Looking for tow dolly feedback

[Borismkogan]

My wife and I are going to dip our toe into the tow game... Going to tow our 2019 Chevy Bolt. We found a couple of used tow dollies in our area. Both appear to be in really good shape.
Option 1: 2015 Roadmaster RM3477
Option 2: Demco GR200B
Main question I have is how important is it to get a dolly with an integrated brake system? I don't think either one comes with a brake system. I think both are rated to be able tow our Bolt.
Anything else we should know or be aware of?
Thanks in advance for your help.

[16ACE27]

At 3600+ lbs plus the weight of the dolly you should have a braking system.

[JamieGeek]

Yeah you'll want brakes to pull a Bolt around.

We have the EZE-Tow dolly (https://cartowdolly.com/--it has surge brakes so hitch up and go) and pulled our Bolt all over the place with it. Works like a champ. (Yeah don't have the Bolt anymore...lease was up.)

You'll want to put a knife disconnect on the Bolt's 12V battery as you have to disconnect it so the car doesn't engage the e-brake (look in the owner's manual on recreational towing--there is a procedure you have to do before disconnecting the battery--the car really loves to automatically engage the e-brake at a moments notice LOL). I forget now but I had to do the procedure in a certain order, if I didn't the car would freak out and honk the horn when connecting the battery up so keep the keyfob in your hand at that point so you're ready for it. If I remember correctly I had to close the knife switch and immediately close the hood otherwise once the car booted up it would get an "intrusion alarm".

I was extra paranoid about that knife switch too: Afraid it may inadvertently close while on the road. So after opening it and disconnecting the batteries I would wrap 2 or 3 rubber bands around it just to prevent contact in the event it accidentally closes (it never did but can't be too safe).



I've circled the knife disconnect here:


Here is an Amazon link to the type of knife switch I used. As you can see it is a tight fit in there.

[cupajoe147]

We use a Demco KarKaddyX to tow our 2021 Bolt behind our 2022 Omni. The dolly has surge brakes & towing has been problem free. Absolutely need to follow the Bolt manual procedure for dolly towing. We use this top post battery disconnect and don’t have to worry about an inadvertent re-connect because the dial connector part can be removed & kept in the glovebox.

Top Post Battery Master Disconnect Switch https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B001N729...ing=UTF8&psc=1

[wrapped]

PM me , i may have a dolly you would like for sale.

[HMCSW]

Originally Posted by Borismkogan

My wife and I are going to dip our toe into the tow game... Going to tow our 2019 Chevy Bolt. We found a couple of used tow dollies in our area. Both appear to be in really good shape.
Option 1: 2015 Roadmaster RM3477
Option 2: Demco GR200B
Main question I have is how important is it to get a dolly with an integrated brake system? I don't think either one comes with a brake system. I think both are rated to be able tow our Bolt.
Anything else we should know or be aware of?
Thanks in advance for your help.

It is required in Washington to have brakes

[Borismkogan]

Originally Posted by wrapped

PM me , i may have a dolly you would like for sale.

Sent

[wrapped]

I think I replied if it didn't go through let me know I'll try again.

[HMCSW]

I would bet Roadmaster or any car dolly has electric brakes. Call Roadmaster- they are in Vancouver Wa

[Chuck and Mary Ann]

not all dolly's have brakes, you have to buy them as an add-on and depending on the weight of the car, could be required by law.

[EA37TS]

Originally Posted by Chuck and Mary Ann

not all dolly's have brakes, you have to buy them as an add-on and depending on the weight of the car, could be required by law.

Some states also require dollie be registered and licensed.

[knucklehead]

Originally Posted by Borismkogan

My wife and I are going to dip our toe into the tow game... Going to tow our 2019 Chevy Bolt. We found a couple of used tow dollies in our area. Both appear to be in really good shape.
Option 1: 2015 Roadmaster RM3477
Option 2: Demco GR200B
Main question I have is how important is it to get a dolly with an integrated brake system? I don't think either one comes with a brake system. I think both are rated to be able tow our Bolt.
Anything else we should know or be aware of?
Thanks in advance for your help.

I got a Master Tow for my 2015 Volvo XC-60. I pull it with a 2018 Thor Windsport 29m. The dolly surge brakes don't work but the RV seems to stop it just fine at about 3500lbs. I'd recommend a surge brake dolly system just because it will work on anything you hook it to. One with electric brakes needs expensive parts in the vehicle and the RV!!! Bob Trice

[Borismkogan]

Originally Posted by knucklehead

I got a Master Tow for my 2015 Volvo XC-60. I pull it with a 2018 Thor Windsport 29m. The dolly surge brakes don't work but the RV seems to stop it just fine at about 3500lbs. I'd recommend a surge brake dolly system just because it will work on anything you hook it to. One with electric brakes needs expensive parts in the vehicle and the RV!!! Bob Trice

Thank you!

[paulwadley]

I have a Car Tow Dolly from Acme Car tow dolly. It has surge brakes and brake lights. I added magnetic led brake lights to stick on the car with a long wire lead so that the car being towed also has brake lights. Here in California, I am not required to have those additional brake lights since the dolly already has them built into it but I wanted additional lights for safety. I towed our 2014 Ford Flex just under 5,000 miles on the trip we just returned from and did not have an issue with the towing or dolly. I do check the safety straps every time we stop to be sure they were still tight. We are planning a trip to Utah and will be towing our Ford Flex with us(1200 mile round trip). I do have to replace my tow dolly tires before that trip. The tires were rated for approximately 5,000 miles and they are showing signs that they need to be replaced before our next trip. California does not require the tow dolly to be licensed.

Paul

[taylorbob1]

Originally Posted by HMCSW

It is required in Washington to have brakes

Except the ones in Washington you can rent from Uhaul.
I have yet to find a Uhaul dolly that has brakes.

[knucklehead]

Originally Posted by Borismkogan

My wife and I are going to dip our toe into the tow game... Going to tow our 2019 Chevy Bolt. We found a couple of used tow dollies in our area. Both appear to be in really good shape.
Option 1: 2015 Roadmaster RM3477
Option 2: Demco GR200B
Main question I have is how important is it to get a dolly with an integrated brake system? I don't think either one comes with a brake system. I think both are rated to be able tow our Bolt.
Anything else we should know or be aware of?
Thanks in advance for your help.

I use a TowMaster to tow a 4000lb. Volvo XC-60 full of musical equipment. I tow it with a 2018 Thor Windsport 29m. It does not have working hydraulic brakes but I will sell this one soon and buy a new one with working hydraulic brakes. They are the best tow dolly I believe and it's just as good as electrics if not better. They work on anything with the correct size ball. No car bumper connections, no expensive electric control boxes and all the other crap that goes with electrics. Just hook it to your RV, drive your car up onto the ramp, dog down with the wheel straps and your off!!!!