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Old 08-14-2019, 06:57 PM   #1
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Looking to buy a car tow dolly that I intend to pull with a Thor Chateau 31Y... my question is pretty simple: do I need to outfit the dolly with electric brakes or can I operate safely without, given that I'll be towing a Ford Focus under 3,000 lbs?

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Old 08-14-2019, 07:02 PM   #2
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Originally Posted by darinello@charter.net View Post
Looking to buy a car tow dolly that I intend to pull with a Thor Chateau 31Y... my question is pretty simple: do I need to outfit the dolly with electric brakes or can I operate safely without, given that I'll be towing a Ford Focus under 3,000 lbs?
You won't get a consensus about that question, not even from the States, each state has their own statutes regarding brakes on towed vehicles. So even if the regulations allow it, there are those of the opinion it would not be safe.
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Old 08-14-2019, 07:52 PM   #3
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Originally Posted by darinello@charter.net View Post
Looking to buy a car tow dolly that I intend to pull with a Thor Chateau 31Y... my question is pretty simple: do I need to outfit the dolly with electric brakes or can I operate safely without, given that I'll be towing a Ford Focus under 3,000 lbs?
In Virginia if the gross weight (dolly plus car) is 3000 lbs or more auxillary brakes are required. Since the curb weight of a 2018 Ford Focus is somewhere between 2,935 to 3,434 lbs I would say brakes are legally required.

Also, some insurance carriers will not cover a tow vehicle unless auxillary brakes are used.

You can get a dolly with surge brakes and not have to worry about brake controller etc...
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Old 08-14-2019, 08:23 PM   #4
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I tow a Chevy Sonic that is in a similar weight range as the Focus. I have a brake system installed and use it. It does make a difference.
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Old 08-15-2019, 12:42 PM   #5
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Thanks Dave, I appreciate your response. Didn't consider surge brakes so you gave me something to consider.

Dennis M. Arinello
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Smithfield, VA
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Old 08-15-2019, 12:51 PM   #6
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When something ugly happens on the road in front of you, and you're standing on the "Whoa!" pedal: the last thing you want is a shove in the rear from a tagalong without brakes...
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Old 08-15-2019, 01:49 PM   #7
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I sold ours on Craigslist a few yrs ago.
There's usually a lot of junk, but also a lot of good ones.

Here's one that might be close.
https://richmond.craigslist.org/tro/...940726009.html
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Old 08-15-2019, 02:19 PM   #8
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Our Acme EZ-Tow dolly has surge brakes. No brake controller necessary and they work great.
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Old 08-15-2019, 04:07 PM   #9
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I have the eze tow dolly and it’s for sale. I flat tow now. $1200. Surge brakes. Jerry
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Old 08-16-2019, 07:39 PM   #10
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Thanks Jerry for letting me know about your car dolly for sale... unfortunately, FL is a bit too far for me to travel since I'm in Virginia.
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Old 08-22-2019, 04:55 PM   #11
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I live in PA and have a Acme EZ Tow Dolly with surge brakes for sale. Am asking a $1,000.00 for it
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