RV4Golf
No Va
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Joined: 02/13/2005
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We are trying to compare the pros and cons of using a tow dolly versus towing a vehicle 4 wheels down.
We currently have an extremely reliable vehicle that can be towed, but not 4 wheels down. It is to be towed behind our Winnebago Aspect and in a couple of years a Class A.
Your insight and personal experience would be greatly appreciated.
RV4Golf
Rvrs for Golf
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rv2go
Somewhere between Knoxville, TN and the coast.
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Joined: 12/26/2000
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IMO, if you are going to start from scracth, buying tow brackets, tow bar and brakes, a tow dolly might be as cheep. Most dollys have brakes. Personally, I like the convenence of towing 4 down. It's simpler and quicker to get connected.
Winnebago Journey
TN Lic. RV 2 GO
1995 2dr. Hard Top Geo Tracker
www.rv2go.us
I'm here #4335
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Bago Mike
Ill I-88 & Rt 40
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Joined: 07/02/2004
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We have always tow 4 down, until this year, Had a knee replaced, and it didn't go rite, So we got rid of the 5 speed tracker, and got a PT Crus, auto trans, (Love it) Got a tow dolly with electric brakes, and plan on modifying it to carry the bragger ( HD Ultra ) also. The Dolly is less money then a kit for the PT and with the dolly it has brakes. I have found, with a dolly, I can loan it out to friends, and they don't have to worry about damaging it. Run over curbs, and what ever.
We started out with nothing, and we still have most of it left 
Bago Mike & ">Bago Judi, taking our Grand Tour (our third Bago)
Second Bago
First Bago click on the bagos Here Fishy, Fishy
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BarneyS
S.E. Lower Michigan
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Joined: 10/16/2000
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Moved to Dinghy Towing forum from Towing.
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ronfisherman
SE Michigan
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Joined: 06/05/2006
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With knee problems you may want to consider 4 down. Hooking up a car to tow dolly safety chains require getting down under front of car to hook up. Other than that we are very happy with our tow dolly. Check out the features on a dolly. Some are easier to use than others.
2004 Gulf Stream Endura 6340 D/A
Saf-TTE tire monitor
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Bumpyroad
Virginia
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Joined: 12/01/2005
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tow 4 down by all means.
bumpy
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wilanddij
CA Desert
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Joined: 08/10/2004
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Looks like your decision depends on whether you are willing to change toads. If you're willing to change, I'd go with 4-down. I only have experience with 4-down, but from what I have read here, the cost for either set up is practically the same, and with a dolly, you have to worry about where to store it when parked.
Will & Di
2004 Southwind 32VS
Workhorse/8.1
Jeep Wrangler/Blue Ox
"We have met the enemy, and he is us" Pogo
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moisheh
North America
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Joined: 05/04/2002
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There are things to consider beyond cost. If you are travelling and pull into a CG late at night what happens if they do not have a pull through. Or the sights are too short for your car and dolly. Now you and the wife want to go out and eat. After disconnecting the car from the dolly you have to find a place to put the dolly. In the a.m. you have to repeat the whole process. Too much of a pain in the neck. Unless you buy a high quality ( that usually means expensive) dolly they are problematic. I cannot tell you how many times I have seen a MH on the side of the road with the dolly jacked up and the tow vehicle gone. They had a flat or bearing trouble and went to the nearest service center for repairs. PITA!
Moisheh
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Bumpyroad
Virginia
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I remember seeing a vehicle in the median strip of I-95 in VA with an empty tow dolly hooked on. slightly ahead of it was the toad that evidently came loose. no thanks.
bumpy
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dbates
Marion, Indiana
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Joined: 02/05/2006
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I've only towed with a dolly (KarKaddy) . In 3 years & 21,000 miles I have had no problems with it (on the road or parking in CG). It is not that difficult to load or unload & if hooked up correctly you will NOT have a problems with the toad straps or chains. The reason I have the dolly is that I love my toad (Vibe) & couldn't afford to change.
A quality dolly won't cost you much more than 4 down & you won't have the future toad change costs of 4 down. If you have the desire & can afford to change toads then go 4 down but if not get a GOOD dolly & enjoy RVing.
Plus New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island & Nova Scotia
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