tow that vehicle Mark. With ours, we load it on the tow dolly, turn the key off and go.
Paul looking at the two dolly the tire looks warn ?
It's just the way it looks on video. They were replaced about 4k miles ago in Anchorage AK. Appreciate you looking out for us! Safe travels!
Have you ever had issues with the 4 pin wire coming loose. It looks like it hangs down pretty low but that may have been the camera angle. Also, are the only lights the ones on the tow dolly? Very good video that would be the perfect tutorial for anyone needing to learn to do this.
I have never had the 4 pin come loose. It's pretty snug! The only lights I have are on the dolly, but I do have the wiring kit for the Edge lights and need to install them. Know anybody that could do that for me!? Lol!
@@LifeWithPaulLorena I do know someone who could do it but I wouldn't count on them. Since retirement she has become pretty worthless. 🤣🤣
@@PidasianHippie Lmao!
29.1k SUBSCRIBERS ,Wow & Comments .5* Rating . I doing my homework/Research .Reading though comments ,I`ve learned alot ,You`ve Both got alot to teach .A Smart Following group = no time wasted. May 1,2o2o Fla still kind of closed (call ahead) look at LIVE CAM`s .Thanks So Much .Blessings of Father God for a Safe and Wonderful Adventures.
What adapter did you have so you could ad the bike rake along with the tow dolly? Thanks
You'll have to make sure you get one that works with your receiver, but it's a dual hitch extension like this one on Amazon...amzn.to/2TrK7Vm
Do you not have safety chains? Do you lock the steering wheel with the car's seatbelt to take the strain off the vehicle steering wheel lock?
I use safety chains from the dolly to the rig because I could see where the ball could have an issue and release. I personally choose not to use safety chains from the dolly to the vehicle because I don't think they are necessary. To have both straps break, if you keep them in good condition, is very unlikely to happen. I know many people will disagree, but we've towed over 50,000 miles now without even one strap breaking or coming close to breaking because we replace the straps at the first sign of wear.
We do not use the seatbelt trick and again feel it's unnecessary. You have to do what feels right to you and makes you feel comfortable.
Are the fender lights on the tow dolly all thats required,.....or do you need the magnetic lights on the rear, or roof of the car?
The fender lights are all that are required. I would never put the magnetic lights on my vehicle because I think they look ridiculous! Lol!
A better option is wiring the lights on your vehicle to work in unison with your motorhome. I have the kit, but haven't installed it yet.
Are the tow dolley lights all you need to come on? What about the vehicle lights ?
As far as we know, all you are required is to have indicator lights in the rear. We have towed this way for over 5 years without issue. I would say that having the vehicle lights working as well would be an added safety benefit. Safe travels!
ok you all when you hook up the dirty light plug ,, i usually add a small wire in the middle of the wires and twist it so it DON T CUM LOOSE
Thanks for the tip Mike!
I have a question when you use a Dolly does the tires lock when you park your vehicle on the dolly because I have brakes on all 4 wheels does the back wheels lock.
A dolly is best for front wheel drive vehicles. When you put a front wheel drive vehicle in park, only the wheels on the front are locked. The brakes do not come into play. If you put your parking brake on you will have issues because it will lock the back wheels up. So, you pull your vehicle up onto the dolly, put in park, make sure your brakes are off, and you're done. I hope that makes sense.
Paul What are your thoughts on a DEMO co tow dolly?
I believe you mean Demco? The Kar Kaddy is awesome, but doesn't fit wider vehicles.
Been awhile since you made this video but I have a question as my tow dolly told me to lock the steering wheel which I do by way of straps, does your ford's steering wheel lock in place?
Yes, our steering wheel locks when we turn off the ignition. If your steering wheel doesn't lock I don't think it would matter. What kind of tow dolly and does the platform pivot?
@@LifeWithPaulLorena Thank you for responding, the dolly is a Roadmaster RM3477, and the yes the platform pivots.
Howdy, what is the name of the device you use to release the pan so it can tilt. I’ve already lost one pin and the hole it goes into is starting to wallow out. Any help would be appreciated. I’m a newbie and it takes me about 45 minutes. Plus I’m going to change to the basket straps. They look like they’re easier to maneuver and look more secure.
Hi Steve, yeah that pin popped out on me about 6 times! I bought it at a local trailer supply in Vegas but you can find them on Amazon. Search for "trailer tilt" I think.
Will do. Thanks for the help.
HOw do you handle brake and turning lights on the towed vehicle? Did I miss something?
All on the tow dolly. You can also hook into your vehicle lights if you want. Some people add the magnetic ones to the vehicle, but I don't like the way it looks.
Would you use this dolly for a rear wheel drive ? Like a truck?
No you wouldn't. There is no point really. A front wheel drive works best on a tow dolly.
If it's rear wheel drive, check to see if it can be towed 4 wheels down. Some rear wheel drives can be towed 4 down. Some need accessories like transmission pumps, and some just can't. Best of luck Ken!
Do you have to put it in neutral ?
We tighten out wheel straps much tighter than you did. Also do you have trouble with ur dolly tires cupping? (Per hubby)
Hi Madeline...They just need to be snug. You should stop within the 50 miles to re-tighten them, which I never mentioned. If your tires are cupping they are most likely under-inflated.
The Motorhome Experiment
thanks!
Great video my friend! We have the same dolly and I agree with everything you said and showed. I need to modify ours with the "auto tilt mechanism" and the trailer wheel that swivels out of the way.
Question...... how often do you need to stop and check/tighten the tire straps? I've only towed short distances with ours but it seems like they stretched in the first ten miles or so and need to be retightened. Once I tighten them they seem okay...... but getting ready for some cross country travel this fall, I'm a little concerned.
Okay...... do you have any idea of the correct name of the "auto tilt mechanism"? 😉
I've done 11,000 miles in the last 10 months with a dolly. You drive 20 to 30 miles. Stop and tighten. Then good for the rest of the trip. The only issue that we have had was a very low clearance front spoiler on the car has been damaged by getting on and off the dolly.
@@georgelsmith53 Thanks George. That's the only thing I'm leary of. We are preparing for a 6,000 mile trip beginning in November and ending next April.
@@MakingMotorhomeMemories if you dont have a really low clearance, it's not a problem.
@@georgelsmith53 We do not have low clearance so there's no problem. Just over thinking. Thanks again George ..... safe travels..... Tom
Can you reverse with a tow dolly? Penske instructions tell me not to but I’m traveling 1000+ miles and I can’t think of a way to avoid reversing at several situations.
Also do I have to check every 50 miles? This is another recommendation on their video.
Hi JCRM! I do reverse with my tow dolly, but I will say you can do a lot of damage if you don't know what you are doing! It turns very quick and can get out of whack really fast. Checking it every 50 miles is insanity! Load it, tighten the straps and then stop after 20-30 miles to retighten the straps and it will be fine. I have rarely had to tighten the straps again after my check stop. I know the rental companies have crazy rules because they are trying to cover their butts!
The Motorhome Experiment thanks so much for replying. Definitely helps
Would you try to back into a campsite or are you talking about just backing up in a parking lot a couple of feet?
Also, wouldn't it be a lot harder trying to do all that inside a campsite? wouldn't that block the road while your messing with it?
I back the dolly, without the car, into campsites all the time. I have backed the car and dolly into a campsite once because it was setup perfect to do that. We take the same amount of time to hook and unhook as people who are towing 4 down, but we always try to load an unload so we aren't blocking anybody, if possible.
If you stay in campgrounds there are going to be times when you are waiting for people to back a trailer into a spot or unhook their cars. It's just part of the lifestyle.
@@LifeWithPaulLorena Would you say that you can back up a carless dolly about as easy as a boat trailer? or would you say that a dolly without a car is only a tiny bit easier than when there is a car on it?
The reason I ask, I am hoping to always leave the dolly on the RV so I can use back instead of pull thru. I dont mind taking the car off the dolly but then having to take the dolly off the RV sounds like it would suck
How are they backing up? Using one 1st time tomorrow on non running 68 Cougar.
Ive backed boats in 30+years, thanks.
You can back the tow dolly up by itself if you are very careful. Because it is so short it will jackknife very quickly. I have done it for very short distances with the car on it, but that can go wrong in a hurry!
@@LifeWithPaulLorena yes it's a PITA! Having my 68 flatbeded, it's worth too much plus need to save time. Did my Taurus and bronco and 25' boat rig yesterday, was enough. Looks like short piece of 2x4 between swivel platform and drums would lock it so as to back up, didn't have time to try it.
And Paul’s the only person I’ve ever seen back a tow Dollie with car loaded
Yeah, not something I recommend many people do, but it can be done in a pinch, which is one of my arguments for a tow dolly.
Get a Demco with a stearable axle and you can lock it and back it up with ease. I do it all the time.
Do you tow the car in park or do you leave it in neutral? I have heard it both ways.
Hi Eric. One of the advantages of a tow dolly is you can tow the car in park with the keys out. No worry about killing your battery. It is a front wheel drive so there is no need to leave it in neutral.
What's up with your drop hitch & angle the ball is running?
We hit some major dips while heading down the coast road from Los Barriles.
Why do you cross the chains? Recently told my SIL to do that but couldn't tell him why.
It's an old trailer trick that was passed down to me and I have no real explanation for it either. I think it's because if a trailer comes off the ball it acts like a cradle and support the trailer tongue so it doesn't immediately dig into the ground and cause even more problems.
How do you secure the steering wheel?
You don't need to secure your steering wheel with a tow dolly. Ours has a pivoting deck, so we just turn off the car, shut the doors and it's good to go. If you go with an older style that doesn't have a pivoting deck you'll probably need to leave the steering wheel unlocked somehow.
Great video. I don't want to buy a Chrysler product to be flat towed. Their vehicles are garbage. Going to dolly tow my Toyota Camry.
Paul please explain to me why you can't tow a 4x4 with a tow dolly.
I actually can't answer that. I don't see why you can't but everyone says you can't....shit, I know better than to listen to everyone! I need to test that! The transfer case should just spin the rear axle and the front will remain still. Shouldn't affect anything, I would think? Hmmmm.
Looked like the hitch receiver by the ball was bent forward and the dolly part wasn’t setting on it at the right angle.
It was bad timing for the video because we had just come down a road that bent the hell out of the hitch. I'll replace that as soon as we're back in the US.
I just spent an awful lot of money on a new car that will be Dollied behind my Motorhome (B+ Compass)...I missed where he used his E-Brake, I missed the safety chains...and I didn't want to skimp with a new car so I spent more than they did on a good Dolly that won't require any of his DYI improvements. Is speed really the only concern?
Speed is not a big deal at all, but the anti-dolly crowd always site that it is a much slower process. I disagree. Our dolly has surge breaks and does not require an "E-brake" to be hooked up. I don't use safety chains because I replace my straps at the first sign of any wear. I have never heard of a situation where both straps have broke and the only thing saving the vehicle in tow were the safety chains. If both straps break and only the safety chains are holding the vehicle on, I assume the entire rig is upside down in a ditch. It's great that you spent more money than we did on your tow dolly, but not everyone has that option available to them. Safe travels!
@@LifeWithPaulLorena I understand that "you have never heard of a case where", but after spending $30,000.+ on a new car it seems that the added insurance of. the safety chains and the entire 45 seconds they take to properly install is a simple way to make double sure...better safe than sorry, no?
and I meant the cars E-brake when you pull onto the dolly before you get under the car...again a simple safety precaution...
Isn't there the recommendation to also route a chain or strap around under the front of the vehicle in case the tied down of the wheels fails ?
They recommend it, but I personally don't use them. The chance of both wheels straps failing is very slim if you keep them in good condition.
@@LifeWithPaulLorena My wife and I have also decided due to the tow car choice to go with a tow dolly, probably the Demco Car Kaddy SS.
@@martyh4777 That is probably the best on the market. They don't have a really wide model so make sure it fits your vehicle. Safe travels!
@@LifeWithPaulLorena To save on gas, we want to stay with a smaller tow car anyway, like a Kia Soul or something.
We do a 2013 Kia Soul 5 speed manual with Blue Ox tow bar. Tracks perfectly and you hardly know it's there.
There are no safety chains for the car to dolly?
I don't use them, but I'm in the minority. I replace my straps often so they don't get to a point where they are borderline or may break.
Does the Dolly have electric brakes to help slow down when you put the brakes on in the RV ?
Yes
Probably has hydro surge brakes. They use the force of the trailer pushing against the tow vehicle to activate. Electric brakes would need a 6 or 7 pin plug he is only using a 4 pin for the lights.
Yes Heeber, mine has a surge brake. When you brake the coach and the trailer pushes forward it pushes fluid into brakes on the trailer. Very simple set up!
@@LifeWithPaulLorena Hi. Love your video! Does the surge brake system have a reservoir for fluid to be maintained?
What brand is your tow dolly, Towmaster?
It is a Master Tow.
Thanks
cool video talk
THANKS Scotty!
your welcome
What is length of your motor home?
34ft
One thing one ever think about is not all cars can be towed by a RV or for that matter a tow truck with rear wheel s down on the ground most car with front wheel drive can .some rear wheel drive can buy a lot can't you need to look at your owner s Manuel to determine most rear will get drive train damage unless you remove the drive shaft be for towing more than a few miles at low speed .the car needs to be running and in gear to move the oil in the drive train. Please check your manuals and happy rving.alslo dolly can be a great tool but they don't have any break and are not legal in a lot of state s and not safe in the mountains due to having 2 tons going down hill with no brakes
You are correct in that a tow dolly is best for a front-wheel drive vehicle. I would never recommend a tow dolly for a rear-wheel drive vehicle for RVing.
However, you are incorrect when you say ALL tow dollies don't have brakes. Ours has a surge brake and most others have electric brakes. We have traveled mountain roads all over North America without an issue.
Also, tow dollies are legal on every highway in every one of the 48 contiguous states. Registration and whether or not you must use lights in various ways may vary.
I recommend adding safety chains in case straps fail
awesome hookup,it'll take me at least 30 minutes
Why does his tow bar look bent. Did he hit some thing?
Yep! Doing some off-roading and went down through a big dip. I've since replaced it.
Why no safety chains for the vehicle?
I honestly don't believe they are necessary Steve. I keep the straps in great shape and replace them at the earliest sign of possible failure.
No safety chains on the vehicle?
I personally do not use safety chains, from the dolly to the vehicle, and do not see them as necessary. You should use them if it makes you feel comfortable. If something happens that makes BOTH of your straps fail at the same time, I assume it will be catastrophic for the entire rig. We replace our straps at the first sign of wear (only once so far) and have not had any issues in 55,000+ miles.
Do you tow in NEUTRAL?
Because our vehicle is front wheel drive we don't have to. We just put it in park and away we go. Part of the reason we started with a tow dolly is because we had a front wheel drive vehicle.
@@LifeWithPaulLorena Best to check your owner's manual. My 2019 GMC Terrain is front wheel drive, but must be placed in neutral on the dolly AND the steering wheel needs to be locked with a ratchet strap.
@@michaelpolomsky3514 You are correct! We have heard that some of the newer vehicles have electronics on the rear axle now that detect movement when the vehicle is off and act funky on a tow dolly. You probably have to disconnect the battery as well. Ours does not have that and it makes it very easy. I don't know why you would have to put a ratchet strap on the steering wheel, but if your manual calls for that, you should probably do it. Again, we have had zero issues with our setup in over 55,000 miles.
That was a lot quicker and easier then I was told it was. We tow a Lincoln MKX four down. We have the Airforce 1 brake system. All we have to do is connect one quick disconnect air line and we are done with the break's. Also with the Lincoln Ford says we can not exceed 70 mph and every six hours of towing we have to unhook and drive it for a few minutes. Ford also says we have to drive the car in reverse for a little bit too. With our diesel pusher we usually tow at 66 mph at 1600 RPM. We don't even realize the car is behind us. With the tow dolly do you have a speed restriction?
Hi Adrian! If I'm not shooting the process it's 3-4 minutes. We don't have to start the car, even if driving for days. Most people don't know you're supposed to do that when pulling 4 down, with certain vehicles. There isn't really a "speed limit", but I honestly don't see a reason for going over 70mph, in a motorhome while towing. If you're in that much of a hurry, you need a different hobby! 😁 Safe travels!
Lorena needs a whip. This would happen much faster 🤺. In addition, she could get multiple uses from the whip.
Lol! Thanks Steve!
How to stop fish tailing on car dolly
We have never experienced fishtailing at all. I would have to assume the vehicle on the tow dolly is heavily loaded in the back. Most of the weight should be over or near the front tires. A regular trailer also sways if the weight is too far back.
Hey hey..Hows it goin guys..............
Yo Dave! Hope you're having an amazing day!
You should get rid of that adapter for your bike rack .it pushes your hitch to far back from your receive and that extra length increases the load on it weakening your whole hitch that's not to bad if you're only hauling some thing lite like a small utility trailer maybe up to 1000 pounds but you are hauling closer to 2 tons . That is dangerous please I'm not being a troll I'm looking out for you those adapters should be out lawed in all 50 States .the extra length will reduce the hitch strength by up to 50 percent.
Alan, a tow dolly doesn't have as much tongue weight as pulling a regular trailer. We have 50,000 plus miles on our hitch/dolly/bike setup without an issue and we check it regularly. Thanks for your input.
He didn't spend much time making sure the vehicle was in the middle of the dolly. It took me over 30 minutes of on and off just to get mine within 1" of being in the middle. How important is being close to the middle?
It doesn't have to be perfect Glenn. I know how far the tire has to be from the edge of the ramp. so I line that up and know we're good to go. I'm sure you could be a couple of inches either way and be fine. We have had zero issues after 55,000 miles of towing on that dolly.
That is our debate. I think you swayed the decision..
You have to go with what works best for you Greg!
A little white grease on the ball wouldn't hurt.👍
Agreed...I drop some on every now and then.
Very quickly he lacked to secure the anchors of the center of the dolly, the safety chains lacked
You are correct. I personally do not use the extra chains. I keep my tire straps in like new condition and replace them when they get overly worn. I don't see the need for the extra chains. I would like to hear if anyone has had both tire straps break and the only thing holding the vehicle on being the safety chains. We appreciate your comment.
Thank you made this way less intimidating
Glad it helped!
Towing AWD vehicles are supposed to have ALL wheels off the ground.
You are correct. Our vehicle happens to be a front-wheel drive, which sets up perfectly for a tow dolly.
Should put safety chains on the car to the tow dolly.
We inspect our straps on a regular basis and replace them at the earliest signs of wear. I honestly don't see the safety chains as necessary, but that's just my opinion.
No safety chains to hook up in the event a strap came off? Wow!
The chances of two of those heavy duty straps breaking are pretty slim. We have now done over 50,000 miles without any issue.
How many times have your straps broke?
Keep your straps in great shape and replace them at the first sign of them being bad. We've replaced ours twice even though they probably had many more miles on them. If both straps fail and the only thing holding your vehicle on the dolly are the safety chains, you're probably upside down in a ditch with bigger problems. Even with one strap left on, your vehicle will not come off the dolly.