Introduction
If you need to transport a vehicle safely and efficiently, a car dolly is an excellent solution. Whether you’re moving a car for repairs, long distance towing or storage, understanding how to use a car dolly properly is crucial for safety and ease of transport. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know, including how to hook up a car dolly, how to connect a car dolly and the best practices to ensure a smooth towing experience.
What is a Car Dolly?
A car dolly is a two-wheel trailer designed to lift the front wheels of a vehicle off the ground while keeping the rear wheels in contact with the road. This setup is ideal for towing front wheel drive vehicles behind an RV, truck or another towing vehicle.
When to Use a Car Dolly
A car dolly is a practical towing solution in various situations, including:
- Towing a Front Wheel Drive Vehicle – Car dollies are designed primarily for front wheel drive cars, as they lift the drive wheels off the ground while the rear wheels freely engage the pavement.
- Transporting a Car for Repairs – If your vehicle is inoperable but has functional rear wheels, a car dolly is a great way to move it to a repair service.
- RV and Long Distance Towing – RV owners often use car dollies to bring a secondary vehicle along for convenience when traveling.
- Temporary Vehicle Storage – If you need to reposition a car within a storage facility or garage, a car dolly makes moving it easier.
Why Use a Car Dolly?
- Cost-Effective – Car dollies are often cheaper than full car trailers and require less fuel due to their lighter weight.
- Easy to Maneuver – Compared to flatbed trailers, car dollies are more compact and easier to handle.
- Protects the Front Wheels – By lifting the front wheels, the dolly prevents wear and tear on the drive components of front-wheel-drive vehicles.
- Legal Compliance – In many cases, car dollies help ensure compliance with state towing laws—making them a safer and more reliable choice.
How to Use a Car Dolly: Step by Step Instructions
1. Gather the Necessary Equipment
Before you begin, make sure you have the following:
- A car dolly rated for your vehicle’s weight
- Safety chains and straps
- A towing vehicle with a proper hitch
- Wheel chocks for added stability
2. Position the Car Dolly
- Park the towing vehicle on a flat, stable surface.
- Align the car dolly directly behind the towing vehicle’s hitch.
- Engage the towing vehicle’s parking brake.
3. How to Hook Up a Car Dolly to the Towing Vehicle
- Attach the car dolly’s hitch coupler to the towing vehicle’s hitch ball.
- Secure the connection by locking the coupler and ensuring it’s tight.
- Attach the safety chains from the dolly to the towing vehicle in a crisscross pattern.
- Plug in the dolly’s electrical wiring to ensure the brake lights and turn signals function properly.
4. Loading the Vehicle onto the Car Dolly
- Align the car’s front wheels with the dolly ramps.
- Slowly drive or push the vehicle onto the dolly until the front wheels rest in the wheel cradles.
- Apply the parking brake on the vehicle being towed.
5. How to Connect a Car Dolly Securely
- Secure the vehicle’s front wheels with the provided wheel straps.
- Tighten the straps to prevent movement during transit.
- Use additional safety chains to connect the vehicle’s frame to the dolly for added security.
- Double check that all straps and chains are tight before moving.
6. Checking and Adjusting Before Towing
- Ensure the vehicle’s transmission is in neutral (for automatic transmissions, follow manufacturer guidelines).
- Verify that the rear wheels of the towed vehicle are free to roll.
- Check the lights and brakes of both the towing vehicle and dolly.
- Remove wheel chocks and release the parking brake on the towing vehicle.
7. Driving and Maneuvering with a Car Dolly
- Accelerate slowly to avoid jerky movements.
- Take wider turns to accommodate the extra length.
- Avoid sudden braking and maintain a steady speed.
- Periodically check straps and chains during long trips.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using a Car Dolly
- Overloading the dolly – Ensure your car dolly has the appropriate weight capacity.
- Not securing the vehicle properly – Loose straps and chains can lead to dangerous situations.
- Ignoring tire pressure – Check the tire pressure of both the dolly and towed vehicle.
- Forgetting to check clearance – Ensure there’s enough ground clearance to prevent scraping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Tow Any Car with a Car Dolly?
Car dollies are best suited for front wheel drive vehicles. Towing rear wheel drive or all wheel drive vehicles with a dolly may require additional modifications.
Do You Need a Special License to Use a Car Dolly?
Most states do not require a special license to tow a car dolly, but it’s best to check local regulations.
Is It Safe to Reverse with a Car Dolly?
No, reversing with a car dolly is extremely difficult and can lead to damage. Plan your route to avoid the need for reversing.
Conclusion
Knowing how to use a car dolly correctly enables safe and efficient towing. By following the steps above on how to hook up a car dolly and how to connect a car dolly, you’ll minimize risks and transport your vehicle with more confidence. Whether you’re towing a vehicle for repairs or travel, a properly connected car dolly makes the process much easier. Always follow safety guidelines and check your setup before hitting the road!
