how to tow dolly a car

[DiJuliet]

The safest way to tow dolly a car is by lifting and securing only the vehicle's front tires, effectively making it a trailer. This method is generally suitable for front-wheel drive vehicles. Before starting, the most critical step is to consult your car's owner's manual to confirm it's approved for dollying and to understand any specific preparation requirements, such as locking the steering wheel or disabling the alarm. To do it correctly, you'll need a properly rated tow dolly, safety chains, and the correct hitch on your tow vehicle. Ensure your tow vehicle's Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) exceeds the total weight of your vehicle plus the dolly and the car being towed. Here’s a quick overview of the process: 1. Position the Dolly: Attach the dolly to your tow vehicle's hitch. Lower the dolly's ramps. 2. Load the Car: Carefully drive the front wheels of the car onto the dolly's decks until they touch the stops. 3. Secure the Vehicle: Use the dolly's built-in straps or chains to tightly secure the tires. Cross the safety chains underneath for extra security. 4. Prepare the Towed Car: Place the transmission in Park (automatic) or Neutral (manual). Engage the parking brake. Lock the steering wheel with a key or a steering wheel lock. Disconnect or secure the battery if the alarm is sensitive. 5. Final Checks: Double-check all connections, ensure tail lights are working, and that the car is firmly strapped down. | Vehicle Consideration | Key Factor | Example/Data | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) is ideal. | FWD cars like Honda Civic, Toyota Camry. | | Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive (AWD) requires extra steps. | Many Subarus, Audi Quattro models may need a driveshaft disconnect. | | Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) is not recommended. | Towing with rear wheels on ground can damage the transmission. | | Weight | Must be within dolly and tow vehicle limits. | Average sedan weighs 3,000-4,000 lbs; check dolly's capacity (often 3,500-5,000 lbs). | | Transmission | Automatic should be in Park. | Towing an automatic with wheels down is a primary cause of transmission failure. | Always perform a test drive at low speeds in a safe area to check for stability before heading onto main roads. State laws vary, so familiarize yourself with local regulations regarding lighting and safety requirements.

[JeremiahMarie]

It's pretty straightforward if you've got a front-wheel-drive car. You just drive the front tires up onto the dolly, strap them down tight, and make sure the steering wheel is locked. The back tires just roll along. The big thing is to never do this with a rear-wheel-drive car—you'll wreck the transmission. Always check your owner's manual first; it'll tell you straight up if it's okay. Hook up the lights, cross the safety chains, and you're good to go. Just take it slow on the road.

[DeEva]

Safety is the absolute priority. The correct procedure involves more than just strapping the car down. You must verify the weight ratings of both your tow vehicle and the dolly to prevent dangerous overloading. For the car being towed, placing the transmission in the wrong setting can lead to catastrophic damage. For most modern automatic transmissions, the car must be in "Park," not "Neutral." I always recommend using an additional set of heavy-duty straps for redundancy and checking the tightness of all connections after the first few miles of travel.

[McClaire]

I learned this the hard way after moving cross-country. The biggest surprise was how much the towed car wants to wiggle if it's not perfectly straight on the dolly. You really need a spotter to guide you when driving it on. Also, invest in a good steering wheel lock. The one that came with my dolly was flimsy, and I could see the wheel still had some play. A sturdy lock gives you peace of mind. Don't forget to fold in the side mirrors on the towed car to avoid catching wind.

[LaIsla]

From a cost and practicality standpoint, a tow dolly is a great middle ground. It's far more affordable than a full car trailer and easier to store. However, it's only a viable solution for certain vehicles, primarily front-wheel-drive models. If you're only towing once or twice a year, renting a dolly is very economical. But if you own a rear-wheel-drive sports car or a heavy SUV, this method isn't suitable, and you'd need to explore more expensive trailer options. Always factor in the cost of insurance for the trip.