Barthmobile Portal
Tow dolly brakes
02-18-2007, 08:33 PM
Frank StrongTow dolly brakes
I have a 94 Regency with the 300 Hp Cummins and I am considering a tow dolly for my 96 Cutlass with auto. I have never towed before so I have been researching my options on flat towing vs using a dolly. Since I don't want to trade up to a flat tow car, I am stuck with adding a pump kit to my auto or using a tow dolly. I have been told that the pump kit/flat tow option may cost as much as $2500 when you add a tow plate and bar so I am considering a dolly which may cost as little as $300 to $500 used. Which leads me to my question: should I consider getting a dolly with brakes? If I do, how do I hook up electric brakes to the air brakes on my RV? I am familiar with this hookup on P/U trucks but not on air brakes. Also, I am assuming that most dolly brakes are electric and not surge.
Any help will be greatly appreciated!
Frank Strong
1994 Regency 34ft
300 HP Cummins, 6 spd Allison
Spartan MM Chassis
02-18-2007, 09:14 PM
bill hTow dollies can be either surge or electric brakes. I have used both, and despise surge brakes. If nothing else, electric brakes allow you a manual override to prevent the tail from wagging the dog.
THIS is what I use to tow my race car trailer with electric brakes. It does not connect to the brake hydraulics or air at all.
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84 30T PeeThirty-Something, 502 powered
02-19-2007, 10:42 AM
Frank StrongThanks Bill. This looks like a good product and an easy answer to my problem. Now I just need to research the cost.
Frank Strong
1994 Regency 34ft
300 HP Cummins, 6 spd Allison
Spartan MM Chassis
02-19-2007, 06:47 PM
bill hOne possible drawback to a dolly is that some campgrounds are fussy about storing them while you are driving the toad.
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84 30T PeeThirty-Something, 502 powered
02-19-2007, 07:17 PM
olroyFrom my own experience and others, there is a big difference in hassle factor between towing with a dolly, & towing wheels down. El Segundo Bill exposes an important element of it in his post. IMHO, if one plans ro travel extensively, one is better off going wheels down, even if it means buying a different toad.
02-19-2007, 08:07 PM
bill hOne advantage of a dolly (perhaps the only advantage) is that you can back it up easily. Backing 4down is trickier and is somewhat limited.
Another consideration with buying another vehicle, is you can address issues that are related to and even specific to your travels. Such as storage space, off road capabilities, etc. Our own choice for years was a mini pickup with a shell. We even used it for sleeping when we went places where we had to leave the Barth to continue on tighter, rougher or non-existent roads. I got so quick at disconnecting the driveshaft that I never bought the remote disconnect.
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84 30T PeeThirty-Something, 502 powered
02-27-2007, 10:02 PM
Frank StrongThanks for your advice on the tow dolly. I am convinced at this time that it is the most economical option for me because I am not a "full timer" and will only use the dolly occasionally. I agree from all I've read that the flat tow is the overall best option -- just not the most economical for me.
By the way, does anyone have one for sale with brakes???
Frank Strong
1994 Regency 34ft
300 HP Cummins, 6 spd Allison
Spartan MM Chassis
02-28-2007, 11:31 PM
<Charles L>As A matter of fact I do have one for sale but we are so far apart, north Indiana