Lessons From a Tow Dolly Newbie

Summary

Transitioning to a larger RV often necessitates towing a car for added mobility. This article delves into the lessons learned from using a tow dolly for the first time, highlighting the importance of preparation, understanding equipment, and ensuring safety. From unexpected technical issues to practical tips, this guide aims to help you avoid common pitfalls and make your towing experience smoother.

The Need for a Tow Dolly

After upgrading to a 32-foot Class C RV from a smaller 21-foot Rialta, we quickly realized the need to tow our car for increased mobility at our destinations. Unfortunately, neither of our current cars could be towed with all four wheels on the ground, leaving us with two options: buy a new car or invest in a tow dolly. We chose the latter.

Finding the Right Tow Dolly

Used tow dollies are available, but finding one close to home proved challenging. Eventually, we found a new Roadmaster tow dolly on sale at Camping World for around $1,500—a reasonable deal considering the brand's reputation. We arranged to visit the nearest Camping World, 80 miles away, to make the purchase.

Lessons Learned

Timing Matters

Upon arriving at Camping World at 9 AM, I discovered that the knowledgeable technician I had spoken to had a family emergency and wouldn't be in. Lesson: Avoid scheduling service on Mondays, as weekends can lead to unexpected delays and busier schedules.

Understanding Equipment Specifications

The new tow dolly's specs mentioned electric brakes, but I didn't realize that our RV needed an electric brake system installed to safely stop while towing. This system cost a little over $100 and required professional installation. Lesson: Ensure your RV is equipped with the necessary braking system before purchasing a tow dolly.

Hands-On Experience is Crucial

After 7.5 hours, including an oil change for the motor and generator, I was ready to take the new dolly home. However, without the car I intended to tow, I couldn't practice loading and securing it properly. Lesson: Bring the car you plan to tow when picking up your tow dolly to learn how to use it correctly.

Practical Challenges

For our first trip, I carefully read all instructions and the car's manual on towing. Despite my preparation, my car wasn't heavy enough to make the tow dolly pivot back into place after driving up the ramps. Lesson: Be prepared for practical challenges that may not be covered in the manual.

Securing the Vehicle

A neighbor's large screw clamp helped me force the tow dolly into the proper position to reinsert the pin. Securing the car with straps took time and effort, but I eventually managed it. Lesson: Practice securing your vehicle before hitting the road to ensure safety.

Final Checks and Maintenance

On our way out of Gulf Shores, Alabama, we had Camping World inspect the tow dolly. They replaced the nuts holding the light in place, discovered a missing bolt on one of the ramps, and tightened all nuts. Final Lesson: Regularly inspect and maintain your tow dolly to ensure safety.

Interesting Stats

• According to the RV Industry Association, over 11 million U.S. households own an RV, and many of them use tow dollies for added mobility (RVIA).
• A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that improper towing contributes to approximately 4% of all vehicle crashes annually (NHTSA).

Conclusion

The more you know about tow dollies, the safer and more efficient your towing experience will be. From understanding equipment specifications to practicing vehicle securing, each lesson learned contributes to a smoother journey. Always prioritize safety and regular maintenance to avoid unexpected issues on the road.

By following these guidelines and learning from my experiences, you can ensure a safer and more enjoyable towing experience. Happy travels!