When it comes to transporting your vehicle from one place to another, two popular options are tow dollies and car trailers. Both of them serve the purpose of hauling a car, but they have certain advantages and disadvantages. Moreover, choosing between a tow dolly and a car trailer depends on various factors, including the type of vehicle being towed, the carrier vehicle, budget and personal needs.
Let’s explore the pros and cons of car trailer vs tow dolly to help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs.
Car Tow Dolly
A car tow dolly is a small, two-wheeled trailer that supports the front or rear set of wheels of the towed vehicle, the other set remains on the ground. Furthermore, tow dollies are typically lightweight and more manoeuvrable than trailers.
Pros of Car Tow Dolly
Let’s look at the advantages of using a tow dolly for hauling your vehicle.
Cost-Effective
The key difference between car trailer and tow dolly is that tow dollies are generally less expensive than car trailers, making them a more cost-effective option. However, when considering cost as a factor in choosing your car carrier, the time duration for renting a carrier also adds up to the total cost.
Lightweight and Portable
In the comparison of car trailer vs tow dolly, the latter are lighter and more compact, making them easier to manoeuvre and store when not in use. Tow dollies are compact and easier to store, making them a preferable option for those with limited space.
Easier to Tow
They are easier to tow for some vehicles, especially front-wheel-drive cars, as the front wheels are elevated, reducing wear and tear on the towed vehicle.
Moreover, tow dollies are generally designed for smaller vehicles and have a limited towing capacity. For instance, they are suitable for compact cars, sedans and smaller SUVs.
Cons of Car Tow Dolly
Some disadvantages of a tow dolly are discussed below:
Limited Vehicle Compatibility
Tow dollies may not be suitable for all vehicles, particularly those with all-wheel drive (AWD), four-wheel drive (4WD), or rear-wheel drive with limited ground clearance. Moreover, it is more time-consuming and challenging to hook up a car to a tow dolly.
Additional Strain on Towed Vehicle
A significant drawback of two dollies is that they carry only half a portion of a car. That is, it only supports the front or rear set of wheels of the towed vehicle, which results in either of the two sets being susceptible to wear during transport.
Storage Challenges
When choosing a car trailer or tow dolly, the tow dolly are more compact than a trailer, they can still take up space and storing them may be a challenge for some users.
Start Swaying at Higher Speeds
Tow dollies are not reliable to operate at higher speeds or under strong winds as they start swaying. This may be problematic when you are surrounded by many cars on the road. Moreover, a tow dolly is difficult to reverse.
Car Trailer
A car tow trailer is a larger, four-wheeled platform that supports the entire vehicle. Unlike a tow dolly, a car trailer supports both sets of wheels (front and rear) of the towed vehicle, ensuring all wheels are off the ground during transport.
Pros of Car Trailer
Let’s take a look at some of the pros of car trailers.
Versatility
Car trailers are suitable for a wide range of vehicles, including those with all-wheel drive, 4WD and rear-wheel drive. Moreover, here you can find some vehicles with the highest towing capacity for towing your cargo conveniently.
No Additional Wear on Towed Vehicle
With all wheels off the ground, a car trailer eliminates wear and tear on the towed vehicle, making it a better option for long-distance towing. Moreover, it is ideal to haul a car over a trailer if you haven’t moved a car before.
Can Tow Heavier Vehicles
Trailers usually have greater car towing capacity, making them suitable for a wider range of vehicles, including larger SUVs, CRVs and pickup trucks.
Safer for Electric Vehicles
Some vehicles with low ground clearance and complex or electric powertrains may be safer to tow on a trailer.
Safer at Higher Speeds
Moreover, you can operate a car trailer at higher speeds as compared to a tow dolly, but it is advised to be careful at higher speeds as the trailer is already equipped with heavy cargo. That said, you must also be careful not to exceed the UAE speed limits to avoid getting penalised.
Cons of Car Trailer
Here are the disadvantages of car trailers for hauling vehicles.
Cost and Size
When comparing car trailer vs tow dolly, the car trailers are generally more expensive than tow dollies and are bulkier and heavier, which may impact fuel efficiency and storage. The higher cost of car trailers is also associated with less wear and tear and ample storage space.
Additional Setup
Loading a vehicle onto a trailer requires a platform which should be precisely aligned with the vehicle being carried. Also, you might need recovery straps when towing a car, for that read here to learn how to use recovery straps.
Storage Challenges
Car trailers can be more challenging to store due to their huge size.
FAQs
Is a tow dolly more reliable than a car trailer?
Tow dollies are often preferred for their cost-effectiveness and simplicity. On the flip side, car trailers offer more versatility and are suitable for a wider range of vehicles, making them a preferred choice for long-distance towing and larger vehicles.
Is a tow dolly more economical than a car trailer?
Tow dollies are more cost-friendly than car trailers because they are simple and efficient for front-wheel-drive vehicles. Whereas, owing to their heavy build and large sizes, car trailers are a pricier yet versatile option as they can haul a wide range of vehicles ranging from SUVs to pickup trucks.
That said, if you are interested in pickup trucks, here you can find the top used pickup trucks in the UAE.
That is all about the comparison of car trailer vs tow dolly. Consider your specific needs to make an informed decision that ensures a safe and efficient transportation experience for your car. Nevertheless, you must exercise some safe car towing tips to avoid any damage.
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For more information on car parts and accessories, stay tuned to the dubizzle auto blog.
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