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How to Park with a Car Tow Dolly

If you’re someone who enjoys spending all their time on the open road, then a car tow dolly is going to be one of your favorite traveling companions. However, there are plenty of things to keep in mind before hitting the open road with a tow dolly. Between additional tow dolly parts, accessories, and tow dolly safety procedures, there’s a lot more to a tow dolly parking than meets the eye. The benefits of this incredible travel companion will make cross-country road trips, family vacations, and other adventures seamless, but you’ll need to be prepared before departure.

One thing to consider when your traveling with a car tow dolly? How you’ll manage to park! Driving with a tow dolly takes precision and care – and so will parking.

As a first-time dolly driver or seasoned expert, it never hurts to brush up on the proper ways to use a tow dolly, so parking is less complex when it’s finally time to hit the road.

Can I park with a tow dolly? 

For those that drive the widest, largest RVs on the road, you already understand parking difficulties. Add the width and extension of a tow dolly, and you’re looking at one complicated park job. While it’s possible to park with a tow dolly, it’s problematic for several reasons.

Finding space

Determining a spacious place to park an RV can be difficult. Factor in a tow dolly; you face even more challenges. Tow dolly parking, while not impossible, is incredibly limited because of space. Taking up multiple parking spaces isn’t very responsible or safe, especially for long periods. It’s best to find an area with plenty of space and fewer safety risks for you and your family.

Location

Finding the best location to park your tow dolly is also incredibly important. Crowded parking lots are less than ideal, simply because your rig will take up too much room. If you have to make a critical stop, park at the very end of a lot. That way, there are fewer opportunities for someone to hit your rig.

Other vehicles

Another factor to take into account is other vehicles in the surrounding area. Chances are they aren’t aware of the difficulties that come with parking your RV and dolly, so they might block you in and make departure incredibly difficult.

As you can see, tow dolly parking is incredibly complex, which is why most rigs aren’t left with a dolly attached for an extended time. Parking with a tow dolly is only feasible in certain instances and for a short time.

Safe tow dolly parking locations 

Naturally, there are some instances where you have to park your RV with your dolly, like if you’re filling up on gas or making a pit stop. However, there are a limited number of locations where it’s safe to park and leave your dolly as it is. In these instances, you likely won’t be able to park for an extended period simply because it’s too difficult to maneuver your rig. While you’re on the road, we recommend the following safe stops during your adventure.

Rest Stops

The best place to stop on the road with a tow dolly is a designated rest stop. Not only do rest stops provide the perfect place to get out and stretch, but you can also safely park your RV in designated areas. While you can’t make camp at a rest stop, you can take this opportunity to pull over without worrying about the safety of your RV and tow dolly.

Campgrounds

The best place to stop and park a tow dolly is at a campground. No one understands the complexities and safety procedures of towing like fellow campers. You can safely pull over and park your rig without worrying about your tow dolly and RV safety.

The one negative aspect about campground parking is arrivals and departures. If your RV and dolly take up too much space, it could make it difficult for other travelers to maneuver around you. While you’re safe to park your RV and dolly if you plan on making camp, remove your dolly from your RV so everyone can safely enter and exit the campground.

If you’re traveling with an RV and dolly for the first time, we recommend reviewing our best tow dolly and RV travel tips. 

Emergency Stops

Emergency stops are difficult and stressful at times, but you have to pull over in those events. If the unexpected happens on the road, pull over onto the right-hand shoulder of the highway and give yourself plenty of time to assess the situation.

As you can see, it can be challenging to park with a tow dolly, but it’s not impossible. The key is to find a place with plenty of space and to unhitch your dolly if necessary.

An important safety tip to remember is that backing up a loaded dolly is incredibly difficult and not all that safe. At some point, your dolly and car will go on a different path than your RV, and you’ll be forced to stop or face damage to your dolly. So, be sure to stop in a place that’s easy to maneuver and try to avoid backing up your loaded dolly.

Tow dolly unloading tips

When the time comes to park and unload your dolly, there are a few precautionary items you’ll need to remember. Our blog, How to Load a Car on A Tow Dolly, covers how to safely load your dolly, so most of these steps can be applied in reverse.

Once the RV and dolly are safely stopped on a flat surface, begin by unstrapping your tire straps.

Make sure there are no obstructions behind your car, and the ramp is secure.

Once everything is disconnected from your car, enter the vehicle.

Take off the parking brake, start the car, and slowly back off the dolly’s ramp.

From here, you can enjoy all the off-roading adventures you want in your car and securely store your dolly under your RV.

When it comes to long-distance traveling and road trips, nothing is more capable of going the distance than your car tow dolly.

Ready to hit the road? For more informational tips, watch our helpful video on How to Use a Car Tow Dolly.

from cartowdolly https://cartowdolly.com/2021/03/car-tow-dolly-parking/

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How to Safely Operate Your Car Tow Dolly

Driving on the open road can be exciting and adventurous, but sometimes the highway is an intimidating place. Other drivers might not be as mindful of your RV and tow dolly as you are, so it’s essential to be ready for anything. That means taking additional precautions when it comes to operating your car tow dolly.

If you’re about to travel with a tow dolly for the first time but aren’t very familiar with how to safely operate your RV with a car tow dolly, we’re here to help. We’ll address the safety, security, and must-have steps for using a tow dolly so you feel confident before your next road trip.

Are Tow Dollies Safe? 

Before we dive into our tow dolly safety tips, we’d first like to address a common question among consumers – how safe is a car tow dolly?

If you’ve ever wondered whether or not tow dollies were a safe method of vehicle transportation, we’re here to clear the air once and for all – tow dollies are completely safe and secure. In fact, car tow dollies are a more secure means of transport compared to traditional flat-towing. A tow dolly is designed to protect your car from wear and tear on the highway, but that’s not their only advantage. Additional security reinforcements like safety chains, tire straps, and our very own galvanized disc brakes make driving a tow dolly much safer and more enjoyable.

At Car Tow Dolly, we design our tow dollies to be 100% secure and easy to navigate during assembly, loading, and use. The reinforcements of our safety chains, wheel straps, and galvanized disc brakes are only some of the features that make our tow dolly the best of its kind.

Six Steps for Tow Dolly Safety 

Before you hit the road, it’s essential to feel comfortable and confident about transporting your car on your tow dolly – and nothing provides peace of mind quite like tow dolly safety. By taking a few extra safety precautions, you and your tow dolly will be ready to take on your next adventure.

Inspect the Wheels 

Just like the wheels on your car and RV, tow dolly wheels are instrumental to reaching your destination. If your tires appear flat or look worn, be sure to replace them before hitting the road. Our car tow dolly tires are designed to go the distance but experience annual wear and tear like anything else.

If your wheels look ready to go, we still recommend packing a spare tire in case of an accident. You never go anywhere without a spare tire for your car – the same applies to your dolly.

Check the Wheel Straps 

As one of the main components securing your car to your dolly, wheel straps are an essential part of safe transportation. However, that doesn’t mean they’re indestructible. If you notice any slack in your straps or too many frays, then it’s time to replace them with brand new wheel straps.

As an extra precaution, be sure to pack two additional straps on your travels.

Secure the Hitch

The hitch is instrumental in safely transporting your vehicle. If your tow dolly isn’t securely attached to your RV, you could risk a potential mishap or accident on the highway. Double-checking your connection is a simple task that guarantees the safety of yourself and others.

Inspect the Lighting System

Just like your car and RV, a lighting system guarantees safe tow dolly travels. Brake lights and turn signals help other drivers know your destination, so it’s essential to hook up your tow dolly lights and make sure they’re working correctly.

Load  Dolly-Approved Vehicles 

Every tow dolly has its limits. As a rule of thumb, tow dollies are designed to transport vehicles within a specific weight limit and size. Be sure to load a car that is compatible with these restrictions.

Inspect other Tow Dolly Parts

Before hitting the road, take a thorough look at your tow dolly and its remaining parts. Check the condition of the brakes, the security of the tow dolly safety chains, and other vital features on your dolly.

Our Maintenance Bundle is a great way to keep your tow dolly in pristine condition – and at an incredible value!

Once you’ve reviewed the entirety of your tow dolly, you’ll be ready to hit the road!

Safe Tow Dolly Driving Tips

Another essential part of tow dolly safety has nothing to do with the dolly – it’s all about your driving! As easy as it is to push the accelerator, you must follow certain rules of the road when towing your vehicle. Otherwise, you’ll face difficulties while you’re driving!

Follow or go below the speed limit.

Following the speed limit is essential, so don’t take any chances by speeding on the highway. Sometimes, depending on the incline or the weather, it’s even better to go slightly below the speed limit. For more information, review our blog How Fast Can I Drive with A Car Tow Dolly?

Take turns with caution.

Sharp turns can be tricky in your car, let alone in an RV with a tow dolly. It’s best to approach these more difficult turns with care, leaving a wide enough distance between yourself and other vehicles.

Allow following distance

Because of the amount of weight you’re carrying on your vehicle, it’s essential to leave enough space in front of you and other cars on the road. That way, you can have plenty of time and space to hit the brakes.

Inspect your dolly during stops

If you notice anything unusual during the drive, take the time to stop and inspect your dolly and car. Ensuring everything is secure and functioning correctly protects you and other drivers. You can always repair the problem at a rest stop or campground!

Transporting your car on our idler tow dolly or galvanized disc brake tow dolly is incredibly safe, but it’s always best to take extra care on the road. In the end, you’ll feel more secure and happy during your travels!

Want to know more about your dolly before your next adventure? Watch our instructional video on How to Use a Car Tow Dolly before you hit the open road!

from cartowdolly https://cartowdolly.com/2021/03/car-tow-dolly-safety/

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What’s the Size of a Car Tow Dolly?

Before you hit the road, it’s essential to prepare yourself for the journey ahead. While part of this preparation means packing for your upcoming adventure, that’s not the only planning that matters.

If you and your family plan to make a long-distance journey, it’s a good idea to bring your vehicle along for the ride, and there’s no better way to transport your car like a car tow dolly. A tow dolly is an easy, safe, and convenient way to transport your vehicle during long-distance road trips and is a better alternative than driving your RV into town!

However, if you are a first-time user of the tow dolly, its sizing and width can be a little intimidating. After all, it’s essentially an extension of your RV. So, how do you account for its size when you’re on the road? By knowing its dimensions beforehand!

Becoming familiar with your tow dolly is essential before you hit the road, and that means you’ll need to learn more about the size, width, and other critical dimensions. Once you know more about your car tow dolly size, you’ll feel more comfortable navigating the open road.

What’s the Size of a Tow Dolly?

The average size of a tow dolly is typically 102 inches wide. However, the average length varies by the tow dolly manufacturer. A dolly’s length can range from 92 inches to nearly 130 inches. The total length and width of a tow dolly can determine how simple it is to drive or store your dolly. The longer the dolly, the more caution you’ll have to take on the road, especially during sharp turns or rough terrain.

At Car Tow Dolly, the standard width of our tow dollies is 102 inches, making it easy to store under the rear of most coaches. Additionally, each dolly is 92 inches long, 80.5 inches between the fenders, and 27 inches tall to the top of the fenders. We’ve designed our tow dollies’ length, width, and height to be incredibly manageable, so it’s easier for our customers to store and take our dolly anywhere they want. We understand that tackling the open road takes plenty of time and hard work – your tow dolly should help manage that workload, instead of contributing to it.

Our idler tow dolly and galvanized disc brake tow dolly are optimized for travel and storage, thanks to their manageable size. The best part? Our car tow dolly weight is between 330-380 pounds – the lightest tow dolly on the market! It’s easier than ever to attach and store your dolly thanks to its manageable weight and dimension size.

Before hitting the road, make sure you have a tow dolly that works for you, and consider the size and weight of your dolly before purchase. At Car Tow Dolly, we make your comfort and safety our top priority when manufacturing our tow dollies.

Important Tow Dolly Features and Tips

Besides the size and dimensions of a tow dolly, there are several factors you should account for prior to hitting the open road with your dolly for the first time. For example, should you pack spare parts before you leave? What’s the safest way to drive with a tow dolly? And, last but not least, what should you do when you’re not using your tow dolly?

When you’re traveling with a tow dolly, we recommend you bring a few car tow dolly accessories for the trip. While our tow dolly is incredibly durable and capable of navigating any stretch of highway, it’s better to come prepared, especially if you plan on traveling for an extended time.

The most necessary tow dolly accessories to bring with you are:

Spare Tire and Wheel

Accidents happen on the road. Rather than risk damaging your tow dolly and vehicle, bring a spare tire and wheel during your travels.

Extra Wheel Straps

Wheel straps are there to keep your car securely connected to your tow dolly. However, over time these straps can fray and become worn. If you notice your strap has too much slack on the road, an extra wheel strap reinforces the security of your car.

Safety Chains

Safety chains are what keep your tow dolly connected to your RV. Without these, your tow dolly and RV won’t have a secure connection.

Adapter Plug

If you cannot plug the wires from your RV into your dolly, an adapter plug is a must-have for the road.

While many essential parts and accessories accompany your tow dolly, these four are your must-have traveling companions. For a complete breakdown of our tow dolly, read our helpful blog, What are the Parts of a Tow Dolly? 

Besides keeping the right tow dolly accessories on hand, there are a few tow dolly travel tips you should keep in mind before hitting the road. Because your tow dolly adds length and width to your rig, you’ll need to take extra precautions while you’re on the road. Turning, sharp inclines and uneven terrain can be challenging, but it’s nothing your tow dolly can’t handle at the right speed. 

At Car Tow Dolly, we design our tow dolly to be highly maneuverable, lightweight, and manageable in size so that you can navigate your dolly with ease. Driving with a car tow dolly for the first time can be daunting, but we do our best to ensure your safety and comfort come first.

For more steps and instructions on using your tow dolly, review the following resources before you hit the road. They’ll explain how to load, strap, and drive your dolly with the utmost safety.

How to Load a Car on A Tow Dolly

How to Strap Down a Car on A Tow Dolly

How to Tow a Car Behind an RV

How Fast Can I Drive with A Car Tow Dolly?

The Best Place for Tow Dolly Storage

Once you become familiar with the steps, features, and size of your car tow dolly, you’ll be ready to hit the open road!

Want to learn more about our tow dolly? Watch How to use a Car Tow Dolly before you hit the open road, so you feel confident and comfortable before you travel.

from cartowdolly https://cartowdolly.com/2021/03/size-of-a-car-tow-dolly/

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Disc vs Drum Brakes for a Car Tow Dolly

When the time comes to find the right car tow dolly for your adventure, you need to take a long look at the type of brakes for the dolly. You have two options: disc vs drum brakes. Determining the type of brakes for your tow dolly doesn’t have to be challenging. Let’s take a look at both types of car tow dolly brakes, the pros, and cons of each, and determine which type is best for your tow dolly in this blog post from Car Tow Dolly.

The Legal Requirements for Brakes

Before you can use a tow dolly, you need to have brakes. They are required for legal tow dolly usage in all 50 states in the United States and in Canada. There’s no way around it; brakes are a must on any type of tow dolly. If you ever want to sell your dolly in the future, having brakes will make it easy to sell. Roughly eight out of every 10 tow dollies sold are sold with brakes.

Disc Brake Tow Dolly

If you choose to go with disc brake tow dolly brakes, you should know that these brakes can be used in a hydraulic system. Disc brakes have the following positives:

4 times more efficient than drum brakes

Cool faster than drum brakes

Do not need to be adjusted

Resist brake fade

One moving part

Longer lifespan

Easy-to-replace friction pads

Easy-to-access caliper for cleaning

The rotor can be removed in its entirety without removing the hub

Can self-adjust to prevent uneven braking

Rust, dirt, and water will not impact braking

Less sensitive to prematurely locking up

Lower cost of ownership during the life of the tow dolly with brakes

No scheduled maintenance is required (changing brake fluid or adjusting the brake shoes)

Braking is proportional even when traveling at lower speeds

If you choose electric brakes, the system can be programmed to apply the correct braking pressure based on the overall weight of the load being towed

More Stopping Power

When comparing car tow dolly brakes, disc brakes have more stopping power than traditional padded brakes. This means that they have more power to effectively stop heavy loads being hauled. So, if you are towing a large truck behind your RV, you shouldn’t have to worry about it stopping in the same amount of time as the RV. 

Pressure is Applied Evenly

As you dig deeper into the comparison between disc brakes and drum brakes you will find that disc brakes apply pressure more evenly than drum brakes. What does this mean? When pressure is applied to brake rotors it is done so evenly so that the rotors do not wear down unevenly. At the same time, these brakes allow each wheel to feel the same amount of pressure. When each wheel experiences the same amount of pressure it helps prevent the dolly from overturning.

Repair, Replacement, and Cleaning Are a Breeze

You will find that disc brakes for a tow dolly are a breeze to repair, replace, or clean. Since the system is one piece, the caliper, you won’t have to worry about disassembling multiple parts to clean or repair another part. A disc brake system is very easy to inspect and can be removed and put back onto the car tow dolly in a matter of minutes. On top of it all, you will be putting much less stress on the brakes of the towing vehicle than if you were to use drum brakes on the tow dolly

Drum Brake Tow Dolly

Not sure if disc brakes are the best option for your tow dolly with brakes? Let’s examine drum brakes for your tow dolly. Drum brakes are an older type of brake compared to disc brakes. Drum brakes have many disadvantages when compared to disc brakes for a tow dolly with brakes. Some of the disadvantages of choosing drum brakes over disc brakes include the following:

Brake fade occurs more often (lose their effectiveness or stopping power)

Vibrate when braking due to distortions of the drums

Retain more water than disc brakes

Drum brakes are still a popular option for tow dollies because they cost less than disc brakes. The reason for this is that they cost less to make and are lighter. Drum brakes take a lot more money, time, and effort to maintain, repair, or replace. If you have to replace just a spring, you will need to remove the wheel, hub, cap, and seal to do so. On top of it all, you will likely need to repack the bearings too.

Even though a drum brake system is a more affordable system at the onset, you will wind up spending more money on this type of system in the long run than if you go with disc brakes for your tow dolly with brakes.

When the time comes to order car tow dolly brakes, look no further than Car Tow Dolly. We can ship the tow dolly with brakes or any part to your location across the country. Want to buy a brand new dolly? Consider purchasing the Car Tow Dolly Bundle. If you have questions or would like to place an order, give us a call. We offer free shipping for the bundle and free same-day shipping for our Idler Dolly Bundle.

from cartowdolly https://cartowdolly.com/2021/02/disc-vs-drum-brakes-for-a-car-tow-dolly/

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Does a Tow Dolly Add Miles to Car?

Using a tow dolly to transport a newly-purchased vehicle or your family vehicle behind an RV is a great way to ensure safety during your trip. Tow dollies from Car Tow Dolly are lightweight, easy to assemble, easy to hook up to the towing vehicle, and easy to load the vehicle being towed. Another great feature of the tow dolly is that it takes up little to no space when being stored.

When looking into towing a vehicle either to the next town over or across the country, the tow dolly from Car Tow Dolly makes this task as easy as 1, 2, 3. There are many questions that people who’ve never used a tow dolly have before making their first purchase. One of those questions does a tow dolly add miles to car is going to be answered in this blog post.

Using a Tow Dolly with Front Wheel Drive Vehicles

Should you use a tow dolly with front-wheel drive vehicles, you will find that these vehicles do not see mileage added to them when using a tow dolly. The emergency brakes are integrated into the rear wheels, while odometer sensors are integrated into the front suspension. Therefore, since the front wheels are stationary on the dolly no mileage is being recorded or accumulated. This fact may be the most significant difference between dolly towing and four flat towing with a tow bar system.

This is a very important consideration when it comes time to sell your car. Mileage is the single most depreciating factor for all vehicles. If you have lease mileage restrictions to consider it’s even more costly to consider.

Four Flat Towing

Probably a bit simpler to connect to your towed car than a dolly would be. Most Tow Bar installations are very expensive and require some dismantling or cutting /modifications of the front of your vehicle. Of course, when it comes time to sell the vehicle this will result in an additional expense or depreciation of the car.

With the cost of the Tow Bar system, the cost of a brake activation system being installed into your car, and the labor to do so can easily cost between $3500.00 to $7500.00.

When you decide to sell or change cars, guess what…That system will not work with your next car. You have to start all over with a brand new system. If your towed car is damaged or totaled for some reason, your insurance company most likely will not compensate you for the monetary loss of the Tow Bar installation. Even if you remove the system for the above reasons, with the idea of selling it… You must pay labor costs to have it removed, then you must find someone with that exact same car, that needs a Used Tow Bar System. That’s when you find out that Used Tow Bar Systems have little or no resale value at all. 

Finally, with a tow bar system, you will be towing four flat. That means that your towed car will be accumulating ” Ghost ” mileage. A significant depreciating factor in resale values. In addition, you have also now turned your car into a beast of burden. It has to do its own turning and most importantly, braking. 

Towing four flat with the engine off means that there is no steering assist helping the front wheels to turn, resulting in a much stiffer wheel articulation. Meaning more rapid tire wear. Tire wear, brake pads wear, ghost mileage…. adds up to depreciation and added hidden maintenance costs. 

Also, make certain that your car can even be flat towed. Understand that flat towing results in engine and transmission internal components moving and spinning and turning. This generates heat, without the assistance of the car’s ventilation and cooling system keeping things in check.

Car Tow Dolly Towing

Probably a little bit more involved to hook up your car than a Tow Bar system would be. 

Dolly towing has many advantages. The most important thing to understand about dolly towing is that you do not want to try to save money by buying the cheapest dolly. There are several different ” Names ” of dolly models. However, most of them are copies of copies that are just cosmetically different.

The most common and most copied is the Master Tow Tow Dolly. At the time of this writing, there are probably 16 knock-off copies being sold under different names. However, they are all the same basic design with some minor cosmetic changes.

If you decide to dolly tow I recommend that you consider the UltraLight ” EZE-TOW ” Galvanized Disc Brake Car Tow Dolly. $1500.00 to $2400.00. Or, one of the Demco dolly products. $2600.00 to $5000.00. Without question the two most reliable, well-built, and engineered dollies on the market. Both are original designs, very well built and thought out.

Now, why a Car Tow Dolly instead of Flat Towing. 

Car Tow Dollys are very versatile pieces of equipment (They are not Trailers…. they are equipment…). Most dollies are designed to tow front-wheel drive vehicles that weigh 3500 to 5000 pounds with the front wheels on the dolly. That allows you to tow any eligible vehicle! If or when it becomes necessary to change your towed car, there will be zero expense associated with the change with regards to the towing system you will use. 

When your dolly is not towing your car, it can be used to tow someone else’s car! Take one of your friends or children’s car to the garage, pick up a stranded car, and take it home or to a garage, take a car in for service using only one person. Very versatile.

Because your front wheels are on the dolly, a Car Tow Dolly keeps Ghost miles from accumulating on your towed car’s odometer. A very important resell consideration. 

Unlike Flat Towing, the Car Tow Dolly is doing all the work. Not your towed car. The Dolly is doing all the turning and braking. Less wear and tear and unscheduled maintenance on your towed car.

No risk of damaging the internal engine and transmission components.

Unlike Tow Bar Systems, Used Car Tow Dollies have remarkably good resale value. Well cared for dollies command very high resale values and sell within hours or days on Craigslist or FaceBook MarketPlace (For more information on buying or selling a used Car Tow Dolly click here.)

So when your wondering caravan days are over, you know you can sell your well cared for dolly online very quickly and probably get most of your investment back. 

You cannot do any of the above with a Tow Bar System.

Why Car Tow Dolly?

The Car Tow Dolly Company offers very well designed, engineered dollies with an abundance of clever design features that make dollies intuitive and easy to use. They cost a little more but they are worth the difference. They are also the most sought after dollies in the used dolly market. They quite literally sell within hours.

The UltraLight ” EZE-TOW ” Car Tow Dolly only weighs 400 pounds and easily stands and stores vertically in your garage or outside, Backyard, driveway, or campgrounds. No need to take your dolly to the trailer corral while camping.

So, in conclusion, no matter how you decide to do it, there is no simple way to tow a car along with you. Towed cars will suffer some indignities along the way. They will get very dirty. They will suffer some small road debris. They will get nicked, bumped into, dragged into things… The list is long, but mostly just small nuisance things. I recommend buying a small, inexpensive lightweight front-wheel-drive car so you aren’t suffering any angst about the occasional bump or nick.

Also, Always, ALWAYS carry a spare for your towed car and your dolly. Know how to change the tires and make sure you have the necessary tools to do so.

Happy and Safe Motoring…. enjoy your retirement. You’ve earned it.

If the time has come for you to head out on the open road, you will need a tow dolly to transport your vehicle with your RV. Take a look at all that Car Tow Dolly has to offer. We ship US nationwide and to Canada. Order here or call us in Kernersville, NC to place an order. You can view answers to our frequently asked questions here.

from cartowdolly https://cartowdolly.com/2020/12/does-a-tow-dolly-add-miles-to-car/

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What are the Parts of a Tow Dolly?

The decision to own a car tow dolly should be an easy one, especially if you find yourself traveling quite often with an RV. There’s nothing like canvassing the country to see all that Mother Nature has to offer, but you can only do so much in an RV. Once you reach your first stop of the trip, you will want to branch out using a traditional motor vehicle, especially if you are headed into a park or up into the mountains.

A tow dolly is a great way to bring your car or SUV with you on long trips across the country. It helps you save money on having the vehicle transported via a car carrier or paying someone to drive the vehicle to your destination. A car tow dolly bundle from Car Tow Dolly is affordable and comes with all of the parts of a tow dolly you need to safely and efficiently tow your vehicle with your RV on your next road trip.

Before you make the purchase of a tow dolly, you should know the tow dolly parts so you are prepared for installation and if you need to replace parts or repair them during your trip.

No Proprietary Parts

Before we delve into the parts you will find on one of our tow dollies, it’s important to note that we do not use any proprietary parts when manufacturing the dollies. This means that we do not use parts from other countries, which forces you to buy replacement parts from those companies. 

Our parts can be purchased just about anywhere, including most home improvement and automotive stores across the country. So, if you are in need of a replacement part while on the road, you can save time and money and be back on track in no time.

US Department of Transportation and Canada-Approved Lighting

The lighting used on the tow dollies manufactured by Car Tow Dolly is approved by both the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Canada. Every tow dolly comes equipped with turn signal lights, stop lights, and taillights. The lights are installed high above the ground to prevent damage and have replaceable lens covers. 

LED Lighting

There’s nothing better than LED lighting these days, especially when on a dark road at night. LED lighting is much brighter than the lighting used in the past in vehicles. We install LED lights on all of the tow dollies that are purchased online. LED lights can last for more than 100,000 hours, which means you shouldn’t have to replace them for at least 11 years.

The Coupler

Also included in the tow dolly parts is the coupler. The coupler we manufacture has a two-inch ball housing that is very safe and easy to use.

Adjustable and Removable Ramps

The Car Tow Dolly we sell has adjustable and removable ramps, making it the only tow dolly on the market with these features. The ramps can be positioned either in or out based on your needs when towing a vehicle and it’s quite easy to put the ramps into the desired position. The ramps weigh just 14 pounds apiece but are rated for 3,000 pounds. These ramps can be used with roughly 98 percent of cars but should never be used on top of soft earth or gravel.

Heavy Duty Special Use Tires

The tires we use on our tow dollies are the ST145 R12, which are 6” wide and 22 inches tall. These tires are radial, low-profile that come with an E rating and 10-ply. Each tire installed on the tow dolly is rated for 1,520 pounds and the axle has a rating of 3,300 pounds. These tires can easily be found in automotive stores across the country should you suffer damage in an accident or due to road hazards while on your trip.

Spindles

The spindles on the tow dolly are cambered at zero degrees for the proper tire position under load. The spindles are set at two thousands of an inch for tolerance. 

Hydraulic Disc Brakes

Other tow dolly parts used on our tow dollies include hydraulic disc brakes. These brakes are fully vented double vane disc brakes, providing more than triple the efficiency when braking than traditional drum brakes. The brake pads can be clearly seen, making them easy to replace and maintain at all times no matter where you are.

Steel Hooks

Every tow dolly needs steel hooks to secure the vehicle being towed and the dolly to your RV. The steel hooks should be checked for rust before every trip. If you find rust on the hook you should replace it immediately. Replacement hooks can be found on our website or at any automotive store. These hooks are often used on boat trailers, so you might be able to find replacement ones at a marina or other boating supply store.

Safety Chains

Safety chains go hand-in-hand with the steel hooks used to secure the tow dolly to the RV. Picture the chains you see on a boat trailer. You cannot operate your RV while towing a dolly without the safety chains. They help keep the dolly attached to the RV when and if there is a disconnection at the hitch.

Wheel Straps

Wheel straps come with the tow dolly bundle and other tow dolly parts. Wheel straps are important when transporting a vehicle on a tow dolly. The wheel straps help to strap down the front wheels of the vehicle being towed onto the dolly. These straps are completely adjustable, which means the size of your vehicle’s front tires will not matter.

Adapter Plug

Every tow dolly sold by Car Tow Dolly comes equipped with an adapter plug. Not everyone will need to use the adapter plug when using the tow dolly with an RV. However, the adapter plug can come in handy if you cannot plug the wires into the RV from the dolly.

Spare Tire and Wheel

If you purchase the Car Tow Dolly bundle, you will receive a spare tire and wheel in that bundle. Many tow dolly manufacturers make you purchase the spare tire and wheel separately. If you are headed out for a cross-country trip, be sure to go with the bundle so you don’t have to worry about finding a spare tire when it’s too late.

Emergency Breakaway Cable

Every generation of the tow dolly from Car Tow Dolly comes equipped with an emergency breakaway cable. This cable is important to have on your tow dolly in the event that it comes unhitched from your vehicle or RV. Should the tow dolly breakaway from the towing vehicle, the emergency breakaway cable helps to keep the dolly attached to the vehicle.

Are you preparing for a cross-country trip with the family in your RV? Do you need to tow a vehicle from one state to another? No matter your reason, the tow dolly parts from Car Tow Dolly can make your trip or project easy for all involved. Take a look at our Frequently Asked Questions or contact us to speak to a member of our team. We are conveniently located in Kernersville, NC, and can ship anywhere in the United States and Canada.

from cartowdolly https://cartowdolly.com/2020/11/what-are-the-parts-of-a-tow-dolly/

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Does a Car Tow Dolly Need Lights?

A car tow dolly is a useful piece of equipment for anyone looking to transport a vehicle across the state or the country for vacation, to sell it, or after purchasing it. Many classic cars are often towed using a dolly since it is affordable, easy-to-install, and the equipment is readily available from Car Tow Dolly. A common question we often encounter is: does a car tow dolly need lights?

Check the Laws of Your State

It is important that you check the laws of your state prior to hitting the road with a tow dolly hooked up to the rear of your vehicle. Aside from checking for lighting laws, you will also want to make sure that the tow dolly you purchased is street legal. Each state has different laws when it comes to car tow dolly lights, specifically when towing or not towing a vehicle.

Tow Dollies with Lights

The EZE-TOW Car Tow Dolly comes equipped with state of the art, new generation LED lighting. The tow dolly features an LED red light on either side of the dolly that approaching vehicles will be able to see. You can also retrofit any car tow dolly from Car Tow Dolly with these LED red lights should you need to do so prior to a trip. These lights activate when you apply the brakes of the vehicle you are driving. Be sure to note that if the vehicle being towed blocks the brake and turn lights of your vehicle, you will need additional lights on the tow vehicle to alert other drivers around you.

Lighting Connections for a Vehicle Being Towed

Since the car tow dolly will have lights on it, you don’t necessarily need to add any other lights to the dolly when it is being used to transport a vehicle. However, the vehicle being hauled by the dolly is required to have working stop, turn, and running lights. Car tow dolly lights should be sufficient for the dolly, but don’t forget that the lights on the vehicle being towed must be operational when on the road.

Additional Lighting for Your Safety

Even though car tow dolly lights are not required outside of the ones that already come installed on the tow dolly, you can always add lighting for your safety. Extra car tow dolly lights can be purchased from Car Tow Dolly and installed on your tow dolly to provide additional warning to other drivers around you. This is a serious consideration you should take if you will be doing a lot of driving at night or on dark roads.

How to Install Car Tow Dolly Lights

Since the vehicle being towed needs to have working stop, turn, and running lights, you might want to consider adding car tow dolly lights before your trip. In order to have working lights for the vehicle being towed, you should purchase magnetic lights that can be fastened to the rear of the vehicle. 

The items you will need for this process include the following: magnetic rear taillights, a 4-way wiring harness, 18-gauge insulated wire, butt connectors, cable ties, and electrical tape. Be sure to follow these steps:

Apply the magnetic lights to the rear of the vehicle

Run the wires for the lights along the vehicle being towed to the tongue of the tow dolly

Connect the ground wire for the lights to the four-way wiring harness ground wire (white) with a butt connector (place two stripped wires at each end of the connector and compress them using pliers)

Connect the signal wire for the right side of the vehicle to the green wire found in the harness

Connect the signal wire for the left side of the vehicle to the yellow wire found in the harness

Connect the taillight wire to the brown wire found in the harness

Be sure to wrap all of the connected wires in electrical tape

Hold all of the connections together and wrap them again in electrical tape

Fasten the wrapped wires to the tow dolly tongue using a zip tie

The Benefits of a Car Tow Dolly Bundle

The Car Tow Dolly Bundle from Car Tow Dolly is an excellent choice for anyone looking to transport a vehicle across the country, around the corner, or across the state. The Car Tow Dolly Bundle offers the following benefits:

Galvanized: 100% Fully Hot Dip

Wire Harness: EZE plug wire harness

Ramp Design: Lighter & stronger

Replaceable Components: in case of damage or accident

Wiring: All internal

Wider Wheel Pan: easier loading & unloading

Lights: Improved & more reliable LED lights

You will find that it is incredibly easy to install a tow dolly to the back of an RV, truck, or van. So long as the vehicle you are using has a tailor hitch, you will be able to install a tow dolly. Some people can install the dolly on their own, while others might request help from someone else. Loading the vehicle to be towed onto the tow dolly is also easy. With someone guiding you onto the tow dolly, it takes a matter of minutes to complete. 

How to Safely Use a Car Tow Dolly

Below, we have provided a checklist of items you should do each time you use a car tow dolly to transport a vehicle with your RV, truck, or any other type of vehicle. This checklist should help you safely operate the tow dolly each time. Before towing you should do the following:

Towing hitch and hitch-ball are tight.

The coupler handwheel is tight.

Safety chains, tire straps, and security chains are properly attached and secure.

All lights are connected and working.

Check all tires for correct pressure.

Vehicle-in-tow is facing forward.

Ramps securely stored and latched.

On the road, you should do the following:

Reduce your speed to 55 mph or below.

Stop often for rest.

Inspect your vehicles and tow dolly connections at each stop.

Anticipate stops; brake early.

Remember that most crashes are caused by the following:

Driver error or Inattention.

Excessive speed.

Failure to load vehicle-in-tow facing forward.

The Bottom Line on Car Tow Dolly Lights

When it comes to car tow dolly lights, they are not necessarily required on the road. Since most tow dollies already have rear red lights attached, you only have to worry about adding stop, turn, and running lights to the vehicle being towed. Again, it’s important that you check the local laws regarding car tow dolly lights so that you are prepared for your trip. This is especially true if you will be towing the vehicle outside of your home state.

Are you headed across the country in your RV? Do you need to bring your vehicle with you? Are you buying a car and need to transport it back home? If so, Car Tow Dolly has all the equipment you need, including car tow dolly lights, to make your trip as easy and safe as possible. Call us or visit us online to place an order for your tow dolly today. Consider the Car Tow Dolly Bundle to get every item you need for the dolly in one package for a great price.

from cartowdolly https://cartowdolly.com/2020/10/does-a-car-tow-dolly-need-lights/

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What’s the Difference Between a Tow Bar and Tow Dolly?

Heading out on the open road is exhilarating, exciting, and even stressful. However, when you are traveling in an RV, you likely need to bring your passenger vehicle with you. This is done by towing your vehicle using the RV. 

As you prepare for your next road trip, you need to consider how you will tow your car, SUV, or pickup truck behind the RV. There are two common options: the tow bar and the tow dolly. Read on for a comparison of these two products, so you can make an informed decision about the right option for your next road trip.

What is a Tow Bar?

A tow bar, which is also referred to as a tow hitch, attaches to the vehicle being towed or the rear of the RV. Using this method is quite easy as many tow bars can be installed by just one person. The bar has the ability to be mounted on either the vehicle you are towing or the RV itself. A base plate will need to be purchased for the vehicle you wish to tow and the tow bar is easily stored in either of the vehicles when the trip is complete.

What is a Tow Dolly?

A tow dolly is a more enhanced piece of towing equipment available from Car Tow Dolly. It consists of two wheels, an axle, and a tongue. The tow dolly makes it possible to tow any type of vehicle you wish with your RV, including those with front-wheel drive. When towing a vehicle with a tow dolly you will not place any added miles on the vehicle, which is a big plus when going to trade it in or sell it down the road.

A base plate is not required when using this product, but you might need to remove the driveshaft from the vehicle if it is four-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive. This product will add anywhere from 500 to 1,500 pounds to your towing weight, so be sure to adjust your towing capabilities accordingly. It’s possible, based on where you live or travel, that you might need a tow dolly that has brakes. You might also be required to get a license for the dolly.

Car Tow Dolly also offers a tow dolly bundle, providing you with excellent savings when you purchase all of the following together:

Adapter plug

Winch ratchet

Spare tire and wheel

Wheel straps (no hooks)

Heavy-duty trailer dolly

5-year warranty

The EZE TOW tow dolly from Car Tow Dolly is a convenient choice for your next road trip when towing a vehicle with your RV. Since the tow dolly allows for the towing of many different vehicles, it’s the smart choice for towing a car, truck, van, or SUV behind an RV. Give is a call to speak to an experienced member of our staff about the Car Tow Dolly.

from cartowdolly https://cartowdolly.com/2020/09/difference-between-tow-bar-and-tow-dolly/

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What to Look for When Buying A Tow Dolly for Sale

Tow dollies are the simplest, most convenient solution for transporting a second vehicle while on an RV trip. They provide you with an easy way to keep your vehicle from accumulating mileage, and guarantee you’ve got a backup vehicle to zip around whatever town or city you’re visiting.

If you want to make sure you’re finding the right tow dolly for sale, here are our top tips to help you shop smart.

Pivot Location Matters 

A mounted front-wheel dolly is built to act as the front wheels of the vehicle, and it twists as your RV goes into a turn. Its design minimizes the risk of the vehicle’s front hitting the back of your RV, and it makes it easier for you to turn corners safely.

A center-pivot dolly uses a similar pivot to turn the vehicle with the RV, but it’s located at the center rather than the front. This places the front of your car closer to your RV, fractionally increasing the chance that your bumpers will scratch each other.

Rental companies typically offer center pivot dollies, but the mounted front-wheel dolly is designed better and thus is the ideal choice between the two.

Brakes vs. No Brakes

An idler tow dolly comes with no brakes, which means it relies entirely on the RV’s brakes to slow and stop. While they are less expensive than the tow dollies with built-in brakes, they are less safe and may not be legal in states where brakes are required. It’s worth checking with your DMV to determine whether your tow dolly needs built-in brakes.

It’s important to note that brakes may not be necessary on your tow dolly if you’re only towing a very light vehicle (sedan or coupe). Anyone towing a truck, van, or SUV, however, should definitely consider a tow dolly with brakes.

Tow dollies with brakes use “surge brakes,” which are designed to activate the brakes when it senses the dolly moving forward and thereby slows the forward motion. It tends to work when the dolly is either loaded or unloaded.

The brakes used will either be disc brakes or drum brakes. 

Drum brakes tend to heat up quickly and take a long time to cool down, and they tend to wear down more quickly. They also require more adjustments as they wear out.

Disc brakes are less likely to overheat and require very little adjustment, though they will need their brake pads replaced, similar to a regular vehicle.

Weld vs. Bolt Frame

Welded tow dolly frames are far more durable than bolt-frames, but they also tend to be more expensive. The welds are very unlikely to break even with regular use.

Bolt-frame tow dollies are held together by a series of nuts and bolts, some of which may come loose during travel. They will require regular maintenance and tightening, and the bolts and nuts may rust and need replacing.

Do You Need Brake Lights?

Most states will require brake lights on the tow dolly, and it’s also a good safety addition to have when towing a vehicle. You can add on your own lights, but it’s often better to look for a tow dolly for sale that comes with built-in lights. Built-in lights typically are properly wired to connect to your RV, and thus are more reliable and effective.

If you plan on doing a lot of RV traveling, it’s worth paying a bit more for a tow dolly built to last. Typically, that will mean a weld-frame dolly with built-in lights and disc brakes. With a front-mounted wheel design, you’ll have a tow dolly that will protect your vehicle no matter where you go!

from cartowdolly https://cartowdolly.com/2020/09/buy-a-tow-dolly-for-sale/

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Best Tow Dolly and RV Travel Tips

Are you heading out for a family road trip? Do you need to tow your family vehicle using your RV? If so, it’s important that you understand how a tow dolly works with an RV so that you don’t run into any problems during your vacation.

Car Tow Dolly has compiled some of the most important RV travel tips so you are prepared for your next road trip. It doesn’t matter if you are traveling across your state or across the country; preparation is vital to having a successful, safe road trip.

What is a Tow Dolly?

A tow dolly is one of the most popular methods used today to tow a vehicle using an RV. This method places just the rear wheels of your vehicle on the asphalt. The front wheels are lifted up on an angle when driven onto the dolly. 

A tow dolly can be used with front-wheel drive vehicles. If your vehicle is rear-wheel drive, it can be towed with a dolly if the transmission is disconnected. You will need safety chains and ratchet straps to tow using a dolly. You can save money by purchasing the ultimate tow dolly bundle from Car Tow Dolly.

Tow Dolly Tips

If you’ve decided to go with a dolly to tow your car, truck, SUV, or van with your RV, you should follow these tips to ensure that your trip goes as smoothly as possible:

Have a friend or family member help you connect the dolly to the RV

Have someone guide you while loading the vehicle onto the dolly

Double and triple-check that the vehicle is loaded properly on the dolly

Ensure that all connections between the dolly and RV are secure, including the hitch ball

Most states require a license to use a tow dolly – be sure you apply for one before traveling

Make sure the RV is placed in park when loading the vehicle

Check all of the lights for proper operation

Do not operate the RV in reverse when a vehicle is loaded on the dolly

Check the straps after the first 10 miles of your trip and adjust them as necessary

Check the straps every 100 miles traveled and adjust accordingly

RV Travel Tips

Traveling the open road in an RV is one of the most relaxing and exhilarating ways to see the country. Whether you are making a cross-country trip or using your RV to move to a new home, you should follow these RV travel tips from Car Tow Dolly to ensure a safe trip for all:

Provide yourself with an extra day or two of travel to account for traffic, construction, weather, etc.

Stop every couple of hours to stretch and refresh your body

Avoid driving after sunset

Get gas often

Ensure that you have not overloaded your RV

Limit daily travel to around 400 miles

It doesn’t hurt to travel with your headlights on even during the day

Check your smoke, LP gas, and carbon monoxide detectors prior to hitting the road

Build an emergency kit and store it in an outside compartment of the RV

Inspect your tire often and replace them at the first sign of cracking or treads that are worn down

Hit the Open Road in Your RV with a Tow Dolly from Car Tow Dolly

There’s nothing that compares to traveling in an RV with your spouse, children, grandchildren, or friends, especially when you follow the RV travel tips outlined here. The close quarters help families bond and experience the best vacation possible. If you are planning a road trip, be sure to add a tow dolly to your list of equipment from Car Tow Dolly in Kernersville, NC. Call us today at (336) 993-2229 to ask any questions or to purchase the ultimate tow dolly bundle.

from cartowdolly https://cartowdolly.com/2020/09/tow-dolly-rv-travel-tips-nc/

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Can I Tow With A Two Wheel Drive Vehicle

Towing vehicles is a practice that happens thousands of times a day. Towing is not a difficult or dangerous process as long as it is done correctly. Knowing what your vehicle is capable of is one of the most critical steps in proper towing. If you wonder if your two-wheel drive vehicle is capable of towing, then you are in the right place.

Two Wheel Drive Vehicles

A two-wheel-drive vehicle can either be a rear-wheel-drive vehicle or a front-wheel-drive vehicle. These types of vehicles are a much simpler design than four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicles. For the most part, the front-wheel-drive vehicle is going to have a bit better performance than a rear-wheel drive.

Front-Wheel Drive: The transmission and the majority of the weight of the vehicle are positioned over the front two wheels. This allows the vehicle some added traction and makes it easier to pull. Front-wheel drive vehicles can be a little sensitive when it comes to weight distribution; the use of a car tow dolly can help with this.

Rear Wheel Drive: A rear-wheel-drive vehicle is essentially pushing at all times. Since there is not as much traction, the rear-wheel-drive can struggle in slippery conditions. Rear-wheel drive vehicles can also have a hard time on a ramp as they are trying to push up the ramp instead of pulling up the ramp. When there are no ramps involved with your towing process, the rear-wheel-drive vehicle is often thought of as the best choice.

Benefits To Towing With A Two Wheel Drive Vehicle

Some car owners believe that a four-wheel-drive vehicle is needed to tow. This is not the case. A two-wheel-drive vehicle can be better at towing because it does not use all of its power and energy to spin all the axles on the car.

Another vital advantage of towing with two-wheel-drive vehicles is that it is going to be much more cost-effective. Using a four-wheel drive to tow a vehicle will burn a considerable amount of fuel.

Disadvantages To Towing With A Two Wheel Drive Vehicle

Although two-wheel drive vehicles are considered to be the best options for towing, there are a few situations that you must be aware of.

If you are towing on surfaces that are not even, you may want to consider using a four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle.

You must also be aware of the weight distribution when using a two-wheel vehicle to tow. The four-wheel vehicle will handle the weight distribution much easier than the two-wheel. You can use a Car Tow Dolly to help make the towing process much easier on your two-wheel drive vehicle.

How A Car Tow Dolly Can Help

If you have a lighter two-wheel-drive vehicle and you are worried about its ability to tow, than you should consider a Car Tow Dolly. The Car Two Dolly is the lightest tow dolly available on the market. There is no reason to make things more difficult on your two-wheel drive vehicle with a heavy and cumbersome tow dolly.

In addition to the lightweight features of the Car Tow Dolly, it is also the widest car tow dolly on the market. The width helps to keep the front-wheel-drive vehicle more balanced and the weight better distributed. Sometimes a product like this can make all the difference when you decide to tow with your two-wheel drive vehicle.

Conclusion

If you have been considering using your two-wheel drive vehicle to tow, hopefully, we helped to clear up some of your questions. Although the two-wheel drive vehicles are great for towing, you need to be aware of your car’s individual limitations.

Using a Car Tow Dolly can significantly reduce the load, and the strain put on your vehicle and make the entire process that much safer. If you have any additional questions about the Car Tow Dolly and how it makes towing with a two-wheel-drive car easier, feel free to call or email us.

from cartowdolly https://cartowdolly.com/2020/09/car-tow-dolly-with-two-wheel-drive/

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Are Tow Dollies Legal on all Highways?

Tow dollies are the perfect solution for anyone looking to enjoy their RV trip!

ith a tow dolly, You’ll be able to enjoy driving around the country in your luxurious, comfortable RV, but still have the option to zip around in a smaller vehicle that allows you to visit all the downtown areas and fascinating back streets of whatever city or town you’re in.

A tow dolly gives you the freedom to sightsee and enjoy your travels.

All you have to do is hitch it to the back of your RV, load up your vehicle, and get driving! It’s a quick and easy option for taking your vehicle anywhere you go without putting additional miles on it.

But before you hit the road, it’s important to know the legality of using your tow dolly around the country. After all, every state has its own highway regulations for pulling a vehicle, and you want to be 100% certain you’re following the laws to avoid any tickets or hassle from the highway patrol.

Using a Tow Dolly on U.S. Highways

All U.S. highways allow for the use of two-wheel tow dollies. Though the laws on registration and mechanical requirements (such as electrical lights) vary from state-to-state, you are legally allowed to use tow dollies on every highway in every one of the 48 contiguous states.

The AAA’s Digest of Motor Laws website has a list of all the states’ requirements for tow dollies and will explain what, if anything, each state requires.

For example:

Arizona state laws require that all devices used for towing not exceed 15 feet from one vehicle to another, which means a tow dolly is perfectly legal.

Delaware only allows for one vehicle to be pulled by any other vehicle, and the drawbar used to tow the second vehicle not exceed 15 feet.

Idaho allows for “two units” to be pulled behind passenger vehicles, but doesn’t state what those units are.

Iowa maintains that the towing connection does not exceed 21 feet.

New Jersey only allows for one boat or general utility trailer (or tow dolly) to be towed behind a pleasure or passenger vehicle.

However, not all states have specific requirements for operating tow dollies on U.S. highways. Some of the states that don’t include requirements are:

Colorado

Connecticut

Georgia

Illinois

Kansas

In all states, the dolly itself is not required to have a braking system, as that is built into the vehicle that is doing the towing. However, in some states, the law requires an emergency braking system due to the additional weight of the vehicle.

How Do I Know Which State’s Laws to Follow?

The answer to that question is simple: YOUR home state.

When traveling between states or around the continental United States, the laws of your home state are applied to the trailer. For example, you will be able to use the tow dolly purchased in your home state without needing a license or registration, even if you’re traveling through a state that does require license and registration.

If you’re not certain what the laws in your state are, it’s worth visiting your local DMV website and doing a bit of research into what regulations apply specifically to tow dollies in your state.

Better to be safe when driving and make sure to follow all the laws, no matter what state you’re in or where you’re traveling to!

Conclusion:

Finding out the laws regarding using a tow dolly on the highway is important, and it’s worth investing time and effort into the research.

Another great investment is a high-quality tow dolly built to provide long years of flawless, high-safety operation.

That’s where our Ultimate Car Tow Dolly Bundle comes in handy! We offer a tow dolly that is built out of the highest-quality galvanized steel, making it marvelously lightweight yet incredibly durable. The dolly comes with full wiring and LED lights, a built-in ramp, and a car disc braking system that will maximize your vehicle’s security on the road. Best of all, you also get a FREE five-year warranty that will guarantee that you get only the best value for your money!

from cartowdolly https://cartowdolly.com/2020/09/tow-dolly-legal-on-highways/

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What to Expect When Driving an RV with A Tow Dolly

RVs are known for providing you with convenience and comfort, as well as happiness, but once you reach that final destination you still need the means to get around. Let’s face it, driving an RV down small side streets isn’t exactly functional. When exploring and sightseeing, it’s certainly nice to have a practical vehicle to get around in. With your RV and a Car Tow Dolly, you can ensure travel from point a to point b will be much less overwhelming. 

Here’s our breakdown of all the need-to-know basics when it comes to choosing a tow dolly to best suit your needs.

A FEW NEED TO KNOW BASICS

Some states require your tow dolly to have a separate license plate, so getting that handled before your big trip will save you a lot of hassle. This could also decrease the likelihood of getting pulled over and the chances of paying a fine. Enjoy your trip without any unnecessary headaches.

Tow dollies typically add extra weight to your RV; you can expect 4,000 lbs and up to be added to your trip when pulling the dolly and your extra vehicle.

On-board brakes for your tow dolly increases the amount of maintenance, but helps offset the extra weight and makes traveling much safer.

Due to the additional weight that comes with towing a vehicle behind your RV, expect to move a little slower and spend slightly more on gas.

BENEFITS

Compared to trailers, an RV tow dolly is typically small and takes up less room. This makes it a little more efficient to use when it comes to pulling a vehicle behind you and allows for easier parking. However, you will need to move and store your tow dolly when you’re getting ready to go off on an adventure. 

The greatest benefit of driving with a tow dolly is that loading and unloading is fairly simple, saving you time and money when it comes to putting gas in a smaller vehicle rather than your large RV. 

In the long run, you get both convenience and the luxury of driving anywhere you’d like. Ultimately you’re putting money back into your pocket, or your other adventures, and you can easily run errands while doing things like camping without the hassle of finding a big enough parking space. The advantages are limitless.

The hardest challenge you’re going to face when it comes to driving an RV with a tow dolly is picking out what kind of dolly you want. Don’t fret though, we’ve got you covered on that at Car Tow Dolly. From information on the ins and outs of different dollies to what kinds of vehicles you can pull with them, we’ll help you pick out the best option for your specific needs. Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns.

from cartowdolly https://cartowdolly.com/2020/09/what-to-expect-when-driving-an-rv-with-a-tow-dolly/

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How to Choose a Car Tow Dolly: Essential Shopping Tips

Recently purchased an RV and need to bring your car on vacation with you? A car tow dolly is your answer! Finding the right car tow dolly for you can be overwhelming if you’ve never purchased one before. While some people still flat-tow their vehicles, a car dolly can bring more safety depending on the type of car being towed.

If you realize your car needs a dolly for a tow, what should you look for before making a purchase? Details like size and weight, how it handles making turns, ease of loading and unloading, and storage options need to be considered. Keep reading for our brief, yet comprehensive features list below.

Mounted Front Wheels or Center Pivot?

One thing to look out for is how the car dolly is designed and how it handles turns when traveling. Car dollies with mounted front wheels that turn on kingpins are usually the most popular. These dollies help eliminate the possibility of your car hitting your trailer when turning.

Another option is a car dolly with a center pivot. This feature helps you track around corners a little easier if you have fixed trailer wheels.

Either option will work well. Ultimately, the right choice will come down to how the car dolly handles for you while traveling.

The Braking Systems and Lighting

Each state has different braking and lighting requirements for towing. Most states require brakes when towing a vehicle. Make sure your car tow dolly has the proper braking system, which means either electric or surge brakes. The latter is sometimes more preferable since the brakes are built right into the car dolly itself. As a result, it stops the dolly when it senses that your vehicle is about to stop.

As for lighting, you’ll want to make sure your car dolly has them. Some car dollies are not equipped with lighting, though you can easily apply a removable system to compensate. That being said, a built-in lighting system has proven to be safer.

Finding the Right Car Dolly for Your Budget

Many models of car dollies are available for towing, but some are more expensive than others. A few of the best-known brands out there today are Demco and Roadmaster. What you ultimately pay for your car dolly depends on the features you need.

One option to consider is a lease—a great option if you only travel part of the year. For those who you travel often, buying is the most sensible option, especially if you can locate a dealer that offers extended warranties.

If you’re in the market for a high-quality car tow dolly, make sure to visit us at Car Tow Dolly. With flat-rate, or even free, shipping, and a standard 6-month warranty (optional extended warranties available), we’re here to provide you with the best car tow dolly buying experience possible.

from cartowdolly https://cartowdolly.com/2020/08/how-to-choose-a-car-tow-dolly-essential-shopping-tips/

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Car Dolly vs. Flat Towing: What’s the Difference?

Towing a vehicle behind your motor home makes life easier. A smaller vehicle makes it possible to go sightseeing, go out on the town, and take short day trips. It also reduces the wear and tear you put on your RV.

Once you’re clear on the rules regarding towing a vehicle, you’ll need to consider whether you want to use a car dolly or the flat towing method to bring your personal vehicle along. There are pros and cons to both; we’ll be covering some below.

Benefits of Using a Car Dolly

At first glance, a car dolly looks like a partially-built trailer. The dolly is designed so that after you’ve hooked it to your RV, you can drive the front wheels of your vehicle onto the dolly’s two ramps, secure it in place, and be on your way. There are several benefits to using a car tow dolly.

For one, you can usually purchase a car dolly for less than what you’ll pay for a flat towing car hauler. Since the dolly is short, it’s also considerably easier to store. The smaller size allows many people to store the dolly indoors, which significantly lengthens the number of usable years you’ll get out of the dolly. Additionally, dollies can be hauled by most vehicles, no matter what type of drivetrain they have.

Having looked at the benefits, let’s look at the two major drawbacks of using a car dolly.

First, many people find that it takes a longer time to get their vehicle hooked up to the dolly than it did when they used a flat tow car hauler.

The second is that even though the vehicle you loaded onto the dolly isn’t running, miles are still being put on the frame. If you’re the type of person who hauls a vehicle all over the country, this means that your vehicle can sustain damage and/or significant wear and tear.

Benefits of Flat Towing with a Car Hauler

Flat towing car haulers hook to the back of the towing vehicle. They are longer and designed with two axles. The entire vehicle you’re towing rests on the car hauler.

There are several advantages to flat towing a vehicle with a car hauler.

First, flat towing means that no part of the vehicle being towed touches the road. This means the vehicle’s frame remains free of miles and won’t wear as you transport it from one location to the next.

Second, flat towing is simple. One person is usually able to both hook up the car hauler and load the vehicle onto it. Once the vehicle is loaded, the same person simply exits the car and straps it down. Many people are convinced that this is a more secure method for towing a vehicle.

Flat towing with a car hauler is the perfect choice if you’re moving a vehicle that’s not equipped with current plates. Many people use this option when they’re discarding an older vehicle that hasn’t been registered, or if they’re purchasing a vehicle and don’t have an opportunity to get plates for it before it is moved.

The biggest downside to flat towing with a car hauler is that some vehicles aren’t equipped with a drivetrain that enables them to tow the car hauler itself. Additionally, many people have found that using a flat tow car hauler made the entire setup bulky and difficult to maneuver. The sheer size of the flat tow car hauler makes it difficult to find a safe location to store it, particularly in campgrounds where space is limited.

Now that you know both sides of the car dolly vs. flat towing debate, it’s a good time to learn more about towing a vehicle. These videos are a valuable source of information for new and experienced RV owners alike. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our team at Car Tow Dolly.

from cartowdolly https://cartowdolly.com/2020/08/car-dolly-vs-flat-towing-whats-the-difference/

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The Best Place for Tow Dolly Storage

If you’re taking a break from travels, or aren’t planning on towing a vehicle in the next few months, you might want to unload and store your tow dolly somewhere safe. While most tow dollies require a large travel space, we’re here to help you with your tow dolly storage, and explain just how easy it is to store the EZE TOW Car Tow Dolly in your home.

The EZE TOW Car Tow Dolly makes for Easy Storage

Many dollies have to be stored horizontally, which can take up lots of space in your garage or storage unit. Instead of being able to use your space for practical storage, keeping your tow dolly under your roof just becomes more of a hassle.

Instead of wondering where you’ll find the space to store your dolly, the EZE TOW Car Tow Dolly simplifies your tow dolly storage experience. Our tow dolly is currently the only dolly model that is capable of being stored vertically – which means you’ll regain all the square footage you’d been missing in your garage.

The EZE TOW dolly can be stored in a vertical position, and only requires a 25-inch by 102-inch space. You can store our dolly along the side of your garage, storage container, or outside of your home with ease. It’s never going to take up unnecessary storage space, so you can stow away your dolly with ease.

Plus, 85% of our dolly can tuck under your RV, so it can store easily right under your RV while you’re out camping. 

  What are our Car Tow Dolly Dimensions?

Our tow dolly’s size is 102 inches wide by 92 inches long and is 27 inches tall reaching the top of its fenders, so while it’s a considerable size, it can still be stored fairly easily. Plus, our dolly only weighs 330-380 pounds, so you can maneuver it safely on your own.

While our dolly will stand on its own without assistance, restraining it is just going to guarantee the safety and structural support while it’s not in use. Use tie-down straps, or something similar, to secure your dolly in your garage or storage room.

  Where to Store Your Tow Dolly?

On the road, the best place to store your dolly is probably under your RV, so it’s out of sight and secure. Considering that so much of your dolly will be protected by your RV, it should be safe for a considerable period of time.

Outside of when you’re on the road, your car tow dolly should be able to fit inside your garage, or under your RV when you’re home. Depending on where you park your RV, our tow dolly can remain safely stored under your RV, or in another secure location. The vertical storage capability of our car tow dolly means it’s easier than ever to store and maneuver your tow dolly as you see fit.

Need more help securing your dolly? Take a moment to review when you should replace your tow dolly tire straps, and how to load and tow your car behind an RV.

from cartowdolly https://cartowdolly.com/2020/07/best-place-tow-dolly-storage/

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Does My Car Tow Dolly Need A Title?

When you’re on the road, you have plenty to worry about. Driving your RV safely on the highway really is a full-time job, so the last thing you should be thinking about is your car tow dolly.

While a tow dolly isn’t a vehicle, there are still some questions circling around regarding whether or not your dolly needs a registration, license plates, or title. We’d like to help you determine what paperwork you do need to have with you on the road, so your dolly is fully protected.

Does Your Tow Dolly Need a Title?

We previously discussed whether or not you need a tow dolly registration – for a detailed explanation, you can review our previous blog post. However, because tow dollies are used for recreational purposes, solely to pull front wheel drive vehicles, they do not require registration in the majority of states.

That means your dolly does not need registration, or tags, while you’re on the road – but what about a title?

A title merely signifies that the dolly in use belongs to you, and verifies your purchase. Most dollies do come with a title upon purchase. While it’s probably won’t be asked for, it’s important to carry your tow dolly title with you, to prove ownership of your dolly.

When you purchase an EZE TOW Car Tow Dolly, a Federal Compliance decal with an assigned and attached VIN number is placed on your dolly, along with the manufacturer’s original title. That way, in case something happens, you can account for your dolly.

  What Else Do You Need While Driving a Tow Dolly?

While registration isn’t required for your tow dolly, it’s important that the towed vehicle has an up to date license and registration information, along with your respective RV or towing vehicle.

Additionally, you do not need any specific type of driver’s license to operate your dolly. You’ll be able to transport your car, truck, or SUV on your dolly, with your current license and registration information.

When you’re on the road, there are a few important things to remember, so you can have a safe and smooth towing experience during your travels:

Travel with all-important pieces of paperwork and documentation

During stops, check your tire straps and safety chains for security

Make sure your braking system is clear and free to operate

Do not go at highly accelerated speeds, it is complicated steering for your car and tow dolly

A car dolly is a heavy-duty piece of equipment that can truly go the distance, but it’s necessary to make sure you have all the proper safety precautions and paperwork ready to go. With everything prepped, you can haul a tow dolly across the country with family and friends with total peace of mind.

Looking for ways to keep your dolly maintenance-free and on the road? Keep up with routine inspections between stops, and check to see if it’s time to replace your tow dolly tires or wheel straps. If you ever need a spare part for your dolly, our accessories have everything you need to stay on the road.

from cartowdolly https://cartowdolly.com/2020/07/car-tow-dolly-titles/