Tow Dolly questions

OldTee · 10-01-2004, 10:31 AM

I have rented a tow dolly from U-haul twice to tow my 911SC and found them to be generally satisfactory. I have done some research and found two manufacturers. Mastertow.com and roadmasterinc.com. I am sure there are others but Goggle offers naught.

Does anbody have experience with these two dollys? How do you go about buying a used U-haul dolly, which would be sufficient for my needs.

There may be some out there, but the used one or two I have called about in the ads were overpiced by my standards but sold quickly. Yes, I want my cake and eat it too.mastertow.com

www.roadmasterinc.com

mtelliott · 10-01-2004, 11:03 AM

I'm suprised you don't drag your bottom with a tow dolly. Why are you not getting the full trailer?

Sorry, no knowlege on tow dolly's other than I towed my SC once with one. Didn't have an engine in the back at the time so it wasn't an issue.

OldTee · 10-01-2004, 11:42 AM

Nothing dragged. 911 is lowered. These tow dollies do not need to be licenced in my state (MD) and the charges for trailers are high each year, plus insurance. I already own a boat trailer for a 24ft Executive. You must tow carefully, like always. Keep the lead foot for the track.

OldTee · 10-04-2004, 06:24 AM

I am still hoping that someone with experience or opinion with tow dollies would respond. I am a little concerned that the non removable ramps on the one I am considering would hit the underside of the car when towing. The one I rented from U Haul had the ramps collasp into itself and presented no problem. My intent is to tow the 911SC to DE's in the Washington DC area and surrounds. Thanks.

Jim Chambers · 06:52 AM

I own and use a tow dolly but mostly tow a 914. I once towed a 912 with no problem with ramps hitting. A lowered car might change things. I prefer a dolly to a trailer when using a sedan as the tow rig. Much less "tail wag the dog". I have towed a 914-6 1000 miles, LA to Portland as well as a couple of 600 mile tows.
I paid $900 for West Texas Tow Dolley, new. Used dollies in the NW seem to sell for $500 to $800. I have owned two. First time I bought one, did the 2000 mile LA round trip and sold the dolly for what I paid. U Haul wanted $300+ one way but wouldn't approve my hitch. Tied 200 lbs. of sand bags on for the empty tow south to keep the dolly from bouncing.

OldTee · 10-04-2004, 08:01 AM

Thanks, the distributor suggested I remove some air from the tires to accomplish the same objective, or I could take along a large friend and let them ride from SC to DC in style.!

Groesbeck Hurricane · 10-04-2004, 09:50 AM

The problem I have heard of and seen with tow dollies is if they come off the hitch. Always use safety chains and make sure you have the right ball for the dolly. IMHO (having towed farm trailers during season over several years) I always want more than two wheels on the trailer for control purposes. But then again, I will not use a vehicle/trailer combo without electric brakes unless it is short distance (<10 miles) and my single bale hay hauler.

jrdavid68 · 10-04-2004, 11:21 AM

Seen one of these before?

towing a 911

Oldporsche · 10-04-2004, 01:33 PM

I have used tow dollys before. I have towed 911's rear first and front first also. I can't remember which I liked better. I know that I had a reason to do so on each occasion.

I'm going to buy a tow dolly this year to transport some cars anyhow. I like the master tow or kar kaddy. I would look for one with surge brakes. Surge brakes would work pretty well and not have an electrical hookup to the tow vehicle.

There are two places to look for tow dollys other than e-bay. The first one would be to put up a note at you local auto auction. There's always some tow dolly for sale among used car dealers. The other place is a salvage or new RV dealer. I passed by one the other day and they had 6 tow dollys used sitting out by the front gate. Some of them looked very nice.

Good luck,
David Duffield

OldTee · 10-04-2004, 04:03 PM

Good advice, thanks.

OldTee · 10-07-2004, 05:31 AM

Well, I picked it up. Going to put the 911SC on it this AM. If it doesn't fit I will sell it on the BMW board or something. They go quick. Pics to follow.

OldTee · 10-07-2004, 11:37 AM

Tow Dolly did not work. It is now for sale. I could possibly modify it by making long ramps, or even use a jack, but I don't want to do that. Might have to bite a bullet and actually purchase a trailer.

10-07-2004, 01:10 PM

I'm affraid your only cource of action is to buy a 30' enclosed trailor with plenty of storage cabnets, a good a/c system, and a built in compressor. That should work nicely in the Dorki Paddock.

P.S. I owe you an appology. The constitutional amendment we discussed at the track DID fail, 227-186 vote #484. You were correct, I was mistaken.

OldTee · 10-07-2004, 01:19 PM

When I order it I will let you know. Are you interested in renting the upstairs apartment it will have? Also, I will order the playground equipment tomorrow for Cole!!

10-07-2004, 01:47 PM

Don't forget, he'll need jack stands to track prep his mini p-car.

I may need the upstairs appartment when my wife find out about my recent wheel purchase.

Jesset100 · Jesset100's Garage

Put lower profile tires on the dolly.

3.2 CAB · 10-07-2004, 03:35 PM

Use a 2x8 or 2x10 about 6' long to extend the overall ramp length, it will change the approach pitch of the ramp to a more shallow angle.

Jay Auskin · 10-07-2004, 05:59 PM

I used that exact dolly on my '72. I angled the fog lights up, and using a spotter, went really slow. At the last moment, the wheel hit the ramp, lifting the car, and the fog lights were cleared. I was sure I would have a busted light, but all was ok.

Try a few pieces of wood as mentioned above.