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Old 05-26-2007, 07:50 PM   #1
Beaufort NC
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Default Dolly or tow bar?

We're looking at towing an automobile for the first time in ten years of motorhome ownership. In view of the fact that we have several vehicles which we might want to tow at one time or another, including at least one with front wheel drive, it occured to me that using a dolly might be the most sensible way to go.

Would y'all please comment on the relative advantages of towing with all four on the ground, as opposed to using a dolly?

Thanks in advance!!
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Old 05-26-2007, 08:21 PM   #2
mfa
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IMO, the advantages of four-down towing are...
  • Quicker hookup.
    Quicker disconnect.
    Don't have to store the dolly.
    Don't have to find a place for the dolly at the campground.
    Don't have to maintain the dolly brakes (in addition to maintaining the toad's brakes.)
    Don't have another pair of tires to maintain/replace.

The disadvantages are...
  • Have to install a baseplate on each vehicle that you want to tow.
    Some vehicles require modifications (like a driveshaft disconnect) in order to be towed.
    Some vehicles cannot be towed four-down.
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Old 05-31-2007, 02:13 PM   #3
hyall
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Four down just unhook and drive Honda Odyssey
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Old 05-31-2007, 08:51 PM   #4
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We have a Kar Kaddy SS by Demco and Love it. It follows like a champ. We have never had a problem at a campground. It is very light so if you want to disconnect its very easy even my wife can move it and we are not "spring chickens". After practice you can connect or disconnect in about 4-5 minutes. The part I like is you can tow any car any time. No special modifications on a not so new car. I think you can rent one from U-Haul to try it out, even though they have basic model. Good Luck!
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Old 06-01-2007, 06:50 AM   #5
GStream40
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Some vehicles cannot be towed on a tow dolly, such as most 4x4's like the Ford Explorer and must either be towed on a trailer or be towed 4 down like we do.

This like most, will get different opinions. The people that use a tow dolly will tell you they really don't have a problem at the CG, the ones that tow with a tow bar will say the dolly is a pain.

Guess it is just a matter of different opinions.

Oh BTW, we use the Blue Ox Aladdin tow bar, really easy to store or just hang on the back of the coach when at the CG. The toad tracks really nice.

Also, don't forget about the added weight of the tow dolly and two more tires to maintain/replace.

Whatever you decide will be right for you.

Ron
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Old 06-02-2007, 02:22 AM   #6
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Gstream, you are right I forgot about 4X4's and I think rear wheel drive is a little different too, however I agree what ever a person is using that is working for them for their situation is what they recomend. Just like the "Diesel vs. Gas" question.
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