Loaded with a diversity of amenities, recreational vehicles let people explore the outdoors without having to give up modern conveniences. That being said, compared to typical cars, most recreational vehicles tend to have limited maneuverability. Hence, lots of enthusiasts of RVing nowadays opt to hit the road with a car in tow which necessitates the use of a tow dolly. With a tow dolly behind your rig, you could bring your car along while traveling and flexibly change ride when you must go somewhere that recreational vehicles have difficulty navigating.
Thanks to a well-saturated market, RVers have plenty of options once it comes to tow dollies for recreational vehicles. Still, unless you possess a thorough understanding of available models, you can have a hard time picking up the best tow dolly for your rig.
Contents
Best Tow Dollies Comparison Chart
Product's name | Price | Specifications | More Info | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Roadmaster (2050-1 Tow Dolly | $$$$ | Weight: 620 Pounds Weight Capacity: 4,250 Pounds Self-steering Belt-tilt release Adjustable axles and ramps | See Latest Price | |
Dethmers Manufacturing Company KK460SS Space Saver Kar Kaddy | $$$$ | Weight: 615 Pounds Weight Capacity: 4,800 Pounds Hydraulic brake Chrome wheels Galvanized exterior | See Latest Price | |
Demco KK370SB Dethmers 8-1/2' Kar Kaddy with Surge Brakes | $$$$ | Weight: 665 Pounds Weight Capacity: 4,800 Pounds Auto-steer Tilt bed Positive latching | See Latest Price | |
Tow Max Heavy Duty Car Tow Dolly 4,900 lb. | $$$$ | Weight: 475 Pounds Weight Capacity: 4,900 Pounds Powder coating LED taillights Pre-wired harness | See Latest Price | |
Demco TI210SB Tow-It with Surge Brakes | $$$$ | Weight: 730 Pounds Weight Capacity: 4,700 Pounds Fully enclosed No-dent polyethylene fenders Sure-grip galvanized ramps | See Latest Price |
RV Tow Dolly Basics
What is an RV tow dolly?
In layman’s terms, a RV tow dolly is a semi-trailer purposely designed to let recreational vehicles tow cars. Normally, tow dollies for RV would be attached to the rear of rigs and then people secure cars onto them. Depending on the models, it’s possible to use tow dollies as extra storage space.
How does it work?
Once tow dollies and recreational vehicles have a secure connection, RVing enthusiasts could drive cars onto them and place the front wheels on the platform. Next, it’s necessary to hold the front wheels of towed cars in place via straps, chains, and so on. After that, owners of recreational vehicles may begin towing the cars as they see fit.
Benefits of tow dollies for RV
- Versatility: With a tow dolly attached to your rig, you would be able to bring your car along while traveling. Whenever maneuverability seems to be more necessary than comfort, you could swiftly switch to your car and head out to take care of your business.
- Storage: Besides towing cars, many tow dollars for recreational vehicles incorporate built-in storage compartments. Hence, after you outfit your rig with a tow dolly, the amount of stuff you can carry should increase markedly.
- Assistance: By keeping a tow dolly around, you could help those whose vehicles have broken down all of a sudden in the middle of nowhere.
Types Of tow dollies for RV
The market contains a diversity of tow dollies but all models could be split into two types: center and wheel.
- Center-Mounted Tow Dollies: As the name suggests, center-mounted two dollies connect cars and recreational vehicles in the center which leads to improved stability. In addition to that, most models of the type happen to be pivotable so they work superbly in many settings.
- Wheel-Mounted Tow Dollies: Attached to front wheels of cars, wheel-mounted two dollies significantly decrease the odds of cars colliding into the rear of recreational vehicles during tight turns. Naturally, models of the type prove popular among enthusiasts of RVing that want to avoid expensive repair bills while traveling.
Best Tow Dollies For RV
Preferences often differ significantly from people to people so the best tow dolly of someone could appear mediocre to others. Nonetheless, in the case that you like to get your money’s worth, you should check out the models below.
1. Roadmaster 2050-1
Why We Love It:
Possessing built-in self-steering wheels with stabilizer, Roadmaster 2050-1 significantly facilitates sharp maneuvering on the road and boosts traffic safety. With 2050-1 around, owners of recreational vehicles don’t have to worry about losing control over towing setups during tight turns. Moreover, since the tow dolly from Roadmaster boasts adjustable axles and ramps, it’s compatible with an assortment of cars. As a result, 2050-1 of Roadmaster is a good buy for enthusiasts of RVing that change cars from time to time.
Thanks to the convenient bed-tilt release, it’s unnecessary to crawl under the cars to tilt the bed with the tow dolly of Roadmaster. It’s worth pointing out that 2050-1 is engineered with dual pin bed latch so even if one pin breaks down, the bed would not tilt. Lack space on your rig to store miscellaneous towing accessories? Then Roadmaster 2050-1 is your best tow dolly as it integrates looking trays that you could open with just one key.
Introduced to the market at a reasonable price, the Roadmaster tow dolly for RV suits a lot of shopping budgets. So the purchase of 2050-1 should have a negligible impact on your upcoming spendings and that is by all accounts advantageous.
Pros
- High endurance
- Simple to set up
- Maintenance is child’s play
Cons
- Packaging could use some work
- Several units arrive damaged
2. Demco Kar Kaddy SS
Why We Love It:
Designed from the ground up with adaptability in mind, Demco Kar Kaddy SS operates consistently in a lot of environments. With a hydraulic brake, Kar Kaddy SS lets enthusiasts of RVing bring towing setups to a controlled stop at will. Additionally, packing a galvanized exterior, the tow dolly of Demco seldom becomes chipped or rusted in the course of operation. That is why Demco Kar Kaddy SS receive good scores in terms of aesthetics from plenty of tow dolly reviews.
Since the RV tow dolly from Demco utilizes a steerable axle, its turn radius is tight compared to that of its competitors on the market. Hence, with Kar Kaddy SS, owners of recreational vehicles could confidently perform many maneuvers without having to worry about binding the tires of towed cars. Aside from that, Demco Kar Kaddy SS features fantastic weight ratings so it suits a diversity of modern-day cars. To latch and unlatch a towed car with the Demco tow dolly, RVers only need to work the integral latch.
About maintenance, Demco Kar Kaddy SS just needs to be cleaned and lubricated in order to stay in top shape. For those that happen to have little time to take care of towing equipment, the tow dolly made by Demco is the best tow dolly.
Pros
- Versatile
- Long-lasting
- No-nonsense operation
Cons
- Delivery service should be overhauled
- Reports of components warping appear from time to time
3. Demco Kar Kaddy 3
Why We Love It:
All you need is a no-nonsense car tow dolly for RV that could last? If that is the case, there is a good chance that you would come to like Kar Kaddy 3 of Demco. Integrating auto-steer, the RV tow dolly made by Demco ensures that you have an easy time making tight turns. Furthermore, with terrific sealed bearing hubs, Kar Kaddy 3 is going to work like a charm for years to come without needing to be regularly serviced.
With a combination of loading ramp and positive latching, Demco Kar Kaddy 3 accelerates the process of latching cars for towing. Kar Kaddy 3 automatically relatch as well so there is no need for you to bother about latching the tilt bed. Also, the presence of polyethylene fenders in the design of the Demco dolly significantly reduces the odds of damages occurring to your rig and car. The fenders possess sealed lights that increase visibility in the dark so for night towing operation, various RVers consider Demco Kar Kaddy 3 to be the best tow dolly for RV.
As proof of confidence, Demco backs its tow dolly for RV with a three-year warranty that covers manufacturing defects. If you value a sound insurance policy, you should add Kar Kaddy 3 to your shortlist.
Pros
- Durable
- Impressive compatibility
- Slim and sleek
Cons
- Kind of expensive
- A couple of units seem used on arrival
4. USA Trailer Store Tow Max
Why We Love It:
Put together for today’s standards and built to last, USA Trailer Store Tow Max rarely fails to satisfy RVers. At 475 pounds, Tow Max weighs less than other models but it could take on cars with weights up to 4,900 pounds. In addition, covered in powder coating, the lightweight tow dolly of USA Trailer Store is capable of resisting all kinds of elements in the outdoors. Therefore, USA Trailer Store Tow Max would maintain a classy profile even if it’s used on a daily basis.
Coming with pre-wired harness, the tow dolly made by USA Trailer Store is ready to use the moment it’s attached to recreational vehicles. Since Tow Max employs heavy-duty tires, it’s good at stabilizing towing setups which provide RVers with optimal controllability. Needless to say, for enthusiasts of RVing that care about their well-being, USA Trailer Store Tow Max is the best tow dolly for motorhome. The tow dolly from USA Trailer Store is a low priced model too, thus, squeezing it into the spending plan is a piece of cake.
Regarding post-purchase support, USA Trailer Store Tow Max is accompanied by a one-year warranty that brings much-needed peace of mind to RVers. When their tow dolly experiences troubles out of the blue, owners of Tow Max would have something to count on.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Wonderful flexibility
- Hassle-free maintenance
Cons
- RVers occasionally complain about loosening wheels
- Straps take quite some time to tighten
5. Demco Tow-It 2
Why We Love It:
Dependable and reliable, Demco Tow-It 2 is held in high esteem by a lot of RVers, novices and veterans alike. Owing to the fully enclosed design, the RV tow dolly made by is proof against corrosive elements in the outdoors. Because of that, regarding rust-resistance, Tow-It 2 is essentially the best tow dolly available for purchase on the market. In addition to that, featuring no-dent polyethylene fenders for vehicle protection, Demco Tow-It 2 protects rigs from costly damages which is a big plus.
As for weight ratings, Tow-It 2 only weighs 730 pounds but it’s able to support cars as heavy as 4,700 pounds. Thus, the RV tow dolly from Demco could be put to good use in a wide range of towing operations. Equipped with sure-grip galvanized ramps, Demco Tow-It 2 also excels at preventing towed cars from slipping away as well. Lastly, incorporating a stylish black powder coating, Tow-It 2 would blend in with the exterior of rigs instead of standing out like a sore thumb.
To reassure potential customers, Demco willingly offers everyone that decides to grab its tow dolly a one-year manufacturer warranty. If your Tow-It 2 fails due to defects within the warranty period, you may claim a replacement free of charge.
Pros
- Rugged
- Quick shipping
- Outstanding corrosion resistance
Cons
- Quality control requires improvements
- Users sometimes complain about the sharp ramp edges
Critical Tow Dolly Considerations
Enthusiasts of RVing have countless opinions about the best tow dolly but to make a wise investment, it’s suggested that you remember these criteria
WEIGHT: As you assess an RV tow dolly, you need to keep in mind two weight ratings: 1/ its weight and 2/the amount of weight it accommodates. By taking a look at the owner’s manual, you should be able to locate both ratings with relative ease. Compare the ratings to specs of your rig and your car to determine whether you have chosen the right model. In the case that the numbers don’t match, it’s strongly recommended that you move on to other models.
ENDURANCE: In use, tow dollies for recreational vehicles must bear the weight of cars and deal with outdoor elements at once. Because of that, to grab the best tow dolly for your rig, it’s essential that you pay special attention to endurance of market models. To see how well a RV tow dolly holds together over time, you have to check out its material, design, … Refrain from committing to a purchase until you know for certain that the model you prefer is going to last.
BRAKE: While towing cars, coming to a stop in the right place at the right time is critical to traffic safety. Hence, it’s imperative that you think about brake prior to making up your mind. For your information, today’s tow dollies for RV feature two types of braking systems: hydraulic brake and electric brake. Since it takes advantage of the momentum of recreational vehicles, hydraulic brake operates consistently without requiring any adjustments. from users. On the other hand, electric brake needs to be recalibrated periodically but it could bring both your rig and your car to a synchronized halt.
PIVOT: In case you don’t know, particular cars automatically lock the steering wheels when people remove the key from ignition. With cars like those in tow, it’s going to be tough to make tight turns as locked steering wheels keep getting in the way. If you own one of such cars then you have to consider outfitting your rig with a motorhome tow dolly that is capable of pivoting. Pivotable dollies smoothen turns on the road and allow you to maneuver as you wish.
PRICE:
From $1,000 to $3,000: As entry-level models, tow dollies in the range don’t have much to offer but their performance remains adequate for ordinary arrangements. Also, RV tow dollies that cost between $1,000 and $3,000 usually have simple installation so they could be set up in moments.
From $3,000 to $5,000: Being equipped with multiple features, tow dollies in the range boast excellent flexibility. You love traveling around with your rig and your car? In that case, it’s a good idea to look around for a RV tow dolly for sale that carries a price tag between $3,000 and $5,000.
Above $5,000: Needless to say, tow dollies in the range cost a lot but they would be able to match nearly all towing requirements of the users. Since models that cost more than $5,000 tend to have fantastic lifespan, they permit enthusiasts of RVing to save money in the long run as well.
Best RV Tow Dolly Brands
Nowadays, plenty of manufacturers produce tow dollies for recreational vehicles but if you care about reputability, you should prioritize models made by the following names
Demco: As a long-established brand with substantial experience, Demco knows what people desire and designs all of its products accordingly. Naturally, numerous RVers from novices to veterans hold tow dollies from Demco in high esteem.
Roadmaster: Owing to its user-oriented mindset, Roadmaster continuously releases solid tow dollies for RV with simple installation and easy maintenance. You seek a no-nonsense tow dolly for your rig? Then Roadmaster may have several models in store for you.
USA Trailer Store: With an emphasis on utility, USA Trailer Store as well as its tow dollies for recreational vehicles receive a shower of praise from RVing enthusiasts. In the case that you like to spend more time traveling and less time managing equipment, you should think about getting USA Trailer Store models.
FAQs About Tow Dollies For RV
Where could I pick up tow dollies for recreational vehicles?
Most RV hardware stores carry an assortment of tow dollies so you just need to visit one of such stores. It’s also possible to order your tow dolly through online retailers including Amazon, eBay, …
What type of vehicles could the average tow dollies accommodate?
From SUVs to four-by-four trucks, tow dollies would be able to accept various vehicles as long as they stay within the weight limit. Until you determine the weight of vehicles you like to tow, avoid driving them onto your RV car tow dolly.
Is it possible to reverse with RV tow dollies attached?
You could back up while your rig is attached to a car tow dolly for RV but that requires skills: one miscalculation is all it takes for your rig and your car to sustain damages. Thus, it’s unwise to reverse with RV tow dollies attached unless you know exactly what needs to be done. When you must back up, you should enlist the help of others to provide guidance.
How do I keep my RV tow dolly in shape?
Even the best car tow dolly would eventually fail one day but by taking good care of your tow dolly, you could extend its lifespan. Different models often have different needs so you should refer to the maintenance section of the owner’s manual of your RV car dolly. Conventional models on today’s market only require periodical cleaning and lubrication to stay operational.
Also in RV Hitch & Tow, we’re providing thorough reviews and buying guides which help RV campers have peace of minds choosing the best fifth wheel hitches for short bed trucks, best weight distribution hitches, best removable fifth wheel hitches, best anti-rattle hitch devices, best trailer hitch locks, best electric tongue jacks on the market today.
I really prefer this Demco Tow-It 2 tow dolly!! It has lots of different safety features, so you should try it. First and foremost, it has its own taillights, so I haven’t had any accidents on the road so far. It has its own brakes and don’t easily bend or give in. I really have nothing to comment on in terms of the design. The fenders are truly magnificent! They are rust-proof, so I don’t need to worry about natural elements such as water slowly ruining them over time.