Instructor: Steve Koehn, Market rep for Automatic Equipment Mfg. Co (Blue Ox)
Tow dollies are becoming generally less popular because of the longer time needed to load unload; and becaues they require extra tie-downs. Some campgrounds don't want tow dollies at the RV site, making even temporary storage complicated. And you may have to get a separate license in some states. These disadvantages have caused more RVers to go to tow bar system. The advantage of tow dollies is the flexibility to use any car, including some larger ones. If you contemplate purchase of a tow dolly, it's important to actually tow w/it before buying it. And it is essential to use proper size safety chains and straps.
Tow dollies are usually sold without essential equipment. One often needs to add a braking system, lights, etc. as options. It's usually far cheaper to buy the braking system at the same time, than add it after purchase.
Tow dollies are almost always used w/front wheel drive vehicles. Towing backwards causes alignment and tire damage, plus can create a safety hazard. Don't ever back up w/loaded tow dollies! A typical tow dolly purchase price is anywhere up to $2,000. But because so many RVers are moving from tow dollies to tow bars, there are a lot of low priced used dollies on the market.
BRAKING SYSTEMS
Why it's a hot topic...Lots of new products out there. Why do we need braking systems now, when we got along fine w/out them before?
Reason: 2 years ago, British Columbia decided they were going to enforce their law which requires braking systems on all towed vehicles over2,200 pounds. Such vehicles needed both a separate braking system and "break-away" system. British Columbia subsequently stopped enforcing the breakaway system requirement, because there were no systems on the market. Now British Columba only requires same if more than 4,400 pounds, or if it weighs more than 40% of towing vehicle's weight.
As of this moment there are no longer any enforced requirements for lighter vehicles in Canada or the US.. Yet states may begin looking at toads as "trailers", and may require them in the future.
So for the moment it's your choice! But do you ever feel as if you'd like to stop faster? Ford & GM owners manual say if you tow more than 1,000/1,500 pounds, you should use an auxillary braking system. This adds a new impetus to purchase of such a system.
Most RVs, when fully loaded, approach (or exceed) GVWR. Add a toad, and you may find yourself way over.
Some systems only brake two of the four toad's brakes. And only some adjust brakes proportionately (i.e., regular slow down versus panic stop).The cost range for auxilliary braking systems is anywhere from $450 to $1,700. Two years ago there were two systems out there. Now there are at least 16 different systems, because for the reasons noted above, the market looks attractive for new entrants.
Two different basic types: hydrolic versus mechanical
Hydrolic -- requires tapping into brake lines. Hydrolic lines always have a potential for leaking, which of course can cause brake failure. Mechanical surge system (AutoStop by Blue Ox). Cost $450 for what comes in a fairly small box. Advantages: instantaneous, and proportional. Once adjusted to the toad, it requires no further readjustment. Disadvanage is will break cable if you try to back up. Power assist brakes..not a problem as cable pull is strong enough. Disadvantage -- in a few cases brake return spring is inadequate to get toad's brake fully back up. Solution has been a bungy cord to ensure brake pedal fully extends again after braking.
Where to buy? Automatic Equipment Mfg. Co stopped doing business w/Camping World after being a supplier to them for 12 years. Camping World announced they were in the future going to offer only one brand of braking system, based on the lowest bid price, coupled with other conditions such as how much advertising the manufacturer agreed to purchase. Since the Camping World buying method was entirely unrelated to value or quaility, AEM decided not to pursue Camping World as outlet for their products. However, they are available through most RV dealers throughout the country.