August 26, 2025
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    |   magz
    |   2:50 pm

Ultimate Guide to Buying a Tow Dolly for Your RV

Traveling in an RV often means you’ll want the freedom of a smaller vehicle once you’ve parked your rig. A tow dolly is a popular solution for bringing your car along on the journey — but choosing the right dolly involves more than just picking one off the lot. Here’s everything RVers and trailer haulers need to know before buying a tow dolly.

What Is a Tow Dolly?

A tow dolly is a two-wheeled trailer that lifts and secures the front wheels of your car, while the back wheels roll on the road. It’s a simpler and lighter alternative to flatbed trailers and often easier to store.

Things to Consider When Buying a Tow Dolly

1. Your Vehicle’s Drivetrain (FWD, RWD, AWD)

  • Front-Wheel Drive (FWD): Perfect for tow dollies. The front wheels rest on the dolly, rear wheels roll freely.
  • Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): Usually not recommended unless you disconnect the driveshaft or use additional equipment.
  • All-Wheel Drive (AWD): Generally requires flatbed towing; dollies can cause damage unless specifically designed for AWD.

Tip: Always check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for tow compatibility.

2. Brake System Requirements

Many states and provinces require a supplemental brake system when towing over a certain weight. That means:

  • Brake Controller in Your RV: If your RV doesn’t already have one, you may need to install a brake controller to operate the dolly’s electric brakes.
  • Wiring Connector: Common setups are 4-pin, 6-pin, or 7-pin connectors. A 7-pin RV blade connector is standard for setups with electric brakes.
  • Surge Brakes vs Electric Brakes: Some dollies use surge brakes (hydraulic, self-activating), which don’t require a controller but may provide less stopping power than electric brakes.

Canada/US Quick Rule of Thumb: If your trailer/dolly + towed vehicle exceeds ~3,000 lbs (≈1,360 kg), plan on needing functional trailer brakes and a brake controller in the tow vehicle/RV. Several provinces and many U.S. states require brakes at lower thresholds—see the quick-reference section below and always verify locally.

3. Hitch Ball Size and Weight Capacity

  • Most tow dollies use a 2-inch or 2-5/16-inch hitch ball. Always verify the correct size.
  • Check your RV’s hitch receiver rating (Class III, IV, or V) to make sure it matches the dolly’s tongue weight and gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).
  • Tow dollies typically weigh 500–800 lbs, plus the weight of your car.

4. Vehicle Compatibility

  • Width: Ensure the dolly can fit the track width of your car (measure the distance between the inside of your tires).
  • Weight: Each dolly has a maximum vehicle weight rating. Confirm your car doesn’t exceed it.
  • Ground Clearance: Low-profile cars may scrape when loading onto the dolly.

5. Safety Features

Look for features that make towing smoother and safer:

  • Adjustable Ramps for easier loading.
  • Tire Straps/Winches to secure the front wheels.
  • LED Lighting wired into your RV’s connector for visibility.
  • Breakaway System (required in many areas) to activate brakes if the dolly disconnects.

6. Storage & Portability

  • Some dollies feature a folding design or can stand upright to save storage space when not in use.
  • Consider whether you’ll have room at campsites, RV parks, or your home base.

7. Legal Requirements

Regulations vary by province/state for brakes, breakaway systems, lighting, safety chains, and license classes. Below is a simplified quick reference—always confirm locally before you tow (rules change and enforcement can differ).

Canada – Quick Reference

  • Ontario: Brakes required when GTW ≥ 1,360 kg (3,000 lbs); brake controller needed to apply trailer/dolly brakes from the driver’s seat. Breakaway system required on braked trailers. 7‑pin recommended for electric brakes.
  • Alberta: Brakes required when trailer > 910 kg (2,006 lbs) or >50% of tow vehicle weight; confirm breakaway on braked trailers. 7‑pin recommended for electric brakes.
  • British Columbia: Brakes required unless the licensed trailer weight ≤ 1,400 kg and ≤50% of tow vehicle weight. If licensed trailer weight > 2,800 kg, brakes must be driver‑actuated from the seat. Special tow dolly exceptions apply (review details). Breakaway required on braked trailers.
  • Quebec: Independent brakes generally required > ~1,300 kg (2,867 lbs); breakaway typically required at ≥ 1,360 kg (3,000 lbs).
  • New Brunswick / Nova Scotia / PEI: Brakes commonly required ≥ 1,500–1,800 kg ranges (NB/PEI ≈ 1,500 kg; NS ≈ 1,800 kg) with breakaway in NS > ~1,350 kg. Verify specifics.
  • Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Newfoundland & Labrador, Territories (YT/NT/NU): Most follow the ~1,360 kg (3,000 lbs) rule or similar variants; check current thresholds and breakaway provisions locally.

Canadian Bottom Line: If you’re over 1,360 kg (3,000 lbs) GTW, plan on brakes + breakaway + in-cab control. Some provinces (e.g., AB) require brakes at lower thresholds.

United States – Quick Reference

  • Common Threshold: Many states require trailer brakes ≥ 3,000 lbs GTW.
  • Stricter States: Some require brakes ≤ 1,500–2,000 lbs (e.g., CA and several others). Others use percentage rules (e.g., brakes if trailer weight exceeds 40% of tow vehicle).
  • Breakaway: Often required when a trailer has brakes, or at/above specified weights.
  • Connector: A 7‑pin RV blade is the standard for electric brakes; 4‑pin/5‑pin do not carry a brake circuit.

U.S. Bottom Line: If the trailer/dolly + towed vehicle is ≥ 3,000 lbs, assume you need brakes + controller + breakaway. Check your state DMV/DOT because thresholds and wording vary (and some states are stricter).

⚖️ Tow Dolly vs Flat Tow vs Trailer

  • Tow Dolly: Best for FWD vehicles, more affordable, lighter, but adds wear on rear tires.
  • Flat Tow (4-down): Simplest hookup, but requires a base plate and vehicle modifications (not all cars qualify).
  • Trailer (Flatbed): Safest and most versatile, but heaviest and most expensive.

🛠️ Installation & Setup

If you’re new to towing, budget for professional installation:

  • Brake controller installation in your RV can cost $300–$600 CAD.
  • Wiring and connectors may require upgrades if your RV doesn’t have a 7-pin.
  • Always test lights, brakes, and straps before hitting the road.

✅ Final Tips Before Buying

  • Check your car’s towability in the owner’s manual.
  • Confirm your RV hitch capacity.
  • Decide between surge vs electric brakes.
  • Choose a dolly with the right ball size, pin connector, and weight rating.
  • Don’t forget safety chains and straps.

Bottom Line

A tow dolly can be the perfect solution for bringing your car along on RV adventures — but the right dolly depends on your car, your RV setup, and your travel style. By considering drivetrain, brake requirements (including the 3,000 lb Ontario/Canada rule), hitch size, and safety features, you’ll ensure smooth and stress-free travels on the open road.