Towing has been there since there are cars, as cars are breaking down from the time they started to drive. The passing of time has made advancements in almost everything imaginable. Towing has been a subject of advancements as multiple types of towing came into being.
Multiple types of towing include flatbed, tow dolly and hook and chain towing. Each has its pros and cons. This is an article written to inform the reader about what is a towing dolly, how does a towing dolly work, and the recommended use for your vehicle. It is written under the guidance and enriching information of the Towing maestros at King Khan Towing.
What Is a Towing Dolly and Why Would You Need One?
What is a towing dolly? Towing Dolly is amongst various towing equipment used in roadside assistance services. It works by lifting a side of the car and allowing the other side wheels to roll on the road. This way, a vehicle is towed to the desired destination. What are the circumstances in which one requires towing dolly services? One can find oneself in any road site emergency, such as a flat tire, blowout, broken down car, or road traffic accident, and finding one on an undrivable surface. The Tow dolly can be your saviour in any of the circumstances mentioned above. So next time you find yourself deep into a roadside emergency, just call the reliable towing dolly service.
How Does a Towing Dolly Work Step-by-Step?
Every advanced equipment requires a specific operative protocol, which is vital for its optimum utilization. Similarly, the Towing Dolly has particular steps that are used to perform safe and effective towing. These steps are listed below.
- Ensure the towing dolly is aligned with the vehicle and ensure that the hitch height is appropriate for the respective vehicle. Secondly, connect all the safety chains and take all precautionary measures.
- Attach the brake and light systems, which are vital for a safe and effective towing process. Some advanced Dollies are equipped with emergency brakes and lights to prevent any mishap.
- Load the vehicle on the dolly’s ramp. At this step, it is essential to check that the car is correctly centred on the ramp. This step is crucial for the safety of the vehicle, staff, and nearby traffic.
- Once the vehicle is centred, then it is essential to put the gear into parking for automatic cars. For a manual transmission system, one must put the car into gear from neutral. The steering wheel lock must be used to prevent the tires from dislocating during transit.
- Use the straps to lock the front wheels firmly to the dolly, and then loop the belt over the tyre and insert the straps into the ratchet mechanism.
- Finally, release the parking brakes; this allows the rear wheels to move freely.
How to Use a Tow Dolly without Damaging Your Vehicle
Unexperienced staff or carelessness can lead to devastating outcomes. When it comes to towing accidents, they can cause severe damage to the vehicle that is very expensive to fix. Listed below are some tips and bits of advice
- Levelling with RV:
One must ensure that the dolly is levelled adequately with the RV’s hitches. Improper levelling or hitching can cause excess pressure on tires, which can cause uneven wear or failure.
2. Equipment Inspection:
One must check the tire condition and inflation pressure before towing.
Secondly, the brakes must be checked along with the brake and turn lights.
3. Stop and check:
One must stop and recheck the car and take all precautionary measures every 50 miles. This is an excellent way to ensure safe transport.
4. Weight limit and other considerations:
Never load more than the recommended weight limit, as this mistake can be damaging to the towing dolly.
as well as the towed vehicle. Secondly, never tow a car in reverse, as this can cause knife jacking.
Is a Tow Dolly Right for Your Vehicle Type?
Tow Dolly is a highly effective towing equipment. It is not a one-fits-all, as there are specific vehicles that can be towed with a tow dolly. How does towing dolly work depends heavily on the type of car it was made to pull.
Front-wheel drive vehicles are towed best by tow dolly as its rear wheels roll freely on the ground. Towing a rear-wheel car on a towing dolly is a grave mistake as it can damage the transmission and driveshaft of such a car. Weight considerations are also crucial, as most dollies can carry up to 5000 pounds; increasing the recommended weight limit can damage your vehicle.
Tow Dolly vs. Trailer: What’s the Safer Option?
When we compare the two most common towing methods, the dolly and the trailer, we can see in some aspects; one is better than the other and vice versa.
From a Safety point of view, trailers are generally safer compared to tow dolly. When it comes to physical protection and towing stability, the trailer towing method is safer, but it comes at higher financial and logistical costs. Tow dollies work all right as they are a cheaper alternative, but it has some cons, like their limitations regarding rear-wheel drives and requiring physical handling.
Need Help Towing Your Vehicle? Call King Khan Towing Today!
So, if you have front-wheel drive and you worry that you might find yourself in a roadside emergency. Save King Khan Towing’s contact now or get a free quotation for a towing plan. Get free from the tension of finding high-quality tow dolly services as King Khan Towing is available 24/7 to serve.