Tow Dollys VS flat tow - RV-Dreams Community Forum

Vstarrider1946 · RV-Dreams Family Member

Tow Dollys VS flat tow

TRAILERKING · RV-Dreams Family Member

I pull my '09 Impala on a dolly. Works good. Have to make wider than usual turns(not too tight or tie down belts can become loose). I use mag base extension lights and stick on the trunk lid. I was thinking of an enclosed trailer then I can haul various things. There will be a ton of opinions, pros & cons on all.

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

Just an observation. The majority of those who start with a tow dolly, eventually change to a vehicle they can flat tow. Tow dollies take more work because of the straps, etc., and you have to find a place in the campground to store the tow dolly and sometimes that is not easy.
Enclosed trailers seem to be more popular with snowbirds than fulltimers. But I have met fulltimers with them.

BiggarView · RV-Dreams Family Member

I'm with Bill. Though I have no experience with flat towing, it has to be easier that a tow dolly. We used one when we moved Cindi back from a LT job assignment in Plano, TX and while it rode smoothly the hook up/mounting of the car to the dolly was a pain. I'm sure with repeated practice it would become second nature but after watching people hook up a flat tow set-up at a campground, that's the way I'd go if we decide a MH is our future RV choice.

FWIW, Brian

Lucky Mike · RV-Dreams Family Member

its actually a simplified answer.....if your car can be towed 4 down without modifications or affordable mods...4 down is the way to go.

if your vehicle is front wheel drive and requires modifications that will cost more than purchasing a dolly ....you get to make the choice according to your budget.

as far as towing....they both pretty much tow the same.....you pull it , it follows!!......you DONT back up with either set up.

the only difference is that with a dolly....you must store it while at the RV park but they are easy to move around....and pretty easy to steal if it isnt locked up while your gone!!!

Selah · RV-Dreams Family Member

I'm not sure what I could add to what Lucky Mike said except that a properly set up four down will in most cases cost more than a tow dolly set up. In effect, your paying for the convenience of four down towing.
If trading your car and the extra expense is not a big issue, go four down. If you travel a lot you will eventually (most likely) go that direction anyway.

Cookie Dough · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hi, our current circumstances will be using a tow dolly. I'm looking on recommendations as to any brand, type of brakes. the toad is a 2016 VW Jetta

LarryW21 · RV-Dreams Family Member

From observation, if all your camping spots will be long pull throughs, a dolly is not too much trouble. If not, I've seen it take an hour for the guy next to me to get squared away.

kb0zke · RV-Dreams Family Member

Tow dolly:
Bring dolly to back of MH.
Attach to hitch, connect safety cables, lights, etc.
Drive car onto dolly.
Tie it down.
Make sure that rear tires can turn freely. (Parking brake OFF).
Check lights.

Flat towing:
Drive car to rear of MH.
Attach tow bars, safety cables, lights, etc.
Make sure that car is out of gear.
Check lights.