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What to Know Before Buying a Car Tow Dolly

Thinking of towing your car with a dolly? Smart move—especially if it's your first time hauling behind an RV or moving long-distance. Here’s the catch: not all tow dollies are created equal, using the wrong one (or using it the wrong way) can lead to serious damage to your vehicle, the dolly, or the vehicle being towed.

If you’re eyeing a tow dolly from The USA Trailer Store—like the EZ‑Haul Stand Up Idler Car Tow Dolly (EZ-Haul™), Stow‑and‑Go Folding Car Tow Dolly (Stow-and-Go™), or Tow MAX Heavy Duty Car Tow Dolly 4,900 Lb. (Tow MAX™)—this guide will walk you through everything you need to know before buying, storing, or towing with confidence.

Know the Warranty Limits—No Business Use Allowed

Let’s get one thing straight: these dollies are for personal use only. If you’re planning to use one for a business—like transporting cars for resale, rentals, or fleet services—you’ll void the warranty instantly. That means if anything breaks during commercial use, you’re entirely on the hook for repairs or replacements. For anyone using a dolly for personal trips, vacations, or moving? You’re in the clear—but it’s still a good idea to read any listed exclusions.

Not All Cars Are Dolly-Compatible

Before you even shop for a dolly, you need to make sure your vehicle can actually be towed with one. Most all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles are not compatible with tow dollies unless the manufacturer’s manual says otherwise. There are techniques for towing these types of drivetrains, though one must have the mechanical knowledge and skill to do so. Towing an AWD car with just the front wheels elevated can destroy the drivetrain. Similarly, vehicles with low ground clearance—especially those with low front bumpers—may not safely load onto the dolly ramps without scraping. Low ground clearance can be mitigated by using a strong material to lessen the slope. By extending the length of the “ramps” steepness can be reduced, allowing lower cars to be with less chance of damage.

Your Tow Vehicle Has to Be Ready, Too

You can’t just hook a dolly up to any vehicle and go. Your tow vehicle needs a Class II hitch, a 2-inch ball mount, and a flat-4 wiring connector to properly signal brake lights. Just as important is the tongue height, which should fall between 12 and 16 inches—especially critical for the EZ Haul™ to function properly. If you’re unsure about your vehicle’s towing capacity, don’t guess. Check your owner’s manual and calculate the combined weight before making a purchase.

Compare the Models Before You Buy

Each dolly from The USA Trailer Store comes with different specs, so it’s important to match the model to your needs. The EZ Haul™, designed to stand up when in storage, in use it supports vehicles up to 5,000 pounds curb weight, though only 3,000 pounds can rest on the front axle. It also offers an optional hydraulic brake system. The Stow and Go™ has a similar capacity but folds down for easy storage—perfect for RVers or garage setups with limited space. Meanwhile, the Tow MAX™ is a fixed-frame design that also supports up to 4,900 pounds and can be upgraded with brakes.

Don’t Ever Reverse with a Tow Dolly Attached

It might be tempting to back up with everything hooked up, but don’t. Reversing with a tow dolly still attached can cause all sorts of problems. You can damage the dolly’s pivot mechanism, damage the brakes, jam the towed vehicle’s steering, or snap the safety chains and straps. If you need to back up, always unload the vehicle and disconnect the dolly first.

Safety Chains and Breakaway Cables Matter

Each dolly includes safety features you need to use every time. There’s a standard tongue safety chain that connects the dolly to your tow vehicle, to add more protection, select models come equipped with cradle chains that attach beneath the towed car. If your dolly has brakes you’ll also need to hook up the breakaway cable, which triggers the brakes if the dolly ever detaches. Common mistakes include skipping the cable, overtightening, and letting it fray against sharp edges. Take five extra minutes to set it up right—it’s critical.

Stay on Top of Maintenance

A tow dolly is only as reliable as its upkeep. Check the tires before every haul (refer to the manual included with your dolly). Look for signs of cracking or uneven wear. The wheel straps should fit rims between 14 and 17 inches; if your wheels are bigger, you may need upgraded hardware. Check for fraying and keep the straps tight. If your dolly has brakes, test them periodically. For hydraulic systems that means inspecting the fluid level and actuator.

Size Matters—Check Your Car’s Width

Most dollies max out at around 79 to 80 inches between the inner edges of the fenders. That’s your tire-to-tire limit. If your car is any wider, it simply won’t fit—forcing it can damage both the dolly and the vehicle. The EZ Haul™ gives you a little flexibility with adjustable ramp positions, but don’t rely on that if your car is pushing the limit. Measure before you buy.

How Will You Store It?

Storage space is a dealbreaker for many buyers, so here’s how the models compare. The EZ Haul™ features a Stand and Store™ upright design, and you can add a caster kit to roll it around your garage easily. The Stow and Go™ folds in half, shrinking from 132.5 inches to just about 72 inches long—ideal for compact storage or RV travel. On the other hand, the Tow MAX™ has a fixed frame and needs a flat surface for parking, so make sure you have room before you choose this model.

Final Word: Pick the Dolly That Fits Your Life

Choosing the right car tow dolly comes down to how you’ll use it. If you want a space-saving, lightweight dolly with smart features, the EZ Haul™ is a strong pick. If you need something that collapses for tight storage or RV use, go for the Stow and Go™. If durability and brake options are top priorities, and you’ve got room to store it—the Tow MAX™ won’t disappoint.

Remember, the use of some dollies require you to lock the steering wheel when towing, and other models require steering wheels to be unlocked. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for safe towing. Ensure whether the transmission should be in park or neutral. Some vehicles may require extra steps, such as disconnecting the battery or using a memory saver.

Whichever you choose, take the time to read the manual, understand your towing setup, and inspect everything before each trip. Safe towing isn’t complicated, it takes preparation and know-how.