Looking to tow an automobile behind a truck, RV or other vehicle? Renting a tow dolly can help you avoid extra mileage while getting from point A to point B.
Tow dollies are an excellent choice for towing front-wheel-drive vehicles. A tow dolly is attached to the tow-vehicle. Once secure, the front wheels of the vehicle to be towed are then loaded up off the pavement and onto the tow dolly. It is possible to tow rear-wheel-drive vehicles with the driveshaft disconnected.
Most tow dollies have their own braking system and are easy to load and unload.
Tow dolly best practices
For the safety of drivers, passengers and all others on the road, it is very important to correctly use a tow dolly. Before you use this equipment, please review the tips below and read all manufacturer warnings and instructions. Your local, ARA-affiliated rental store professional can provide you with complete instructions.
- Tow vehicles must weigh at least 750 lbs. more than the vehicle being towed. Maximum towable weight varies and is determined by the tow vehicle.
- Correctly attach the tow dolly to the tow vehicle before loading or unloading.
- Keep others away from the area when attaching, loading and unloading the tow dolly.
- Properly load the tow dolly.
- Do not overload your tow vehicle.
- Do not load cargo on the tow dolly or the vehicle-in-tow.
- Never allow any passengers in the vehicle-in-tow.
- Drive at slower speeds and allow more space and time for braking.
- Avoid any side to side motion as this can become whipping. Let off the gas if this begins and slow down. Check the tow dolly and vehicle-in-tow by stopping at the next available opportunity. Do not steer, do not apply breaks and do not speed up if side to side motion or whipping occurs.
- If any wheel leaves the road, let off the gas and slow down. Only steer back onto the road at a speed below 25 mph.
Frequently asked questions
How do tow dollies work?
The vehicle-in-tow must be loaded facing forward (front wheels on tow dolly). Loading the vehicle-in-tow backwards can cause the tow vehicle and tow dolly “combination” to begin WHIPPING, which is violent and uncontrollable sway.
Can I tow a rear wheel drive car with a tow dolly?
A rear wheel drive car can be towed with a tow dolly if the driveshaft has been disconnected.
How fast can I drive with a tow dolly?
Drive at slower speeds with a tow dolly. Most tow dollies should be driven no faster than 55 mph. Never surpass posted speed limits.
Can I use a tow dolly for long distance?
A tow dolly can be used for long distances, however the two tires on the ground will experience more wear than those on the dolly.
Contact your local, ARA-affiliated, rental store for information on available rental products and services to meet your tow dolly needs. To locate the rental store nearest you, use the Rental Store Quick Locator above.
Related articles: