RV Education
RV Resources and Tech Advice
Mike Wilson is a RVDA Certified Master RV
Tech. with over 25 years experience and now he's sharing his
knowledge with you.
Mike is the president of Wilson RV
and developer for The RV Help
Desk.
Towing
Series
Tow Dolly
Towing 4 Wheels Down
Tow Lights and Wiring
Tail Light
Wiring
Braking
Units M&G
Braking Unit
Air-Brakes
Dinghy Towing
There are many things to think about when deciding what vehicle to
tow behind an RV. Using an existing vehicle, finding an ideal tow
vehicle, weight, braking, ease of use, and costs involved are all
things to consider.
In general, a vehicles transmission or transaxle must either be
disabled or lubricated to tow it. There are several methods
available to perform this function.
Tow Dolly
I refer to towing a vehicle with all 4 wheels on the ground as “4
wheels down”
I will start with tow dollies. A tow dolly is a 2 wheel device with
a platform and ramps that attaches
to your RV’s tow hitch. A dolly requires attachment to your RV,
driving your tow vehicle up the ramps
to the platform, latching the dolly so the ramps are in a locked
position, and strapping the tires to secure
the vehicle to the dolly.
I consider towing any vehicle backwards on a dolly dangerous and do
not recommend it therefore;
a rear wheel drive vehicle would require additional equipment to be
towed forward on a dolly.
There are several varieties and a number of dolly manufacturers. A
basic dolly has fixed platforms.
Upgraded models have swivel platforms, and top of the line models
have wheels that turn.
I recommend either swivel plates or turning wheels because when
turning while towing, the front wheels
on the towed vehicle will try to turn even though they are strapped
to the dolly. If the platforms or
wheels on the dolly do not move (fixed platform) the towed vehicle
wheels will bind causing
the hold down straps to loosen or the vehicle to shift on the
platforms. Many vehicles can be towed
using a dolly. In general front wheel drive works best and you must
have a vehicle that is not too
wide to fit the dolly.
In my opinion, a dolly works well for someone who wishes to tow more
than 1 vehicle
since the towed vehicle does not require any additional items to be
towed.
Options for dollies include a folding feature to make them more
compact for storage and brakes.
Brakes should be considered and may be required by law. Towing laws
vary by state and
your state laws should be checked prior to purchasing. Be sure to
purchase your dolly
with brakes if required by law since brakes are difficult and
expensive to add later.
There are many reasons a dolly is not the preferred method.
Dollies do not tow as well as a vehicle with 4 wheels down.
Dollies are a hassle to park and deal with at campgrounds. Dollies
take longer and more work
to load and unload than connecting/disconnecting a 4 wheels down
vehicle.
Hold down devices (straps) are a constant worry.
Article - 2-
Towing 4 Wheels Down