Towing a Chevy Volt on a Dolly vs. Jeep 4 Down?

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Towing a Chevy Volt on a Dolly vs. Jeep 4 Down?

November 07, 2014, 08:48:31 pm

We currently have a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee SE with about 150K on it that we're seriously considering trading in on a new Chevy Volt. The Volt's 40 mile all electric range paired with 300 miles of Gas range @ 40MPG are pretty dang compelling when compared to our Jeep's 17-19 MPG. One of the main thoughts is that having a car that we can charge for pennies a night at a camp ground would remove the phycological resistance to driving around to see and do all the things in areas that we camp in for awhile.

BUT.

The Volt will need to be towed on a dolly from what I've read, and I don't have a lot of personal experience with dragging a dolly around everywhere I go. I'm only 44, and in decent shape, and the dollies I've seen pictured look REALLY lightweight? I've hooked/unhooked a 10' toy hauler type trailer from our jeep many times and that's a LOT more bulky/awkward than the car towing dollies.

Is it more an issue with where to PUT the dolly at a camp ground? Or hooking up the car on the dolly? What are the difficulties that make 4 down so much more preferable?

We *could* get the Jeep overhauled (new shocks, rear wheel seals, steering dampener etc.) and rigged for 4 down towing, it's got Quadra Track II so I understand it's a great candidate as a towed. But I'm afraid that the gas guzzling nature of the Jeep will make us more inclined to NOT drive around as much and thus miss out on some of the secondary attractions in areas where we visit.

Thoughts?

James and Susan

Re: Towing a Chevy Volt on a Dolly vs. Jeep 4 Down?

Reply #1 – November 07, 2014, 09:26:28 pm

Welcome, James and Susan. I'm a firm believer in matching vehicle to mission. A Jeep Grand Cherokee and a Chevrolet Volt are VERY different vehicles. How do you plan to use the car? Is gas mileage your only concern? I just "built" a Volt and a Cherokee, and the Cherokee is $3000 cheaper than the Volt. True, the Jeep gets 21 city/28 highway, which is less than the Volt.

One big issue I have with the Volt is the recharging issue. How will you recharge the battery in a campground? Can it be recharged with a regular cord? How long does that take? If it requires a special charger, can that be connected to either a 50A or 30A connection? Your coach will get the other one - assuming that you are in a campground that has both AND will let you use both.

Re: Towing a Chevy Volt on a Dolly vs. Jeep 4 Down?

Reply #2 – November 07, 2014, 09:49:08 pm

I have a tow dolly. It is cake to move around, especially on paved level. I like it because I can tow any FWD vehicle with no special equipment or requirements. It takes about 5 minutes to drive vehicle on and tie it down.

Re: Towing a Chevy Volt on a Dolly vs. Jeep 4 Down?

Reply #3 – November 07, 2014, 09:59:30 pm

X2 on the dolly!

Can't help you with the "Volt" decision, but we went the dolly route, and so far it has worked out great. The one we bought is not light, but still easy to move around. Link to info:

Demco Kar Kaddy SS

Re: Towing a Chevy Volt on a Dolly vs. Jeep 4 Down?

Reply #4 – November 08, 2014, 01:51:03 am

Chuck,

I have the same tow dolly. I move it around on flat by myself. Of course, I'm of lower age than the average FT owner--haha. Got mine used off craiglist for $1500 in like new condition. It's a couple years old (drum brakes, not disc like the new ones). Having galvanized and fold up is really nice.

Re: Towing a Chevy Volt on a Dolly vs. Jeep 4 Down?

Reply #5 – November 08, 2014, 02:04:55 am

I am going to assume your 04 Jeep GC is paid off. If you keep it and just spent the money on gas i think you will still come ahead ..... try calculating it with some assumptions. How many trips you will take on each trip you will put 100, 200 mil going to other locations?
If you spend $500 per year extra on gas in 3 years you will pay for a the used tow dolly. Then again if you are going to use the Volt every day other than RVing .. that is different.

Re: Towing a Chevy Volt on a Dolly vs. Jeep 4 Down?

Reply #6 – November 08, 2014, 08:06:33 am

Is the jeep paid off? The cost of a volt along with a tow dolly equals alot of gas.
Mike

Re: Towing a Chevy Volt on a Dolly vs. Jeep 4 Down?

Reply #7 – November 08, 2014, 08:07:22 am

I bought a 2011 Demco SS off Craigslist yesterday in south Dallas, also with the older style of drum brakes. I paid, $1,000, got a spare but will have to replace tires in a year or two per the date codes. It has taken over 6 months of watching to score this deal.

Biggest problem is often the sellers have terrible descriptions, or photos. Often there is little or no info about model, or features. A number of sellers are wanting back all their purchase price or more.

Re: Towing a Chevy Volt on a Dolly vs. Jeep 4 Down?

Reply #8 – November 08, 2014, 08:19:36 am

One thing about tow dollys - they don't have a lot of ground clearance. It has not been a problem for us, but we have scraped the "skid plates" on the dolly a few times going up steep driveways. If you are the adventurous type, and might be exploring any unimproved roads with your rig, then the Jeep would be a better choice.

Re: Towing a Chevy Volt on a Dolly vs. Jeep 4 Down?

Reply #9 – November 08, 2014, 09:01:29 am

I am going to ask this. I wonder if they really dolly well. I know my friend had a prius and they would get check engine lights a lot. It was because the rear end brakes helped recharge the battery. I also do not really worry about the gas mileage of the tow vehicle. It is much higher then the coach so that is great. It is a Grand Cherokee and I get about 20 or so with it a bit more on the highway and a bit less around town. I love the ground clearance and that when we go camping, a lot of time we are out on fire roads or back roads and have no issues driving on gravel or getting off the road to see the wildlife. Also, at times it can go on the beach as well. I had a wrangler before hand and I took that many more places then I would ever take the grand and one day I will get another one. I think that the wrangler is the best towed vehicle. Now if you want the Volt I would trailer it not dolly.

Re: Towing a Chevy Volt on a Dolly vs. Jeep 4 Down?

Reply #10 – November 08, 2014, 09:27:10 am

Some good questions. To answer:

Yes the Jeep is paid off, but it's over 150k milage and many systems need a major overhaul if we're going to take it with us. It's been rock solid for three very difficult years though and the point about just keeping it being less expensive by far is the main reason we're having trouble deciding. :-)

The Volt can be charged via 240 OR a regular 120 15 amp cord. The 15 amp option take longer (10-16 hours) while the 240 takes about 4 hours. The big difference between the Volt and most electric or hybrid cars is that the Volt will go for about 40 miles on just electricity, then the gas engine kicks in with another 300 mile range or so @ 40 mpg. So if you keep most of the trips under 40 miles round trip you effectively use ZERO gas, but you're not limited range wise at all you just go from zero gas to 40 mpg.

Our plan is to park the RV in a general area where there are things we want to explore, then use the car to handle the daily driving. As long as it's charged every night, the first 40 miles each day are nearly free. Is it a lot of gas on a daily basis? No, but it adds up pretty quickly. We spoke to a reputable mechanic that works a lot on hybrid cars and he said that he rarely sees a volt come in for service, despite the fact that they have been out for over 4 years. There's also a 7500 tax credit that Volt's qualify for, and they hold their value like you wouldn't believe.

Re: the Dolly. Is there generally an issue with where you PUT a dolly in an RV park? Krush mentioned "galvanized and fold up" Does that mean folding the dolly up to take less space?

James and Susan

Re: Towing a Chevy Volt on a Dolly vs. Jeep 4 Down?

Reply #11 – November 08, 2014, 10:17:04 am

Quote from: Tigratrus – November 08, 2014, 09:27:10 am

Krush mentioned "galvanized and fold up" Does that mean folding the dolly up to take less space?

Yes. Google Kar Kaddy SS for lots of info.

Kar Kaddy SS | Demco Products

Re: Towing a Chevy Volt on a Dolly vs. Jeep 4 Down?

Reply #12 – November 08, 2014, 10:24:35 am

Re: the Dolly. Is there generally an issue with where you PUT a dolly in an RV park? Krush mentioned "galvanized and fold up" Does that mean folding the dolly up to take less space?

The Demco, Kar Kaddy SS, is one or the only Galv. model I have seen for sale. And the SS model has fold up rear ramps, and swing to the side tongue, that shortens the dolly into about half the length of a tow dolly. Some dollies have removable ramps, that shorten the empty dolly by as much as 3'. Some dollies can have the tongue that can be pushed under the coach 3-4' for parking. Some dollies with removable ramps can also be stood on end for storage against a wall, or I guess the back of the coach.

I have a hitch on the van, that can if needed tow the dolly to a parking lot, if required by the campground. But at only 36' of coach, a folded 4' dolly is not going to be much of an issue I hope.

We have been towing flat 4 down for the last 3 1/2 years, and going to try the dolly next time out. It was less than half the price buying a dolly than trying to set up the van for flat tow. But we all know, there is really no perfect solution, short of a transformer coach/tow/boat/plane combo.

Re: Towing a Chevy Volt on a Dolly vs. Jeep 4 Down?

Reply #13 – November 08, 2014, 12:07:08 pm

My suggestion would be to strive for simplicity. As much a you like the Volt, I would try to find another vehicle that you can flat tow. I understand others love their tow dolly's or trailers but they are one more thing you have to deal with.

I believe you are the one who is planning on full-timing with your spouse and two teenagers? I can't help but think that a compact car will hinder your ability to do things with 4 people and all the stuff you might want to talk a long for day trip activities, let along access to places where a 4WD is more welcome. It sounds like you and your family are spending a lot of time, energy and money on what will no doubt be an adventure and a special time with your kids. I would forget the fuel mileage thing and spend just a little more money to make sure go to the places that you really want to visit. Save where you can but maximize the adventure - it's a one time opportunity at each stop. In 20 years you won't remember the fuel savings in the Volt but you will remember the times with your family. Just my opinion.

Re: Towing a Chevy Volt on a Dolly vs. Jeep 4 Down?

Reply #14 – November 08, 2014, 12:18:54 pm

We used a dolly for years with no issues and we're probably about average in forum age. If it's a pull-through site we just leave the dolly connected. If not, we disconnect it, push it aside, and then store it with the tow-arm under the motor home so just the wheels are showing; usually at the front of the rig. The Volt is probably small and light enough to be easy to secure onto the dolly. Slightly more work that 4-down as we have to unlock the dolly (so it swivels without trying to move the front wheels), secure the safety chain between the dolly and the vehicle; secure the wheels to the dolly with straps and tighten the straps. Takes about 10 minutes total on a bad day. We also put LED trailer lights on the vehicle and connect those to the motor home so that turns and braking are easily seen by following traffic (especially if it gets dark).

The dolly has brakes (surge brakes) so we don't have to set up the Brake Buddy.

The only possible issue is that the dolly is much wider than the vehicle that sits on it. And MUCh wider than just our Jeep Wrangler towed 4-down. So you have to be a little more cautious with turns and lane changes.

Even though we mostly tow the Jeep 4-down now, we kept the dolly as it can be used with our pickup to rescue the kids if they run out of gas or have breakdowns.

Craig

Re: Towing a Chevy Volt on a Dolly vs. Jeep 4 Down?

Reply #15 – November 08, 2014, 01:30:21 pm

James,
We just purchased a new Ford Cmax Hybrid which can be towed four wheels down. Love the fuel economy and if I didn't have the rear view camera I wouldn't even know it was there. Lots of room for 4 adults and plenty of storage in back.

Re: Towing a Chevy Volt on a Dolly vs. Jeep 4 Down?

Reply #16 – November 08, 2014, 03:13:29 pm

I like towing four down on the ground, I have never pulled a tow dolly behind the motorhome, but I have used one to relocate cars behind my pick up truck. We pulled our Jeep Grand Cherokee, 20,000 miles plus all over the U.S and then a Dodge Dakota for another 6,000 plus miles through Yellow Stone and the Grand Tetons, with out incident. Also never had to stow or hide a tow dolly. We also use the bed of the pick up truck for additional storage and transporting our essentials.

Re: Towing a Chevy Volt on a Dolly vs. Jeep 4 Down?

Reply #17 – November 08, 2014, 05:05:30 pm

I agree with simplicity and four down. I had a wrangler that I pulled for 350K miles. Worked great and simple to hook up and it would go where you pointed no matter the terrain. A dolly is an extra two wheels and brakes to service.

Re: Towing a Chevy Volt on a Dolly vs. Jeep 4 Down?

Reply #18 – November 09, 2014, 02:08:29 am

I have a tow dolly because I usually don't tow a car. I either have a dual sport motorcycle on a hitch carrier or tow a small enclosed 4x8 trailer with motorcycle and other toys inside of it.

I may tow a different car depending on the mission, so a tow dolly gives the best flexibility.

Re: Towing a Chevy Volt on a Dolly vs. Jeep 4 Down?

Reply #19 – November 09, 2014, 04:52:20 pm

James and Susan,

A little advise from a Volt owner. If you like to go to parks and drive on unpaved roads the Volt is not a vehicle for that. It is built very low to the ground, about the same as a Corvette and other sports cars. Even on paved roads you need to watch for dips where the front bumper (made of plastic) can contact the road, curbs, and such. There is also an air dam on the front which can take some contact with the ground, but is easily damaged. I removed the air dam last month after it got ripped and do not notice any change in range or mileage, but I'm sure there would be a very slight reduction at highway speeds. I'm not sure why it isn't towable, but anytime the wheels are turning the electric drive motor is turning along with the gears that connect the motor to the front wheel drive shafts. The shift lever is like any other car except it doesn't shift anything but the parking pawl. All the other positions RNDL are an electrical mode something like a switch position. L can be engaged at any speed, nothing happens until your foot is lifted off the gas, then it slows faster than when in D. If you are just looking for a great car that is enjoyable to drive on paved roads, the Volt is that. Mine is 2 yrs old (2013) and has not had any problems. It still gets 40 miles on the battery and 38 mpg using high test gas with normal driving. We just charge it at the house using the supplied 120 volt charge cord. The charger is actually in the car and can use either 120 or 240. For 120 volts the charger defaults to 8 amps every time the car is shifted into drive, but that can be changed in the car to 12 amps before plugging in. At 12 amps it takes about 10 hours and 13 kWh to fully recharge a depleted battery. Plugged into 240 the charge time is cut in half. Charging has never been a problem for us, just park it in the garage and plug it in. I think the last time I bought gas was

I can't remember, several months ago. Every 6 weeks the engine will run for lubrication and after six months it will run to use the old gas. I did drive it from TX to WV and back, just buy gas like any other car. My wife (76) won't drive the other car now. When I asked her why she liked the Volt her answer was, "It speeds up real fast!"

For the tech's the traction battery is never fully charged or discharged for long life. It's also liquid heated and cooled as needed. The two 3 phase AC motor/generators, 3 clutches, some gears, and the differential are all in a housing that is lubed and cooled by dexron. The gas engine is bolted to the Voltec drive unit with the crankshaft axis and the 2 motor/generator shafts in alignment. The 150 HP m/g mainly drives the wheels and does most of the braking sending power back to the battery; the 75 hp m/g is mainly a generator, although there is a mode where both can drive the wheels for economy and it acts as a motor to start the 85 hp gas engine. There are some power electronics to change the battery DC to AC and AC back to DC. (I rounded the HP numbers for simplification.)

Here is a video that explains it: Chevrolet Volt Drive Simulation The video uses 70 mph as an example of the change in drive modes, but the change can occur at lower speeds depending on power required. The driver will not be able to detect any of this including when the actual wheel brakes are added to help with the braking and actually stop the car. The car is usually very quiet even with the gas engine running although at 4800 max rpm it makes about the same noise as other engines of that size at that speed. I would buy it again.

Re: Towing a Chevy Volt on a Dolly vs. Jeep 4 Down?

Reply #20 – November 09, 2014, 07:25:40 pm

Jerry; Thanks for your Great Evaluation and Explanation of the Volt.

Re: Towing a Chevy Volt on a Dolly vs. Jeep 4 Down?

Reply #21 – November 09, 2014, 11:17:55 pm

Hmmm. Â 40 miles for "Free".Â But if you paid for a campsite with electricity, than were the 40 miles free? Â Â WOuld you be better off with a honda fit or similar, and lots of solar on the roof, maybe a residential refrigerator. Â Stop in a campground every 3-4 days with hook ups, dump, fill, wash, etc. and spend 5 days outside of campgrounds.Â Let's say 40 MPG = 1 gal of Gas at $4. Â $4 x 7 days in a week is $28.Â Meanwhile if you stayed 2 mights in an RV park vs 7, @ $25 per night average, you save 5 nights @$25 or $125. Â $125 - $28 leads you far ahead to boondock more and not try to have an electric car.

Unless you can afford a tesla, and then all bets are of.....just a great car.Â Maybe not the most cost effective, but a great car

Re: Towing a Chevy Volt on a Dolly vs. Jeep 4 Down?

Reply #22 – November 12, 2014, 09:31:02 pm

Really great responses, thank to all, especially Jerry! :-)

I think you've convinced us to stick with the Jeep for now. Simplicity certainly has major advantages, and we'll have enough adjustments and learning curves to work though without throwing a whole new set of variables into the mix. We may well revisit the choice down the road, but for now we'll just get the Grand Cherokee overhauled and rigged so we can tow it with us.

We really appreciate all the advice and feedback. So many things to juggle and decide as we transition to our next adventure.

James and Susan

Re: Towing a Chevy Volt on a Dolly vs. Jeep 4 Down?

Reply #23 – November 17, 2014, 06:59:19 pm

Interestingly we visited a Tesla showroom in Austin (awesome car as expected/known), and a Model S actually drove up for some tacos at a food truck we were getting lunch from the next day!

Cost more than a lot of the rigs we're looking at, but soon awesome!

James

Re: Towing a Chevy Volt on a Dolly vs. Jeep 4 Down?

Reply #24 – November 17, 2014, 09:42:06 pm

Quote from: Tigratrus – November 12, 2014, 09:31:02 pm

I think you've convinced us to stick with the Jeep for now.

We like our Jeep but we're (or, at least I'm) big off-road explorer fans and the Wrangler will do the grocery run as well as the "abandoned mine trail" run. So we accept 20mpg as what it costs to do it the way we want to do it.

But don't let a dolly scare you off. If you really want a car that can only work on a dolly, a dolly is really not that big a deal. I have bad knees and I'm 71 years old and I have no problems putting a car on a dolly and driving away with it. The Jeep *has* to be towed 4-down, of course. But our Kia works great on the dolly and we traveled with that quite a bit. The Kia (an Optima) is crap on mine trails though.

Craig

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