What Is A Tow Dolly

When it comes to towing, there are various methods and equipment available to help get the job done. One such essential piece of equipment is the tow dolly. If you’re new to towing or looking for a way to safely transport a vehicle, understanding how a tow dolly works can make all the difference.

In this topic, we’ll explore what a tow dolly is, its uses, how it compares to other towing options, and why it might be the right choice for your next towing adventure.

Table of Contents

What is a Tow Dolly?

A tow dolly is a two-wheeled, trailer-like device that is used to tow a vehicle with its front wheels off the ground. This towing method is especially popular for transporting front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicles, but it can also be used for rear-wheel drive (RWD) cars in certain circumstances. The tow dolly typically connects to the towing vehicle via a hitch and is designed to lift only the front or rear wheels of the vehicle being towed, leaving the other set of wheels on the ground.

Key Features of a Tow Dolly

Two-Wheeled Design: Tow dollies feature two wheels to lift one set of a vehicle’s tires while the other set remains on the ground, making them more compact and easier to maneuver than full-size trailers.
Hitch Connection: Tow dollies connect to the towing vehicle using a standard ball hitch, which provides a stable and secure towing experience.
Adjustable Ramp System: Most tow dollies include ramps that allow you to drive the vehicle onto the dolly easily. Some dollies even have a tilt or adjustable mechanism to simplify loading.

How Does a Tow Dolly Work?

A tow dolly functions by lifting the front or rear wheels of the vehicle being towed off the ground, with the other set of wheels remaining on the road. This setup helps to avoid putting too much strain on the towed vehicle’s drivetrain while still allowing for a smooth towing experience. Here’s how the process typically works:

Preparation: First, you need to ensure that the towing vehicle is equipped with a proper hitch and the tow dolly is compatible with the weight and size of the vehicle you plan to tow.
Loading the Vehicle: Once the dolly is connected to the towing vehicle, the vehicle to be towed is driven onto the dolly, with its front or rear wheels resting on the platform.
Securing the Vehicle: After positioning the vehicle, it is strapped down using heavy-duty tie-downs or straps to ensure it stays secure during transit.
Towing: With everything in place, you can now safely tow the vehicle, ensuring that the front or rear wheels of the towed car are lifted off the ground.

Benefits of Using a Tow Dolly

Tow dollies offer several advantages for those who need to tow a vehicle, making them a popular choice for car enthusiasts and those in the moving business. Some of the primary benefits include:

1. Cost-Effective Solution

Compared to flatbed trailers, tow dollies are typically more affordable. The initial cost of purchasing or renting a tow dolly is lower, and they are often easier to maintain. If you’re on a budget but still need to transport a vehicle, a tow dolly can be a great choice.

2. Ease of Use

Tow dollies are designed to be user-friendly and relatively easy to operate. Loading and unloading a vehicle is typically quicker and simpler than using a full-size trailer, thanks to the two-wheel design and ramps.

3. Compact Size

Tow dollies are smaller and more compact than full trailers, making them easier to maneuver and store. They are ideal for people who may have limited parking space or need to transport a car in tight areas.

4. Versatility

Although tow dollies are typically used for front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicles, they can also be used for rear-wheel drive (RWD) cars in certain situations. Many modern tow dollies can be adjusted to fit a wide range of vehicle sizes, making them a versatile option for various towing needs.

5. Preserves the Towed Vehicle

Since only the front or rear wheels are lifted off the ground, a tow dolly helps reduce the wear and tear on the vehicle being towed. The wheels that are on the ground remain functional and do not experience the same kind of strain as the entire vehicle would on a flatbed trailer.

Tow Dolly vs. Tow Bar: What’s the Difference?

While tow dollies are popular, they are often compared to tow bars, another common towing solution. Here’s a breakdown of the main differences between the two:

Tow Dolly

Design: Lifts one set of wheels (either front or rear) off the ground.
Use: Typically used for front-wheel drive (FWD) and sometimes rear-wheel drive (RWD) vehicles.
Ease of Use: Generally easier to load and unload than a tow bar.
Storage: Takes up more space than a tow bar, but less than a full-size trailer.
Cost: Generally more affordable than a tow bar or flatbed trailer.

Tow Bar

Design: A tow bar attaches directly to the vehicle’s frame or hitch, with all four wheels remaining on the ground.
Use: Works well for towing vehicles with all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) systems.
Ease of Use: May require more effort to attach and detach than a tow dolly.
Storage: Tow bars are more compact than tow dollies and easier to store.
Cost: Tow bars tend to be more expensive than tow dollies but are often used for heavier vehicles.

Tow Dolly vs. Flatbed Trailer: Which is Better?

Another common towing option is a flatbed trailer, which lifts all four wheels of the towed vehicle off the ground. While flatbed trailers offer a higher level of security and can tow almost any vehicle, they come with some trade-offs.

Flatbed Trailer

Design: A large, four-wheel platform that lifts the entire vehicle off the ground.
Use: Ideal for all types of vehicles, including those with low ground clearance or all-wheel drive (AWD).
Ease of Use: More complicated to load and unload due to its size, but offers better protection for the vehicle being towed.
Storage: Requires more storage space and is less maneuverable than a tow dolly.
Cost: More expensive than both tow bars and tow dollies.

Tow Dolly

Design: Smaller and simpler, lifting only one set of wheels.
Use: Great for front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicles and some rear-wheel drive (RWD) vehicles.
Ease of Use: Easier to load and more compact for storage.
Storage: More maneuverable and easier to store than a flatbed trailer.
Cost: A more budget-friendly option than flatbed trailers.

How to Choose the Right Tow Dolly for Your Vehicle

When selecting a tow dolly, it’s important to consider the type of vehicle you plan to tow, as well as your towing needs. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

Vehicle Type: Ensure that the dolly is compatible with the vehicle’s weight and drivetrain. Most tow dollies are suitable for front-wheel drive vehicles, but some models are adjustable for rear-wheel drive cars.
Weight Capacity: Choose a tow dolly with a weight capacity that exceeds your vehicle’s weight to ensure safety and stability during towing.
Towing Vehicle: Check that your towing vehicle can handle the load of the dolly and the vehicle you plan to tow.
Storage: Consider how much space you have to store the dolly when not in use. Tow dollies are compact but still require some storage room.

A tow dolly is a valuable tool for anyone who needs to tow a vehicle with convenience and cost-effectiveness. It provides an excellent solution for towing front-wheel drive vehicles, with the ability to safely lift one set of wheels while keeping the other set on the ground. With its affordability, ease of use, and versatility, a tow dolly is an excellent option for transporting vehicles over short distances.

By understanding the features, benefits, and considerations involved in using a tow dolly, you can make an informed decision on whether it is the right choice for your next towing job.