how to tow a car on a car dolly

[RichardDella]

Towing a car on a car dolly requires specific steps to ensure safety and prevent damage to your vehicle. The core process involves safely securing the vehicle by its front wheels while the rear wheels roll on the ground. This method is generally only suitable for front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicles, as towing a rear-wheel or all-wheel-drive car with a dolly can cause serious damage to the drivetrain. For those vehicles, flatbed towing is the only safe option.

Before you start, assemble the right gear: a correctly rated car dolly, robust ratchet straps, wheel chocks, and safety chains. Your first step is always to check the vehicle's owner's manual for specific towing instructions and approved methods. This is the most critical step to avoid costly mistakes.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Position the Dolly: Park the dolly on a flat, level surface and engage its brakes. Place wheel chocks behind the dolly's tires.
2. Load the Vehicle: Slowly drive or winch the car onto the dolly until the front tires are centered on the decks. A common mistake is not getting the car far enough forward.
3. Secure the Tires: Use the dolly's integrated straps or your own ratchet straps to tightly secure the front tires. The straps should be tight enough to eliminate any side-to-side movement. Double-check that the vehicle is in Park (for automatics) or in gear (for manuals), and firmly set the parking brake.
4. Secure the Vehicle to the Dolly: Cross the safety chains from the dolly to the vehicle's frame or tow hooks—never to suspension parts—to create a cradle. This provides a backup safety link.
5. Final Checks: Ensure all lights (brake lights, turn signals) on the dolly are connected and working. Do a final tug on all straps and chains. Make sure the rear wheels can roll freely.

The key to a successful tow is taking your time during the securing process. A poorly strapped car can shift or come loose, creating a dangerous situation on the road.

Common Towing Mistakes & Data	Why It's a Problem	Correct Action
Towing an AWD/4WD vehicle on a dolly	Can destroy the transfer case and differential due to binding, with average repair costs ranging from $3,000 to $7,000+	Use a flatbed trailer exclusively.
Insufficient strap tension	Allows vehicle to sway or bounce off, a leading cause of tow-related accidents.	Tighten straps until there is no side-to-side play in the tires.
Incorrect safety chain attachment	If a strap fails, the chains are the last line of defense. Attaching to weak points can lead to failure.	Attach chains to the vehicle's frame or OEM tow points.
Forgetting to disable the steering lock	Can damage the steering column when making turns.	Ensure the ignition is in the "Accessory" or "On" position to unlock the steering wheel.
Overlooking state regulations	Laws for maximum speed (often 55 mph), required lighting, and following distance vary by state.	Research the towing laws for every state you'll be driving through.

[SanReagan]

Just did this last month. The biggest thing? Don't rush the strapping-down part. Crank those ratchet straps until the car's front tires can't wiggle at all. And please, for the love of your wallet, check if your car is front-wheel drive before you even start. If it's all-wheel drive, stop right there—you'll need a full flatbed trailer instead. Hook up the lights, double-check the chains, and take it easy on the highway. It’s not a race.

[DiMia]

My advice is to be meticulous with your pre-trip checklist. The vehicle's manual is your best friend; it will explicitly state if dolly towing is permitted. Always ensure the parking brake is firmly engaged and the transmission is in Park. Attach the safety chains in a crisscross pattern to the vehicle's frame, not any plastic parts. Before you pull away, physically tug on every connection point. A few minutes of careful inspection can prevent a catastrophic failure miles down the road.

[DeStella]

Renting a dolly from U-Haul or a similar store is a cost-effective way to move a car. The rental process is straightforward, but factor in the cost of the dolly itself, the mileage, and any insurance you might want. The main advantage over a full trailer is that it's lighter and easier to handle with a capable SUV or truck. Just be absolutely certain your tow vehicle has enough horsepower and, more importantly, the proper towing capacity to handle the weight of both the dolly and the car you're moving.

[ColinDella]

Beyond the mechanics, the real focus is on safety for everyone on the road. Your tow vehicle now requires significantly more distance to stop and accelerate. Make your movements smooth and gradual. Avoid sudden lane changes. Plan your route to avoid steep grades and tight corners if possible. Continuously monitor your mirrors to check that the towed car is tracking correctly. Before a long trip, practice maneuvering in an empty parking lot to get a feel for the added length and weight. It’s a different kind of driving that demands constant attention.