How to Use a Car Dolly

When moving or going on a vacation in an RV, a car dolly is one of the best ways to transport a car. According to americancardolly.com, car dollies are one of the safest and economical ways to tow a car. Car dollies elevate the front wheels while the back wheels stay on the ground. This prevents the front wheels from getting worn out. Car dollies can be easily stored and moved around.

Things You'll Need

• Car dolly instructions
• Car dolly
• Car
• Towing lights

Instructions

1. Read the user's instructions that came with the dolly before doing anything. If you rented the dolly, then the rental agency will provide you with a manual.

2. Attach the dolly to the towing vehicle. Ensure the hitch ball is at the right height. Then attach the coupler onto the hitch ball. Check if the safety chains are attached to the tow dolly tongue and the towing vehicle. Secure the detachable vehicle-in-tow lights.

3. Ensure the weight of the vehicle-in-tow does not exceed the maximum limit. Exceeding the maximum limit may cause swaying or whipping. Refer to the dolly manual for the maximum weight limit.

4. Pull out the ramps completely and lower it to the ground. Place the tire straps in the center of the ramp. This prevents difficulty in securing the car after the car has been loaded. Make sure the tire straps are the right size for the car's tires.

5. Make sure the vehicle-in-tow is centered while driving up to the dolly. Drive up slowly to the ramp. Apply the parking brake and lock the steering wheel. Place the tire straps over the front tires. While securing the tires, make sure there are no knots or twists in the straps. Secure the tire strap through the slot in the ratchet pool. Double-check the straps to ensure they are properly tightened. Repeat the same procedure for the tire on the other side.

6. Secure the vehicle-in-tow security chains to the towed vehicle. Make sure the security chains will not cause any damage to the brake and fuel lines. Place the chain hook through one of the chain links. Secure the S-hook through the rubber retainer.

7. Release the parking brake and lock the doors. Take the vehicle-in-tow for a test drive. Make left and right turns. After the test drive, recheck the tire straps and security chains to ensure everything is in place. Retighten tire straps if necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Drive slowly and avoid sharp turns.

• During a long trip, stop for rest and check the straps and chains at each stop.

• The vehicle-in-tow should always be loaded facing forward.

References

• American Car Dolly

Resources

• U-Haul: Tow Dolly