How to Hook Up a Tow Dolly

A tow dolly is a safe and convenient way to transport a car. For anyone moving a long distance, a tow dolly can save a trip by allowing you to tow you car behind your moving truck. Most moving truck companies offer both a tow dolly and a car carrier. The type of car you have should be the deciding factor in your decision. If you have a front-wheel drive car, a tow dolly is your best option. If you have a rear-wheel drive car, then a car carrier is your best option.

Things You'll Need

• Truck with tow hitch
• Tow dolly
• Car

Instructions

Hook Up Your Tow Dolly

1. Ensure the tow dolly locking device is completely open. Place the tow dolly coupler over the hitchball of your towing truck. Make sure the coupler is fully seated on the hitchball.

2. Lock the tow dolly coupler in place. If your tow dolly has a locking lever, move the lever completely down and insert the locking pin in place. If you have a tightening wheel, rotate it until it's tight. Pull up on the tow dolly to ensure that it does not come off the hitchball.

3. Insert the electrical plug from the tow dolly into the electrical box of the towing truck. Check the running lights, break lights and the turn signals on the tow dolly to ensure proper operation. Do not use the tow dolly if the lights do not work correctly.

4. Cross the safety chains from the tow dolly under the tongue of the dolly and insert the chains through the eyelets on the bumper of the towing truck, then attach the hook to the tow chains. Ensure enough slack in the safety chains to allow for the dolly to turn normally.

5. Ensure the towing truck and tow dolly are on level ground and lined up straight. Lay the tire straps off of the tire ramps. Release the locking pin and tilt the dolly platform back so the tire ramps are resting on the ground.

6. Drive your front wheels onto the ramp until you come to the tire stops. The vehicle weight will cause the platform to return to the upright position.Check your car to ensure it's centered and resting firmly on the tow dolly. Replace the locking pin in the platform lock.

7. Secure the tire straps over the tires and ratchet the tire straps down until tight. Place the safety pin or clip on the ratchets in place to secure them in the locked position. Attach the safety chains from the tow dolly to the frame of the vehicle.

8. Release the parking brake before moving the vehicle in the tow dolly. Ensure that your steering wheel is locked with your front wheels pointing straight ahead. Drive the vehicle a hundred feet or so, stop and inspect the tow dolly. If everything is in order you are ready to tow your vehicle.

References

• Penske Tow Dolly Instructions