Towing dolly

11wingnut

What are the legalities with towing with this?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-CAR-RECOVERY-A-FRAME-TOWING-DOLLY-2-4TON-/262930065707?hash=item3d37da692b:m:mgNbntJqw4mFPMg5gkSmbGQ

colm_mcm

They're not legal here AFAIK.

dhog4n

Dolly plus towed vehicle forms a trailer. This must comply with the rules ie: subject to vehicle capacity, max 750 kg unbraked or 3500 kg braked.

The above is subject to having a towing licence - max combined train weight is 3500 kg for towing vehicle plus trailer without a towing licence. Check this before committing as you could find yourself badly stuck if in the wrong when stopped by a concerned Garda.

In reality, only a limited number of heavy duty 4x4's can do the 3500 kg braked towing weight. Think Landrover Discovery, Range Rover, Landcruiser Amazon, etc.

Towing capacity will be detailed on the vin plate on your vehicle and cannot legally be exceeded.

Towing dollies are not a good idea in general as they do not exert any nose weight on the tow ball. Most towing vehicles have a brake bias valve which increases the braking effort at the rear when there is extra weight at the rear, which is necessary when trying to stop the extra weight of a trailer in addition to the towing vehicle. The brake bias valve is not activated if there is no extra weight at the rear, eg: when using a towing dolly.

It is possible to get braked towing dollies, but they cost about the same as a proper braked car transporter trailer.

My recommendation would be to hire a proper trailer from a hire shop if it is a one off requirement and you have the appropriate vehicle and licence. If not, pay someone to do it for you. If you need to do it regularly, get the the licence, heavy duty towing vehicle and trailer.

It's not necessary to spend many thousands to do so unless you need to keep up with the neighbours, but doing it right means you don't face the likelyhood of jack-knifing on the way to your destination.

Jack the Stripper

So they are legal?

dhog4n

My understanding is they are legal subject to conditions:

1) no towing licence: combined weight of dolly plus towed vehicle less than 750 kg or combined train weight of towing vehicle, braked dolly and towed vehicle less than 3500 kg IF WITHIN CAPACITY ON VIN PLATE.

2) with towing licence: unbraked dolly plus vehicle less than 750 kg or braked dolly plus vehicle less than 3500 kg. IF WITHIN CAPACITY ON VIN PLATE

The difference is important and significant: if you have the licence and the right towing vehicle, you can tow up to 3500 kg braked.

The problems with this type of towing frame/dolly are:
- it is unbraked, which limits you to max 750 kg. How many cars do you know that are under 750 kg?
- it will not exert any nose weight on the tow ball, which increases the likelyhood of the towed vehicle pushing the towing vehicle out of position under braking.

martinbrown448

i would suggest if you need any information related to towing rules so no one can tell better you except a towing company, so find a car towing service near me, then go and ask to them they will guide you in a better way.

biko

Almost a year late there Martin
Thread is from May 2017