| Toading with a Tow dolly? [message #99532] |
Mon, 13 September 2010 07:38  |
hertfordnc
Messages: 1164
Registered: September 2009
Location: East NC
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I've used tow dolly a lot, but only to move cars I didn't care much about.
Now i have a civic Hybrid and it's the nicest car I've ever owned.
IS there a big disadvantage to using a tow dolly full time other than the weight and the hassle?
I don't see many RV'ers doing it.
The Civic is 2900 lb and the dolly would be 650-750 -
-- dave
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| Re: Toading with a Tow dolly? [message #99536 is a reply to message #99532] |
Mon, 13 September 2010 07:52  |
Larry C
Messages: 1168
Registered: July 2004
Location: NE Illinois by the Illino...
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When I bring the toad along, a VW Cabrio, I use the Tow dolly.
Most prefer to tow 4 down because you don't have to be concerned about storing the dolly when you arrive at your destination.
Mine has always fit nicely behind the camper at the parks.
Another concern, but the 4 down should also have this, you need to put toad brakes on to assist the camper brakes. Not to put more braking effort on the camper through the toad but to brake the toad without putting a strain on the camper brakes.
This also allows for brakes in the scenario if the toad breaks away, the brakes will come on and stop the toad.
The only other disadvantage, if you could call it that is the tow dolly maintenance. It will be another thing you have to maintain.
I don't find it a big bother, it has become a part of camping now.
Once you get it into the routine, its like it is not there.
Never had a problem with the dolly following the coach, ever.
You can feel comfortable towing with the tow dolly.
One note:
If you have the tow dolly with the wheels that steer with the coach on turns, you will not be able to back up much and be very very careful if you do attempt to back up as these wheels will turn since they are intended to steer in the forward direction, not backing up.
All in all, the tow dolly is a good deal.
Gatsbys' CRUISER  08-18-04
74 GLACIER X, 260/455-APC-4 Bagg'r
Remflex Manifold gaskets
CampGrounds needed, Add yours to "PLACES" />
http://www.gmceast.com/travel
_
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| Re: Toading with a Tow dolly? [message #99621 is a reply to message #99532] |
Mon, 13 September 2010 18:59 |
kingd
Messages: 592
Registered: June 2004
Karma: 2
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Re towing a Honda Hybrid; I'd be REAL careful about towing any hybrid, standard or auto trasnmission. who knows what the electric/electronics do when the wheels are on the road and the engine isn't running. If the manufacturer publishes a process for doing all wheels down and the local to you Customer Service group will confirm to you via Email that it doesn't void the warranty, I'd do it.
DAVE KING
never towed anything wheels down but lots of trips with a 2200 lbs race car on a trailer
DAVE KING
lurker, wannabe
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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| Re: Toading with a Tow dolly? [message #99623 is a reply to message #99532] |
Mon, 13 September 2010 19:14 |
stick miller
Messages: 1036
Registered: March 2010
Location: Americus, Georgia
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I've asked this question before, but I thought I'd give it another shot. My bride drives a 2004 VW Jetta TDI - that is a turbo diesel. 5 speed manual. I figure it is going to cost me $1,100 plus to set up with a tow bar and plate. Not too many people out there with discarded VW Jettas, so the used market is limited.
My solution would be a dolly with brakes. I think my chances of finding one of those for less money might be better than the tow bar. Any thoughts? I'm good with a scooter, but she wants a car.
Stick Miller
'78 Royale - "White Trash" - she left me for another man
'76 Eleganza - "Cousin Eddie" Sold
'84 Bluebird Wanderlodge - "Past Tents"
Americus, GA
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| Re: Toading with a Tow dolly? [message #99636 is a reply to message #99532] |
Mon, 13 September 2010 20:13 |
kingd
Messages: 592
Registered: June 2004
Karma: 2
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Stick, (lots of us used to be "skinny") As I travel a fair amount on highway 401 in southern Ontario, I see lots of motorhomes towing stuff. I think I see more towing 4 down than on a dolly. As was said previously in this thread, there are pluses and minuses to BOTH 4 down and a dolly. There is a possible financial implication if you go one way and then decide the other way would be better, and I don't know how one could "test" drive using a dolly and a tow bar. I think it is one of those "talk to people who do one or the other" and then take the plunge for what sounds most to your liking.
DAVE KING
DAVE KING
lurker, wannabe
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
[Updated on: Mon, 13 September 2010 20:13] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: [GMCnet] Toading with a Tow dolly? [message #99651 is a reply to message #99536] |
Mon, 13 September 2010 21:25 |
k2gkk
Messages: 4452
Registered: November 2009
Karma: -8
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Many, if not most states now REQUIRE the towd
to include breaking capability when under two.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ Mac Macdonald ~
~ Hamcall K2GKK ~
~ Oklahoma City ~
~~ "Money Pit" ~~
~ '76 ex - P.B. ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
----------------------------------------
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> From: slawrence111@yahoo.com
> Date: Mon, 13 Sep 2010 07:52:06 -0500
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Toading with a Tow dolly?
>
>
>
> When I bring the toad along, a VW Cabrio, I use the Tow dolly.
> Most prefer to tow 4 down because you don't have to be concerned about storing the dolly when you arrive at your destination.
>
> Mine has always fit nicely behind the camper at the parks.
>
> Another concern, but the 4 down should also have this, you need to put toad brakes on to assist the camper brakes. Not to put more braking effort on the camper through the toad but to brake the toad without putting a strain on the camper brakes.
>
> This also allows for brakes in the scenario if the toad breaks away, the brakes will come on and stop the toad.
>
> The only other disadvantage, if you could call it that is the tow dolly maintenance. It will be another thing you have to maintain.
>
> I don't find it a big bother, it has become a part of camping now.
> Once you get it into the routine, its like it is not there.
>
> Never had a problem with the dolly following the coach, ever.
>
> You can feel comfortable towing with the tow dolly.
>
> One note:
> If you have the tow dolly with the wheels that steer with the coach on turns, you will not be able to back up much and be very very careful if you do attempt to back up as these wheels will turn since they are intended to steer in the forward direction, not backing up.
>
> All in all, the tow dolly is a good deal.
>
>
>
> --
> Gatsbys' CRUISER :d
> 74 GLACIER X, 260
> 455/APC/4 bagg'r(ver3)
> Remflex Manifold gaskets
> _______________________________________________
> Purchased 08-18-04
>
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>
>
>
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| Re: Toading with a Tow dolly? [message #99655 is a reply to message #99636] |
Mon, 13 September 2010 21:40 |
stick miller
Messages: 1036
Registered: March 2010
Location: Americus, Georgia
Karma: 0
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| kingd wrote on Mon, 13 September 2010 21:13 |
There are possible financial implication if you go one way and then decide the other way would be better.
DAVE KING
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I was thinking I might be able to find a used dolly I could resell if I didn't like it. Hard to find the used adaptor plate for a Jetta.
Stick Miller
'78 Royale - "White Trash" - she left me for another man
'76 Eleganza - "Cousin Eddie" Sold
'84 Bluebird Wanderlodge - "Past Tents"
Americus, GA
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| Re: Toading with a Tow dolly? [message #99663 is a reply to message #99623] |
Mon, 13 September 2010 22:30 |
Larry C
Messages: 1168
Registered: July 2004
Location: NE Illinois by the Illino...
Karma: 0
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I figure it is going to cost me $1,100 plus to set up with a tow bar and plate. Not too many people out there with discarded VW Jettas, so the used market is limited.
My solution would be a dolly with brakes
________________________________________________
I would do some research on the web about installing the tow bar.
When I searched it out, I would have had to disassemble the front end of my Cabrio to get the tow bar connected to the frame. It looked like a big job. and if you did not do the job, it would cost money to have it done.
The Dolley might be a better idea.
Gatsbys' CRUISER 08-18-04
74 GLACIER X, 260/455-APC-4 Bagg'r
Remflex Manifold gaskets
CampGrounds needed, Add yours to "PLACES" />
http://www.gmceast.com/travel
_
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| Re: Toading with a Tow dolly? [message #99677 is a reply to message #99532] |
Tue, 14 September 2010 00:37 |
jknezek
Messages: 1057
Registered: December 2007
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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We just went through the process of setting up our 2006 Chevy HHR to tow 4 down. Used baseplate $180, used towbar, braking system and lighting kit $800, drop hitch and ball $50. That was pretty barebones. You can buy all new a "towing package" either Roadmaster or Blue Ox and it will run $1800 - $2100. Plus installation. Installing the baseplate on the HHR was no big deal, but I did have it done at a shop while I helped out. I wanted to make sure it was done right.
Of course, I also had a 3.55 final drive installed in the coach, so that was another $1500 or so. Certainly an expensive proposition any way you cut it. That being said, a tow dolly with brakes isn't going to come much cheaper. At least, not one that isn't going to require some serious R&R. About the cheapest used one I found that I thought would be minimally reliable after about a year of searching was $1500. Six in one, half dozen in the other if you get my drift...
Thanks,
Jeremy Knezek
1976 Glenbrook
Birmingham, AL
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| Re: Toading with a Tow dolly? [message #99687 is a reply to message #99686] |
Tue, 14 September 2010 07:16 |
stick miller
Messages: 1036
Registered: March 2010
Location: Americus, Georgia
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[quote title=Hardie Johnson wrote on Tue, 14 September 2010 07:47 Once you have the hitch installed, could you rent a dolly for occasional use?[/quote]
My thoughts exactly. Just not sure our U-haul dollies have brakes. The Jetta is about 3000 lbs plus the weight of a heavy duty U-Haul and I really think I'll need brakes...or a hole in the floor for my foot.
Stick Miller
'78 Royale - "White Trash" - she left me for another man
'76 Eleganza - "Cousin Eddie" Sold
'84 Bluebird Wanderlodge - "Past Tents"
Americus, GA
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| Re: [GMCnet] Toading with a Tow dolly? [message #99692 is a reply to message #99687] |
Tue, 14 September 2010 08:03 |
gmcrv1
Messages: 839
Registered: August 2007
Location: Memphis
Karma: -1
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I have "Master Tow" brand tow dolly. They make two versions - standard &
HD. I have the HD - it will tow a wider track vehicle then the standard.
Purchased at Carlilse from Performance Products in Laurel, MD. I have had
it for almost 10 years. I have never had a problem with it while towing it
with a Ford F-150. I towed several cars form NJ to TN when I retired. I
also have a two axle car trailer with the solid diamond plate deck. This
thing is heavy. I think if I do get a toad, I'll try the dolly first. It
does not have brakes, but if I do go that route I'll contact the company I
purchased it from to see what's available Don't want to be hauling
14,000-15,000 pounds and depend on the front disc of the GMC to stop
everything! All other braking is stock. I do have a large umbrella that
could double as a drag chute...
JWIMD (Just What I Might Do)
Tom Eckert N2VWN
73 Glacier
Oakland, TN
On Tue, Sep 14, 2010 at 7:16 AM, Stick Miller <stickmiller@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> [quote title=Hardie Johnson wrote on Tue, 14 September 2010 07:47 Once you
> have the hitch installed, could you rent a dolly for occasional use?[/quote]
>
> My thoughts exactly. Just not sure our U-haul dollies have brakes. The
> Jetta is about 3000 lbs plus the weight of a heavy duty U-Haul and I really
> think I'll need brakes...or a hole in the floor for my foot.
> --
> Stick (I used to be skinny) Miller
> '78 Royale
> Americus, Georgia
>
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=35133
> _______________________________________________
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> List Information and Subscription Options:
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| Re: Toading with a Tow dolly? [message #99702 is a reply to message #99687] |
Tue, 14 September 2010 08:50 |
Bob de Kruyff
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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""My thoughts exactly. Just not sure our U-haul dollies have brakes. The Jetta is about 3000 lbs plus the weight of a heavy duty U-Haul and I really think I'll need brakes...or a hole in the floor for my foot. ""
No brakes on U-Haul dollies. Although we do use surge brakes on many of our trailers, they don't lend themselves that well to tow dolly combinations.
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
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