Using A Car Dolly With Your Camper: What You Need To Know

Towing a car behind your camper or RV can be a convenient way to explore an area once you've reached your destination, without having to break down camp. There are a few ways to do this, including flat towing, using a tow dolly, or a car trailer. A tow dolly is a type of trailer that carries the front two wheels of a car, leaving the rear wheels on the ground. This method is typically used for front-wheel-drive cars, although rear-wheel-drive cars can be placed on a tow dolly if their transmissions are disconnected. Tow dollies are also a good option if your camper or RV cannot pull the weight of a car trailer.

Backing up with a car on a dolly

The main issue with backing up with a car on a dolly is that the car wants to turn on the dolly. This can be mitigated by having strong people push back on the car hinge to keep it straight. Even with this assistance, it is still a difficult manoeuvre.

If you only need to move the car backwards a few feet, it is much easier. One source says that tow dollies are "good for forward, not so hot backwards".

If you have a dolly with surge brakes, it may be possible to back up slowly in a straight line. Some dollies have an override spring that prevents the brakes from applying when low force is exerted on the system, such as when backing up or coasting downhill.

Pros and cons of using a car dolly

A car dolly is a two-wheeled trailer that lifts the front wheels of your car off the road so that you can tow it behind another vehicle. It is one of the most cost-effective ways of towing your car over shorter distances.

Pros of Using a Car Tow Dolly

• It is a cost-effective way of transporting your car over short distances.
• It can be used in emergencies to transport your vehicle easily and quickly.
• It can be attached to other motor vehicles quickly and easily.
• It is considered the fastest way to transport your vehicle to different locations.
• It is ideal for towing front-wheel-drive vehicles.
• It can also tow a small selection of rear-drive, four-wheel-drive, and all-wheel-drive vehicles.
• It does not add mileage to your odometer.
• It is safer to use than a center pivot dolly, as it reduces the chances of the towed vehicle hitting the tow vehicle.

Cons of Using a Car Tow Dolly

• It is lightweight and does not provide a high level of safety and security to your car.
• The car is exposed to elements such as wind, dust, dirt, rain, and harsh weather conditions, which can cause potential damage.
• It does not provide protection against potholes and dangerous road accidents.
• It is not suitable for backing up or driving in reverse, as it can cause a serious accident.
• It requires careful driving, avoiding too much braking pressure and hard turns.
• The rear wheels of the towed vehicle remain on the ground and are subject to uneven wear during towing.
• It might not be ideal for long-distance transport or for expensive classic cars.

Preparing your car for a tow dolly

Disconnect the Drive Shaft:

Firstly, disconnect the drive shaft or U-joint, depending on your car's drivetrain. For front-wheel-drive cars, disconnect the drive shaft. For rear-wheel-drive cars, use a driveshaft disconnect device. This step is crucial to prevent transmission problems during towing.

Secure the Car onto the Dolly:

Use loading ramps to carefully drive your car onto the dolly, ensuring it is centred. Secure the car with straps and hooks, making sure they are tightly fastened to prevent shifting during transport.

Check Tyre Pressure and Brakes:

Before towing, check that your car's tyres are properly inflated and the brakes are functioning properly. This is vital for a safe journey, as underinflated tyres or faulty brakes can lead to safety hazards.

Implement Additional Safety Measures:

Enhance safety by utilising safety chains, brake warning lights, and tyre straps. Safety chains are crucial, as they prevent the dolly from separating from the towing vehicle in the event of an accident. Brake warning lights signal to other drivers when you slow down or stop, maintaining safety on the road.

Lock the Steering Wheel:

Locking the steering wheel is a good practice to keep it centred during towing. This helps maintain stability. You can use a steering wheel lock or secure the wheel with straps, depending on your tow dolly's design.

Check Gear and Transmission:

The gear you use will depend on your car's transmission and drivetrain. For automatic front-wheel drive, place the front wheels on the dolly and leave the rear wheels on the ground. For manual front-wheel drive, do the same but tow in first gear. With automatic rear-wheel drive, disconnect the driveshaft and put the car in any gear. For manual rear-wheel drive, you can leave the driveshaft connected but ensure it's in neutral with the rear wheels on the dolly.

By following these steps, you can effectively prepare your car for towing with a dolly, ensuring a safe and secure journey.

Loading a non-running car onto a dolly

Firstly, it's important to understand the different types of dollies available and how they work. The two main types are the mounted front wheels dolly and the centre pivot RV dolly. The mounted front wheels dolly is safer as it reduces the risk of your car hitting the rear end while towing. However, the centre pivot RV dolly can make your car unsteady when turning.

Before you begin, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, check your car model and build, as this will impact how easy it is to load your vehicle. Front-wheel-drive cars are the most straightforward to load onto a dolly. You should also check your car's weight; your vehicle should be at least 750 pounds heavier than the vehicle-in-tow.

Now, let's get started with the process:

Preparing the Dolly:

• Park the towing vehicle and the dolly in line on a flat, level surface, and turn off the engine.
• Tighten the coupler hand tire and position the ball clamp under the coupler, then close the hitch ball.
• Cross the safety chains from left to right and secure them with S-hooks and rubber retainers. Ensure they don't drag on the ground.
• Connect the trailer wiring lead.
• Release the latch pins and pull out the slopes to set up the ramps.
• Pull the release lever to detach the straps from the ratchet spool, then lift the lever until it locks.
• Free the straps by pulling them upwards and lay them flat on the deck of the dolly.

Loading the Vehicle:

• Position the car in line with the dolly.
• Get two metal plates and place them under the dolly's ramps.
• Push the dolly forcefully under the front wheels of the car.
• Secure the vehicle by binding the strap over the tires, ensuring contact with both the inner and outer sides of the walls.
• Line up the ratchet at the centre of the tire.
• Tighten the ratchet as much as possible and fold the handle down.
• Leave a few inches of slack in the chains.
• Put the ramps back into the tow dolly and fix them.

Final Checks:

• Recheck that all components are secured before moving the tow vehicle and again after driving a short distance.
• Always wear your seatbelt and adjust your mirrors when towing.
• Slow down while towing and be cautious.

Towing a car on a dolly: safety and legal considerations

Tow dollies are a safe and legal option for towing a car behind a camper. Here are some safety and legal considerations to keep in mind:

Safety Considerations:

• Tow dollies are designed to be safe and secure for transporting vehicles. They include safety features such as chains, straps, and brakes to secure the towed vehicle.
• Before using a tow dolly, ensure that your vehicle is compatible with this method of towing. Check the owner's manual and never assume your car is safe to tow on a dolly. Some vehicles, such as electric cars and all-wheel-drive (AWD) cars, are not recommended for towing on a dolly.
• When towing, follow speed limits and drive below 55 MPH. Higher speeds can cause your haul to drift, increasing the risk of an accident.
• Take turns with caution and leave a safe distance from other vehicles. The additional weight of the towed vehicle affects braking and manoeuvrability.
• Regularly inspect your dolly, including the tires, straps, hitch, lighting system, and other vital parts, to ensure they are in good condition.
• When loading the vehicle onto the dolly, use a flat surface and follow the proper loading procedure for your vehicle's transmission and drivetrain.

Legal Considerations:

• Tow dollies are legal on all U.S. highways in the contiguous 48 states. However, some states have specific requirements for registration, lighting, and towing connection length.
• Check the regulations of your home state, as the laws of your home state apply when travelling between states. Visit your local DMV website to research the specific laws and requirements for tow dollies in your state.
• While the dolly itself does not require a braking system, some states mandate an emergency braking system due to the additional weight of the towed vehicle.

Frequently asked questions