How to Tow a Car with a Dolly: The Complete Guide

Dolly towing is a method of towing a vehicle behind another vehicle using a tow dolly. This can be a great way to ship a car, especially if it cannot be driven for some reason. However, following the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines is essential to ensure a safe and successful car tow.

Using a tow dolly involves attaching the towed auto’s front wheels/two wheels into the dolly using a loading ramp and tire straps. The doll is then connected to the towing auto using a hitch and safety chains.

It is essential to make sure the weight of the towed car does not exceed the weight capacity of the dolly and that the brakes and lights of the towed vehicle are correctly connected and functioning.

Before beginning towing, it is essential to ensure the towed vehicle transmission is in neutral and its parking brake is off. If the towed auto is rear wheels driven, it is also important to disconnect the drive shaft or use a dolly with a u-joint.

It is also important to check the owner’s manual of the tow and towing vehicles for any specific instructions or precautions.

During towing, it is important to drive slowly and carefully to avoid any accidents or damage to the vehicles. It is also important to make sure the differential housing of the towed auto is not damaged by the towing process.

When reaching the destination, the tow vehicle should be unloaded from the dolly using the unloading ramps. It is important to park the car’s goal safely and disconnect all equipment, such as straps and hitch.

Choosing the Right Car Tow Dolly Services

Choosing the right tow dolly is crucial for a safe and successful towing experience. With various types of car tow dollies available in the market, selecting the one that suits your vehicle and towing needs is essential. In this section, we’ll discuss the factors to consider when choosing the right dolly for your car.

Types of flat Tow Dollies:

There are two main types of tow dollies/car dollies available in the market: the traditional tow dolly like u haul tow dolly, and the swivel tow dolly. The standard tow dolly is a basic model with a fixed axle that can only accommodate rear-wheel-drive vehicles.

In contrast, the swivel car tow dolly has a pivoting mechanism that allows for more flexibility and can accommodate front-wheel-drive cars.

Selecting the Right Car Dolly Services:

When selecting a dolly, choosing one suitable for your car and towing auto/vehicle is crucial. The weight of the car and the tow capacity of your vehicle will determine the type of dolly you need.

It’s important to check the owner’s manual of your car and towing car to ensure that you’re selecting a doll with the appropriate weight and begin towing capacity.

Weight and Towing Capacity:

The weight limit and tow capacity of the dolly are also essential factors to consider. The weight quantity of the doll should be able to accommodate the weight of your car. In addition, the towing capacity of the dolly should be compatible with your towing car.

Exceeding the weight and tow capacity of the doll can cause significant safety risks, such as brake failure and tire blowouts.

Safety Features:

Safety features such as brake lights, safety chains, and tire belts are crucial for a safe towing experience. Backlights notify other drivers on the road that you’re slowing down or stopping, which is essential for preventing accidents.

Safety chains prevent the dolly from separating from the towing vehicle, which can cause a significant safety hazard. The tire belts keep the towed vehicle’s front wheels/two wheels securely fastened to the doll, reducing the risk of the vehicle shifting or falling off.

Preparing Your Car for Dolly Towing

Before you start towing your car with a dolly, it is essential to ensure that it is adequately prepared for the journey. This will ensure your safety on the road and prevent any damage to your car. In this section, we will discuss the steps involved in preparing your vehicle for dolly towing and highlight some important considerations to remember.

Disconnect the Drive Shaft or U-joint

One of the most critical steps in preparing your car for dolly towing is to disconnect the drive shaft or u-joint. This is necessary to prevent damage to your car’s transmission. If your car is a front-wheel drive, you can disconnect the drive shaft from the transmission.

However, if it is a rear-wheel drive, you will need to remove the driveshaft entirely or install a driveshaft disconnect device.

Secure the Car Onto the Dolly

The next step is to load your car onto the car dolly securely. This involves loading ramps to drive your vehicle onto the doll, then securing it with straps and hooks. Ensure that the straps are tightened enough to prevent the vehicle from moving or shifting during transport. Double-check that the car is centered on the dolly and the belt is in the correct position.

Check Tire Pressure and Brakes

Before you start towing, you must check the tire pressure and brakes on your car. Make sure that the tires are correctly inflated and in good condition. Check the brake fluid level and ensure that the brakes are functioning correctly. This will help ensure a safe and smooth journey for your car.

Use Additional Safety Measures

Using other safety measures, such as safety belts and chains, is always a good idea. Safety chains provide extra security and prevent the dolly from separating from the towing car in case of an accident.

Brakelight/or lights used to slow down the car are required by law in most states and alert other drivers when you are braking. Tire straps help prevent the vehicle from bouncing or shifting during transport.

Attaching the Dolly to the Towing Vehicle – How to Tow a Car with a Dolly

When attaching the dolly to your towing auto, you should follow a few steps to ensure a safe and secure connection. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Check the Hitches

Before attaching the dolly to your towing car, it’s important to ensure that the hitch is in good condition and can support the weight of the doll and your car. Check for any signs of wear or damage, and ensure that the hitch is securely attached to your Car.

Connect the Dolly

Once you’ve inspected your hitches, you can connect the dolly to your towing car. Position the dolly in front of the hitch and line up the hitched ball with the coupler on the doll. Make sure that the coupler is securely attached to the hitch ball.

Check the Weight Capacity

It’s important to check the weight size of both your dolly and your towing auto to ensure that you’re not exceeding any weight limits. Overloading your doll or towing a car can cause serious safety hazards and could lead to accidents. Ensure that the weight of your car and the dolly does not exceed the maximum weight size of your towing auto.

Double Check Your Connection

Once you’ve connected the dolly to your towing car, double-check to ensure everything is secure. Give the doll a gentle push to ensure it’s attached properly and won’t come loose during transport.

Test Your Lights and Brakes

Before hitting the road, test your lights and brakes to ensure they work correctly. The dolly should have brake lights connected to your towing vehicle, so ensure they’re functioning correctly. Additionally, ensure that your car’s brakes are properly engaged and that the tires are securely strapped to the dolly.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your car is safely and securely attached to your dolly. And that your doll is securely connected to your towing vehicle. Remember always to prioritize safety when towing and to take the time to properly prepare. Inspect your equipment before hitting the road.

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Towing Your Car with a Dolly

Towing a car with a dolly can be an effective way to transport your Car from one place to another. However, it’s important to understand the steps involved to ensure safety and prevent damage to your auto. In this section, we will discuss the steps involved in towing your Auto with a dolly.

Steps Involved in Towing Your Car with a Dolly:

1. Connect the dolly to the towing vehicle: The first step is to attach the doll to the towing vehicle’s hitch. Ensure the trap is securely fastened and the safety chains are correctly connected.
2. Load your car onto the dolly: Next, drive your car up the loading ramps and position it in the center of the doll. Use the tire straps and hooks to secure the car onto the dolly.
3. Check the steering: If you’re towing a front-wheel drive car with a dolly. It’s essential to turn the steering & wheel to prevent damage to the car’s suspension. For a rear-wheel drive car, leave the steering unlocked.
4. Drive slowly and carefully: When towing your car with a dolly, it’s important to drive slowly and carefully to ensure safety. Make sure to follow traffic rules and signals and avoid sudden turns or stops.

Advantages of Flat Towing:

1. No need for a dolly or trailer: With flat towing, you can tow your car using a tow bar, which is much easier and less expensive than using a dolly or trailer.
2. Easy to set up: Flat towing can be set up quickly and easily, making it a convenient option for short trips.
3. No need to disconnect the drive shaft. Unlike dolly towing, flat towing does not require you to disconnect the drive shaft or u-joint.

Disadvantages of Flat Towing:

1. Limited to certain cars: Not all vehicles are suitable for flat towing. You need to check your car’s owner’s manual to ensure it can be flat towed.
2. Wear and tear on tires and suspension: Flat tow can cause wear and tear on your car’s tires and suspension, leading to costly repairs.

Arriving at Your Destination and Unloading the Car:

When you arrive at your destination, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines to safely disconnect the dolly from the towing and unload your car.

Steps Involved in Arriving at Your Destination and Unload the Car:

1. Disconnect the dolly from the towing car: Remove the tire strap and hooks, and disconnect the dolly from the towing vehicle’s hitch.
2. Unload your car: Use the loading ramps to drive your car off the dolly.
3. Check the car for damages: After you unload your vehicle, it’s important to check it for any damages. Look for scratches, dents, or other signs of wear.

Frequently Ask Questions

1. Do you put a car in neutral when towing with a tow dolly?

   Yes, you need to put the car in neutral when towing with a tow dolly.

2. Is it easier to pull a car on a dolly or trailer?

   It depends on the situation and personal preference, but some people find it easier to tow a car on a dolly than a trailer.

3. How do you get a car tow dolly?

   To get a car on a tow dolly, you need to correctly align the dolly with the vehicle and then use loading ramps to drive the car onto the doll. Once the vehicle is in place, you can secure it with a strap and hook.