Driving on the open road can be exciting and adventurous, but sometimes the highway is an intimidating place. Other drivers might not be as mindful of your RV and tow dolly as you are, so it’s essential to be ready for anything. That means taking additional precautions when it comes to operating your car tow dolly.

If you’re about to travel with a tow dolly for the first time but aren’t very familiar with how to safely operate your RV with a car tow dolly, we’re here to help. We’ll address the safety, security, and must-have steps for using a tow dolly so you feel confident before your next road trip.

Are Tow Dollies Safe? 

Before we dive into our tow dolly safety tips, we’d first like to address a common question among consumers – how safe is a car tow dolly?

If you’ve ever wondered whether or not tow dollies were a safe method of vehicle transportation, we’re here to clear the air once and for all – tow dollies are completely safe and secure. In fact, car tow dollies are a more secure means of transport compared to traditional flat-towing. A tow dolly is designed to protect your car from wear and tear on the highway, but that’s not their only advantage. Additional security reinforcements like safety chains, tire straps, and our very own galvanized disc brakes make driving a tow dolly much safer and more enjoyable.

At Car Tow Dolly, we design our tow dollies to be 100% secure and easy to navigate during assembly, loading, and use. The reinforcements of our safety chains, wheel straps, and galvanized disc brakes are only some of the features that make our tow dolly the best of its kind.

Six Steps for Tow Dolly Safety 

Before you hit the road, it’s essential to feel comfortable and confident about transporting your car on your tow dolly – and nothing provides peace of mind quite like tow dolly safety. By taking a few extra safety precautions, you and your tow dolly will be ready to take on your next adventure.

1. Inspect the Wheels 
   1. Just like the wheels on your car and RV, tow dolly wheels are instrumental to reaching your destination. If your tires appear flat or look worn, be sure to replace them before hitting the road. Our car tow dolly tires are designed to go the distance but experience annual wear and tear like anything else.
   2. If your wheels look ready to go, we still recommend packing a spare tire in case of an accident. You never go anywhere without a spare tire for your car – the same applies to your dolly.
2. Check the Wheel Straps 
   1. As one of the main components securing your car to your dolly, wheel straps are an essential part of safe transportation. However, that doesn’t mean they’re indestructible. If you notice any slack in your straps or too many frays, then it’s time to replace them with brand new wheel straps.
   2. As an extra precaution, be sure to pack two additional straps on your travels.
3. Secure the Hitch
   1. The hitch is instrumental in safely transporting your vehicle. If your tow dolly isn’t securely attached to your RV, you could risk a potential mishap or accident on the highway. Double-checking your connection is a simple task that guarantees the safety of yourself and others.
4. Inspect the Lighting System
   1. Just like your car and RV, a lighting system guarantees safe tow dolly travels. Brake lights and turn signals help other drivers know your destination, so it’s essential to hook up your tow dolly lights and make sure they’re working correctly.
5. Load  Dolly-Approved Vehicles 
   1. Every tow dolly has its limits. As a rule of thumb, tow dollies are designed to transport vehicles within a specific weight limit and size. Be sure to load a car that is compatible with these restrictions.
6. Inspect other Tow Dolly Parts
   1. Before hitting the road, take a thorough look at your tow dolly and its remaining parts. Check the condition of the brakes, the security of the tow dolly safety chains, and other vital features on your dolly.
   2. Our Maintenance Bundle is a great way to keep your tow dolly in pristine condition – and at an incredible value!

Once you’ve reviewed the entirety of your tow dolly, you’ll be ready to hit the road!

Safe Tow Dolly Driving Tips

Another essential part of tow dolly safety has nothing to do with the dolly – it’s all about your driving! As easy as it is to push the accelerator, you must follow certain rules of the road when towing your vehicle. Otherwise, you’ll face difficulties while you’re driving!

• Follow or go below the speed limit.
  • Following the speed limit is essential, so don’t take any chances by speeding on the highway. Sometimes, depending on the incline or the weather, it’s even better to go slightly below the speed limit. For more information, review our blog How Fast Can I Drive with A Car Tow Dolly?
• Take turns with caution.
  • Sharp turns can be tricky in your car, let alone in an RV with a tow dolly. It’s best to approach these more difficult turns with care, leaving a wide enough distance between yourself and other vehicles.
• Allow following distance
  • Because of the amount of weight you’re carrying on your vehicle, it’s essential to leave enough space in front of you and other cars on the road. That way, you can have plenty of time and space to hit the brakes.
• Inspect your dolly during stops
  • If you notice anything unusual during the drive, take the time to stop and inspect your dolly and car. Ensuring everything is secure and functioning correctly protects you and other drivers. You can always repair the problem at a rest stop or campground!

Transporting your car on our galvanized disc brake tow dolly is incredibly safe, but it’s always best to take extra care on the road. In the end, you’ll feel more secure and happy during your travels!

Want to know more about your dolly before your next adventure? Watch our instructional video on How to Use a Car Tow Dolly before you hit the open road!