Need to move a car to your new home? Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to transport a car from one place to another. If you’d prefer not to hire an auto transport company and aren’t able to drive it yourself, then we recommend using a car trailer or tow dolly to move your car. These two DIY car moving methods cost less than hiring a professional auto transport company but require slightly more work than simply driving the car yourself. So, car trailer vs. tow dolly: which is better? To compare the two car shipping methods, we’ve included information on both options as well as key differences between the two. Show
Car trailer vs. tow dolly: the basicsWhat is a car trailer? A car trailer is a four-wheel car carrier that lifts and holds your entire vehicle off the ground. It allows you to haul the car while it’s fully on top of the trailer (read: all four wheels off the ground), so the vehicle being towed will have as little wear and tear as possible. According to U-Haul, “this option is not only great for towing most sedans, coupes, and compact cars, it’s a great option for heavier/larger vehicles because the maximum capacity for the U-Haul auto transport is 5,290lbs.” What is a tow dolly? A tow dolly tows your car with its front wheels on the dolly and rear wheels on the ground. According to U-Haul, “the tow dolly is designed for a quick, easy load and unload for most front-wheel-drive cars. Whether or not your vehicle can be towed on a U-Haul tow dolly is determined by several factors including the weight of your vehicle, the front to rear distribution of the weight, plus the length, width and ground clearance of the vehicle.” Car trailer vs. tow dolly: what are the differences?The most important differences between using a car trailer and using a tow dolly to move your car are:
Car trailer vs. tow dolly: what are the pros and cons of each?Car trailerPros: One big advantage to using a car trailer is the fact that you won’t put additional mileage on your car when moving it on top of a carrier. In addition, your vehicle will receive less wear and tear, as it won’t touch the road during the move. Car trailers are also capable of holding heavier cars, so for those needing to move a truck or large vehicle, this is a big plus. These carriers are also better suited for long distance moves than tow dollies. Finally, car trailers are considerably safer to haul. Cons: The only con of using a car trailer over a tow dolly is the equipment’s cost. It is typically considerably more expensive than renting a tow dolly – and may not make sense cost-wise if you only need a move a vehicle a short distance. Tow dollyPros: The main advantage to using a tow dolly is the equipment’s affordability. Those looking for a low-cost way to move a smaller vehicle a short distance will find a tow dolly to be especially convenient. Cons: The main cons to using a tow dolly are the equipment’s tricky set-up, weight capacity limitations, distance limitations (you can’t move long distance with a tow dolly), and safety concerns. A vehicle that is moved via a tow dolly is also more susceptible to wear and tear than a vehicle carried by a car trailer. Car trailer vs. tow dolly: which should I choose?
What other methods of auto transport should I consider?Of course, there are other methods of car transportation to choose from when deciding how to move your vehicle. Here are five other ways to move your car safely and efficiently.
Prefer to hire an auto transport company?Fortunately, we can help. All you have to do submit your auto transport move request to receive various car shipping quotes from our many licensed and insured auto transport partners. We’ll take a look at where you’re moving to; the make, model, year, and condition of your vehicle(s); and your planned move date to put together your free estimate. All car shipping quotes include auto transport costs as well as more information about company standards. Best of luck and happy moving! Resources
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Author: Marian WhiteIf anyone knows how to move, it’s Marian White. The South Carolina native spent the last decade living and working in Washington, DC, New York City, Boston and Palm Beach. With every move, she mastered the art of folding bankers boxes, repurposing bubble wrap and unabashedly asking for directions. Before writing for Moving.com, Marian authored “Moving to Palm Beach County: The Un-Tourist Guide,” a relocation guide for moving to the Palm Beaches. Marian has an M.A. in Global Marketing Communications from Emerson College and a B.A. from Furman University.View all posts by Marian White Can you use a tow dolly with rearYes, you can. While towing a car on a dolly is possible, it is not always reccommended. It is important to know that RWD cars are the only ones that will need this in the first place. You are also going to want to lock the steering wheel and disconnect the driveshaft before attempting this.
How do you tow a rearIf you plan to tow a rear-wheel-drive vehicle on a tow dolly, you'll have to disconnect and remove the drive shaft so you don't damage the transmission [source: Penske Truck Rental]. A tow bar is another option. It's a rigid set of bars in the shape of a triangle.
Can you tow a FWD car on a dolly?Fortunately, there are a few useful tools to help you safely tow a front-wheel-drive vehicle, including: Using a tow dolly. Using a trailer. Using an axle lock.
Can you put a 4wd car on a dolly?Can you tow a 4x4 car without tires? Yes. To do this, you'll need a towing trailer or a tow dolly. Trailers are helpful if all four wheels of your vehicle aren't operating, whereas a tow dolly lifts up either the front two or rear wheels of the vehicle.
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