tow dolly - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum

Brandon · 07-05-2002, 01:34 PM

father n law has one he is getting rid of, should I even bother or just save up for a trailer?

smurfsdad · 07-05-2002, 01:35 PM

SAVE UP

Brandon · 07-05-2002, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by smurfsdad
SAVE UP

he he, k

well then in the mean time is it better than flat towing?

70~K5 · 07-05-2002, 06:37 PM

Well if you break a axle you could still get home with it.

DRM · 07-07-2002, 01:19 PM

I sold my tow dolly when I got my trailer, worst thing I ever did.

Bad part is, a *good* tow dolly will cost dern near as much as a good deal on a trailer. I paid $650f ro my used former U haul town dolly - was super wide and great for towing just about anything except something with fullsize axles.

If you can get a deal on it B - go for it

Tusker · 07-08-2002, 12:23 PM

I have no personal experience with a tow dolly, but I did see what can happen when you don't attached the vehicle to it well enough. Last year on the Rubicon, we met some guys from Oregon. They put the REAR wheels of their Samurai onto a tow dolly and headed for California. Somewhere in the Sierra's, they were braking for a curve and saw their Sami go sliding past them on its side

. I am sure it wasn't the dolly's fault, but strap your rig down well to whatever you use.

KMAN · 07-08-2002, 07:10 PM

I used a dolly to tow my FJ40 for several years and had no problems until someone pulled out in front of me.

Now I have a trailer with (4) braking wheels.

I would save up for a trailer.

Karl

Shagpal · 01-11-2004, 02:01 AM

I've got one that's extra wide that can ramp up a wide full size car or pickup truck. It's in SoCal. Thinking bout selling it. It needs a few lug nutz and wheel fenders, no lights.

launch_it · 01-11-2004, 08:38 AM

i have a used uhaul dolly as well . it works good enuff for now its a little bit of a hassle changing over to small tires on the rear but it tows so much better . i always pull the driveshaft off and tie it up as well . just have to remember about the brake's , and not being able to back it up can be a pain if your not thinking

and it beats the hell out of flat towing in my opinion

Benny · 01-11-2004, 06:29 PM

A good condition ex-uhaul tow dolly is worth $600+ any day.

If you have room to make a few bucks on it, then go for it.

my dad bought one at a g-sale for $350 and sold it for $500 the next day. (He likes to sellt hings that work good, and keep things that are junk)

He later bought back the same tow dolly for $450 and sold it for $600 the same day.

U-haul sells them for $600, but there is a big waiting list.

A full size trailer os better for towing your rig, but a tow-dolly is very useful as well.

Haole · 01-11-2004, 08:52 PM

How much are you trying to spend? You can get decent trailers for not much. I picked up mine for $700. Just needed to be rewired ($40), and some new wood (haven't priced yet, but couldn't be more than $50).

Joe_W · 01-12-2004, 06:52 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by eurobob
How much are you trying to spend? You can get decent trailers for not much. I picked up mine for $700. Just needed to be rewired ($40), and some new wood (haven't priced yet, but couldn't be more than $50).

From a quick walk through Home Depot I'm budgeting $100-$125 for a total deck job on mine

fj40guy · 01-12-2004, 07:52 AM

I have a master tow - tow dolly. Rated for 3500#. Lots of the smaller ones are only rated at 1500-2000#, and too narrow.

Old house... no room for a full size trailer (HOA rules), so the dolly was great as I hid in the back yard.

I'm using a 3/4 ton truck for pulling the FJ40. I REALLY need brakes on the tow dolly for hills. Still it comes in handy for all sort of other "projects" that I have picked up. Still need a full size trailer... but will wait until June to sell the dolly. (local trailer places run out of stock, and used prices go from $400 to $600)

Tom

SilverZuk · 01-12-2004, 08:40 AM

I used one once.
Carried a complete set of spares, broke a rear axle, and my spare had a bad bearing.

I tried to tow backwards, nearly died from the sway.
Had to borrow a buddy's spare axle to get home.

I never plan on doing that again.

SilverZuk · 01-12-2004, 08:42 AM

Also you can't back up very far with a tow dolly.
The one had articulated to allow better turning, it would bind up after you backed up about 10-feet.

DRM · 01-12-2004, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Joe_W

From a quick walk through Home Depot I'm budgeting $100-$125 for a total deck job on mine

That was about what I paid when I did mine this summer...

travelp62 · 07-31-2006, 06:41 PM

I used a dolly for my Escort behind my motorhome. I am not on the road anymore,but I had no problems with it. Now I have it and a Blue-Ox tow bar set for sale. It was origionally purchased for towing a Chev Conv. van. These are in eastern OR.

440-fide Ramcharger · 07-31-2006, 06:50 PM

If the price is right, grab it! It will come in handy.

07-05-2002, 01:34 PM	#1 (permalink)
Brandon Registered User Join Date: Mar 1975 Member # 6 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 13,666	tow dolly father n law has one he is getting rid of, should I even bother or just save up for a trailer? __________________ This Space for rent!

07-05-2002, 01:35 PM	#2 (permalink)
smurfsdad Registered User Join Date: Mar 2000 Member # 324 Location: Nevada Posts: 4,005	SAVE UP __________________ Family, Friends, riders and racers, its who we are.

07-07-2002, 01:19 PM	#5 (permalink)
DRM Super Moderator Join Date: Feb 2000 Member # 8 Location: Spring Hill, TN Posts: 34,957 Blog Entries: 1	I sold my tow dolly when I got my trailer, worst thing I ever did. Bad part is, a good tow dolly will cost dern near as much as a good deal on a trailer. I paid $650f ro my used former U haul town dolly - was super wide and great for towing just about anything except something with fullsize axles. If you can get a deal on it B - go for it __________________ >David > 4x4Spot.com >It only hurts the first* time you agree with me...* >"A little nonsense now and then is cherished by the wisest men."

07-08-2002, 12:23 PM	#6 (permalink)
Tusker Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Member # 2752 Location: Fairfield, CA Posts: 2,043	I have no personal experience with a tow dolly, but I did see what can happen when you don't attached the vehicle to it well enough. Last year on the Rubicon, we met some guys from Oregon. They put the REAR wheels of their Samurai onto a tow dolly and headed for California. Somewhere in the Sierra's, they were braking for a curve and saw their Sami go sliding past them on its side . I am sure it wasn't the dolly's fault, but strap your rig down well to whatever you use. __________________ 86 Samurai w/gun rack, 92" WB, VW 1.9 TD, Toyota 5-speed and dual cases with 4.7 gearset, Toyota axles with Longfields, 5.29's, ARB's f&r, YJ's, 35's, FJ-60 power steering, high steer, ............. <>< <>< <>< Hey, if this rig is for wheelin', what are all these animal parts doin' in here?

07-08-2002, 07:10 PM	#7 (permalink)
KMAN Registered User Join Date: Sep 2001 Member # 6943 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 595	I used a dolly to tow my FJ40 for several years and had no problems until someone pulled out in front of me. Now I have a trailer with (4) braking wheels. I would save up for a trailer. Karl __________________ are you kidding me?

07-05-2002, 06:37 PM	#4 (permalink)
70~K5 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Member # 11392 Location: San Jose, Ca Posts: 1,088	Well if you break a axle you could still get home with it.

01-11-2004, 02:01 AM	#8 (permalink)
Shagpal Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Member # 20122 Location: Oakland Posts: 32	Extra Wide Tow Dolly I've got one that's extra wide that can ramp up a wide full size car or pickup truck. It's in SoCal. Thinking bout selling it. It needs a few lug nutz and wheel fenders, no lights.

01-11-2004, 08:38 AM	#9 (permalink)
launch_it Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Member # 3445 Location: bunola pa Posts: 442	i have a used uhaul dolly as well . it works good enuff for now its a little bit of a hassle changing over to small tires on the rear but it tows so much better . i always pull the driveshaft off and tie it up as well . just have to remember about the brake's , and not being able to back it up can be a pain if your not thinking and it beats the hell out of flat towing in my opinion __________________ When in doubt, gas it out. is your toy a organ donner?

01-11-2004, 06:29 PM	#10 (permalink)
Benny Zeus of the Sluice Join Date: Jun 2000 Member # 1129 Location: North Idaho Posts: 4,667	A good condition ex-uhaul tow dolly is worth $600+ any day. If you have room to make a few bucks on it, then go for it. my dad bought one at a g-sale for $350 and sold it for $500 the next day. (He likes to sellt hings that work good, and keep things that are junk) He later bought back the same tow dolly for $450 and sold it for $600 the same day. U-haul sells them for $600, but there is a big waiting list. A full size trailer os better for towing your rig, but a tow-dolly is very useful as well. __________________ '87 Toyota 4Runner Turbo, '85 Toyota XtraCab, '83 Toyota Landcruiser, '67 Chevy, 46 CJ2a New Project.

01-11-2004, 08:52 PM	#11 (permalink)
Haole Big Meanie Join Date: Jul 2001 Member # 5859 Location: In a house. Posts: 2,653	How much are you trying to spend? You can get decent trailers for not much. I picked up mine for $700. Just needed to be rewired ($40), and some new wood (haven't priced yet, but couldn't be more than $50). __________________ Ka 'aina uluwehi, ko kakou kuleana. - The lush life-giving land, our personal responsibility. Ventura County Axle Snappers - Nevada County Chapter

01-12-2004, 07:52 AM	#13 (permalink)
fj40guy Rock God Join Date: Jan 2002 Member # 9576 Location: Texas... off 183A Posts: 2,230	I have a master tow - tow dolly. Rated for 3500#. Lots of the smaller ones are only rated at 1500-2000#, and too narrow. Old house... no room for a full size trailer (HOA rules), so the dolly was great as I hid in the back yard. I'm using a 3/4 ton truck for pulling the FJ40. I REALLY need brakes on the tow dolly for hills. Still it comes in handy for all sort of other "projects" that I have picked up. Still need a full size trailer... but will wait until June to sell the dolly. (local trailer places run out of stock, and used prices go from $400 to $600) Tom __________________ Too many projects, never enough time nor money.

01-12-2004, 08:40 AM	#14 (permalink)
SilverZuk Hillbilly Houndsman Join Date: Aug 2002 Member # 13420 Location: Kenna, West Virginia Posts: 6,824	I used one once. Carried a complete set of spares, broke a rear axle, and my spare had a bad bearing. I tried to tow backwards, nearly died from the sway. Had to borrow a buddy's spare axle to get home. I never plan on doing that again. __________________ The penalty for punching someone in the mouth is way too high in our society. www.MountaineerOffroad.com

01-12-2004, 08:42 AM	#15 (permalink)
SilverZuk Hillbilly Houndsman Join Date: Aug 2002 Member # 13420 Location: Kenna, West Virginia Posts: 6,824	Also you can't back up very far with a tow dolly. The one had articulated to allow better turning, it would bind up after you backed up about 10-feet. __________________ The penalty for punching someone in the mouth is way too high in our society. www.MountaineerOffroad.com

07-31-2006, 06:41 PM	#17 (permalink)
travelp62 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Member # 77062 Posts: 1	tow dolly I used a dolly for my Escort behind my motorhome. I am not on the road anymore,but I had no problems with it. Now I have it and a Blue-Ox tow bar set for sale. It was origionally purchased for towing a Chev Conv. van. These are in eastern OR. Last edited by travelp62; 07-31-2006 at 06:46 PM.

07-31-2006, 06:50 PM	#18 (permalink)
440-fide Ramcharger Granite Guru Join Date: Aug 2000 Member # 1602 Location: San Jose, Ca USA Posts: 733	If the price is right, grab it! It will come in handy. __________________ Mark E. San Jose, Ca SOLD 75 Ramcharger 440, blah, blah SOLD 66 Welder Bill't Bronco Rockbuggy 06 CTD 87 Buick Grand National X2 65 Vista Cruiser GN Turbo V6 powered

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