Since I have switched toads from a Ford truck to a Mini Cooper I am looking for input on tow dollys. I have read good things about the Acme Eze Tow. Does anyone have any experience with this brand or any others?
http://cartowdolly.com/eze-tow-dolly/ (http://cartowdolly.com/eze-tow-dolly/)
Looks reasonable to me. It doesn't look heavy which is a big plus. We've been using a dolly that we stow under the motor home when it's not towing something but it's quite heavy and moving it by hand is further handicapped by the fact that the ramps extend far enough back that we cannot lift the front high enough for a convenient carry. I like the disc brakes, too.
The pluses to a dolly are:
1. You can tow different vehicles without any extra expenditure;
2. You can tow your kids' cars after they catch on fire and they leave them along road 10;
3. No brake issues;
4. No lighting issues;
The downside:
1. One more thing to mess with;
2. Wide.. much wider than the car you're towing (this can be an issue);
3. License issues in Florida but probably not an issue anywhere else;
4. Straps can (and will) loosen up... it's smart to stop and check after a few miles;
5. Not convenient to move around.
When we tow the Wrangler we'll do it 4-down. The Kia Optima goes on the dolly.
Craig
Echo Craig on the straps coming loose. I have rented a dolly several times and they all loosened their straps.
Optimas are a nice to take along.
Pierce
Interesting, this is the dolly I have decided to get. I have been considering all options; trailers, 4-down, other dollies available. I even went and traded in my beloved BMW diesel for a new VW Jetta Sportwagon diesel thinking I would tow 4-down (front wheel drive). But talking with VW, decided against that due to the possible side-loading stresses on the front suspension and drive train. It seems the Acme dolly is light enough to move around. I like the surge disc brakes. At least according to their website, I like the quality of construction. At least for me, I am of the mind that the dolly is the way to go.
If you do get one, don't forget to give us all a review after you've had it and used it a while. Light weight is good.
I installed a 1" receiver on the back of the Optima so we can pull the dolly around easier (with a 2" receiver adapter). It makes it handy for people who store their coaches far enough away that they have to drive to it. Just tow the dolly behind the toad and switch the dolly to the coach and then drive the toad up onto the dolly and away ya go. :)
Craig
That's a good idea.
I towed my 04 Jetta TDI wagon for over 5 years with Mastertow dollies - first one with electric brakes, second one with surge brakes. I liked the surge brake model better. As long as the dolly has a swivel plate I see no issue with the front suspension stresses. Consider searching Craigslist for local used models. I bought both of mine w/in 50 miles for under 750.00 each. Replace the bias ply tires with Goodyear trailer radials and do LED marker lights.
Yes a dolly takes a minute or two extra over 4 down and you need a place to put the dolly. And it really sucks tightening those straps in the rain. But no wiring issues on the toad, aux braking included, no base plate issues, tow any front driver and a dolly gets pretty attractive. Add buying used and its a great way to start. I never needed a tag in FL.
That said, I would personally pass on the ACME because of the lack of a swivel plate. I like the disk brakes. MasterTow makes great dollies. My personal fave is the Demco Kar Kaddy SS. Demco. Doing our Best to Provide You the Best - Tow Dollies (http://www.demco-products.com/towdollies.html)
For those that don't need the folding option, Their standard dolly is well priced in the 1600.00 range.
The only mistake I continued to make towing with a dolly was forgetting (and losing!) the locking pin for the ramp tilt! I got so I would keep an extra two in the coach. Readily available from Tractor Supply.
OK, what is the swivel plate? Also, how much clearance is there between the car and the folded ramps? (VW Jetta).
Thanks, Mike
OK, disregard swivel plate question. Just located a new Mastertow Dolly in Springfield, MO with surge brakes and swivel plate, non-retractable loading ramp for $1500. Thomas RV Supply.
Ramps are fixed on the MasterTow. I took that dolly through some serious whoop-te-doos and they never contacted the bottom of the car. VW and Audi's have the pressed steel vertical edging along the bottom and its very easy to see if that occurs.
FYI - my 'v8q' email refers to the FIVE Audi V8 quattros I've owned over the years. Unfortunately they couldn't be towed 4 down OR put on a dolly. :-[
Good price!
I've used a MasterTow dolly with surge brakes for five years. If it comes with bias ply tires, change to radial ply tires. The manual says to check the straps and retighten after one mile. I always do this and then they remain snug the rest of the day. Check the brake fluid frequently. I have drum brakes and they work fine. It is not as convenient as 4-down towing, but it works for us. We tow a Chysler T&C minivan.
Capehorn, be sure to field test a dolly before purchase for ground clearance at the rear of the Mini. A friend had to use a trailer to move his Mini crosscountry because of the lack of clearance.
We had a Kar Kaddy with the steering axle and surge brakes. Never had a problem that wasn't operator induced. I torgued the straps VERY tight,(tires looked almost flat), and never had any problem with loosening. It was a little more hassle than flat towing the Wrangler, but not that bad. The ability to interchange vehicles was a real plus. I could go back to it if need be. The number one drawback, IMHO, is moving and storing it when camped. I bought from Harbor Freight a two-wheeled dolly with boat trailer tires and a hitch on top with which to move the thing around.
Have a tow dolly also. I learned on my first trip that I didn't have enough "wraps" on the strap when tightening it. If you have about 5 wraps it holds. Also learned to have the cross belts on the "harness" as close to the top of the tire as possible to keep the harness from fraying on the vehicle suspension.
The dolly can be a bit extra work sometimes, but we have several vehicles and we like the flexibility to change vehicles.
If you haven't used a dolly and have the option of 4 down I recommend 4 down. I pulled a Master Tow dolly for 3 years pulling a Jetta TDI and while it worked good it is always hot, wet or on dirt when you need to hook or unhook. You don't want to get into a position you need to back up either. Also the Master tow weighted in about 400 pds. Pretty heavy to drag around. If the ground is level it is no problem if not it can get away from you. On the road it was no problem it pulled good, ramps dropped for easy loading and swivel plate worked good. Another issue I found was some RV parks didn't have room for the dolly behind the coach so you had to drop it and store under rear of coach. If you were backing in you might have to store at a remote location. With all that said while it is more expensive, I feel 4 down is an easier propisition. Hope this is a help.
Jerry
1999 U270 WTFI
2011 Malibu