Tips
for
Using
a
Tow
Dolly
with
a
Motorhome
Most
long-term
and
fulltime
RVers
avoid
using
tow
dollies
by
insuring
the
car
they
tow
is
capable
of
being
towed
4-down.
A
tow
dolly
simply
adds
more
equipment,
maintenance
and
steps
in
the
hitching
process.
However
a
tow
dolly
is
and
acceptable
alternative
to
4-down
towing
when
you
want
to
use
your
vehicle
on
vacations
or
other
short-term
travel.
With
that
in
mind
here
are
a
few
tip
for
using
a
tow
dolly.
-
Read
the
manufacturer’s
instructions
that
came
with
the
tow
dolly
before
doing
anything.
If
you
rented
the
tow
dolly,
you
should
have
received
a
manual
from
the
rental
company.
-
Make
sure
the
hitch
and
receiver
are
rated
to
tow
the
combined
weight
of
the
tow
dolly
and
vehicle
and
the
appropriate
size
trailer
hitch
ball
is
used.
The
manual
should
specify
of
the
required
trailer
hitch
ball.
Also
check
the
manual
to
see
if
the
tow
dolly
has
surge
breaks
because
this
will
affect
the
required
capacity
for
the
trailer
hitch.
-
Engage
the
parking
break
on
the
tow
vehicle
before
any
loading
or
unloading.
-
Check
safety
chains
for
proper
attachment.
-
The
dolly
should
be
securely
hitched
to
the
tow
vehicle
and
on
a
level
ground
before
driving
the
car
on
off.
-
Drive
the
vehicle
onto
the
dolly
with
its
front
wheels.
Attach
the
lights
to
the
back
of
the
vehicle
and
test
the
blinkers
and
break
lights.
These
lights
are
usually
magnetic
and
attach
directly
to
the
top
of
the
trunk.
-
Secure
the
car
to
the
tow
dolly
according
to
the
manufacturer’s
instructions.
This
usually
involves
straps
over
the
car’s
tires.
-
Stop
after
a
few
miles
of
travel
to
check
the
tie
down
straps
and
readjust/tighten
as
required.
Always
check
the
straps
at
each
stop.
-
Remember
to
make
wider
turns
when
towing.
Do
not
make
sharp
turns
or
U-turns.
Turning
too
sharply
may
cause
the
towed
vehicle
to
come
in
contact
with
the
tow
dolly
fender
causing
damage
to
both
the
vehicle
and
dolly.
-
Do
not
attempt
to
back
the
loaded
tow
dolly.
Backing
can
damage
the
tow
dolly
and
the
towed
vehicle.
-
If
you
experience
excessive
sway,
stop
when
safe
to
do
so
and
check
the
tie
downs
and
for
mechanical
problems
or
flat
tires.
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