Towing a vehicle behind your RV using a tow dolly can be a convenient and practical solution, allowing you to bring your car along on your RV adventures. However, it’s important to follow certain guidelines and safety precautions to ensure a smooth and trouble-free towing experience. In this blog post, we will share valuable tips and recommendations to help you make the most of towing a vehicle with a tow dolly.
1. Don’t unhook the dolly with the car on it: One crucial rule to remember is never to unhook the tow dolly with the car still loaded on it. Chances are pretty good you wouldn’t be able to do this anyway because it’d be too heavy but you should never even attempt it. Always unload the car before disconnecting the dolly from your RV.
2. Do NOT level the RV with the dolly attached: It’s essential to avoid attempting to level your RV with the tow dolly still attached. The chassis and lift system of your RV are not designed to handle the additional strain caused by the dolly and vehicle.
3. Check and tighten the straps regularly: As you drive down the road, the straps securing your vehicle on the tow dolly may loosen slightly due to vibrations and movement. While it’s (generally) not dangerous enough to risk the car flying off, it’s crucial to periodically check the straps. Make a habit of inspecting and tightening the straps when you stop for gas or at the end of the day to ensure the vehicle remains secure during transit.
4. Use a guide when loading the car onto the dolly: Having someone guide you while loading the car onto the tow dolly can be immensely helpful. The person assisting you should stand at the front of the car and guide you to position the vehicle so that the vehicle’s logo aligns with the center bar. Strive to center the vehicle as much as possible on the dolly to maintain stability and balance during towing, and make it easier on yourself to secure the straps!
5. Straighten out before unhooking: When you plan to unload your vehicle from the tow dolly, it’s important to drive your RV in a straight line for a sufficient distance. This allows the dolly to straighten out behind the RV and aligns the rotational axis properly. By doing so, you’ll be able to back up straight and safely unload the car from the dolly without risking damage to the vehicle’s bumper or wheels.
6. Ensure straight backing during unloading: When backing off the tow dolly, exercise caution and ensure you are backing up straight. Failure to do so can result in the car’s bumper catching on the dolly’s wheels, potentially causing damage. Take your time and make sure your RV is aligned properly to avoid any mishaps during the unloading process.
7. Utilize a locking pin for the hitch: To enhance the security of your tow dolly setup, it’s recommended to use a locking pin for the hitch. This will prevent the hitch from accidentally disconnecting while in transit, ensuring the dolly remains securely attached to your RV. Additionally, remember to install and uninstall the pin under the dolly when loading and unloading the car to maintain a stable and reliable connection.
Towing a vehicle behind your RV using a tow dolly can provide you with added convenience and flexibility during your RV adventures. By following these tips and recommendations, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable towing experience. Remember to prioritize regular checks, proper alignment, and secure connections to make your journeys with a tow dolly a hassle-free and enjoyable part of your RV lifestyle.
