Tow Dolly
Our Tow Dollies make it easy to move cars, SUVs, and light trucks with confidence. Durable, easy to use, and available for local pickup or delivery across Texas.
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The Simplest Way to Tow a Second Vehicle
A tow dolly lets you move a front-wheel-drive vehicle without renting a full car hauler or calling a tow truck. The front wheels load onto the dolly, the rear wheels roll free, and you're on the road. It's a compact, cost-effective option that works behind most trucks and full-size SUVs—no special trailer license required in Texas.
In Stock at Both Texas Locations
We stock tow dollies at our Seagoville and Longview yards. If you're moving a car across town or hauling a project vehicle to a shop, you can pick one up the same day. Our team will walk you through proper loading, safety chain hookup, and trailer lighting before you leave the lot.
Honest Advice on Whether a Dolly Is Right for You
Tow dollies work great for front-wheel-drive vehicles—not all vehicles. If you're towing a rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive car, a flatbed car hauler is the safer call. We'll tell you that upfront rather than sell you the wrong piece of equipment. Come in with your vehicle info and we'll point you in the right direction.
Tow Dolly FAQ
A tow dolly is a two-wheeled trailer that lifts the front axle of a vehicle off the ground so it can be towed behind another vehicle. The rear wheels of the towed car remain on the road. They're most commonly used when moving, transporting a non-running vehicle, or towing a second car on a road trip without the cost of a flatbed hauler.
Tow dollies work with front-wheel-drive vehicles where the front wheels load onto the dolly and the rear wheels roll freely. They are not suitable for rear-wheel-drive, four-wheel-drive, or all-wheel-drive vehicles unless the driveshaft is disconnected or the rear wheels are off the ground. Always check your vehicle's owner's manual before towing.
No special license is required in Texas for most tow dolly setups. A standard Class C driver's license covers you as long as the combined weight of your tow vehicle, dolly, and towed car stays under 26,000 lbs and the dolly's GVWR is under 10,000 lbs. Commercial or heavier configurations may require a CDL.
Most tow dollies use a standard 2" ball hitch. You'll also need working trailer lights that connect to your tow vehicle's wiring harness. Your tow vehicle's tow rating must exceed the combined weight of the dolly and the vehicle being towed—check the sticker inside your driver's door or your owner's manual for that number.
Drive or push the vehicle straight onto the dolly ramps, centering it between the fender brackets. Once the front tires are seated, secure the wheel straps around each front tire. Attach safety chains to the tow vehicle, connect the trailer lights, and verify the towed vehicle is in neutral with the steering wheel unlocked. Walk around and double-check everything before pulling out.
Backing up with a tow dolly is difficult and generally not recommended. Unlike a full trailer, tow dollies can jackknife quickly when reversed. If you need to back up, disconnect the towed vehicle first. Plan your route to avoid situations that require reversing—gas stations and parking lots with tight turns are the most common problem spots.
Most manufacturers recommend staying at or below 55 mph with a tow dolly. Texas law sets a maximum towing speed of 70 mph on most highways, but speed limits set by the dolly manufacturer take precedence. At higher speeds, the rear wheels of the towed vehicle can cause sway. Drive smoothly, avoid hard braking, and take turns wide.
A tow dolly lifts only the front wheels of the towed vehicle—the rear tires roll on the road. A car hauler (or flatbed trailer) lifts all four wheels completely off the ground. Car haulers work with any vehicle type including rear-wheel-drive and AWD, offer better protection on long hauls, and are safer for vehicles with low ground clearance. Tow dollies are lighter, less expensive, and easier to store.
Some tow dollies include surge brakes or electric brakes on the dolly wheels; others do not. Texas law requires trailer brakes if the trailer's GVWR exceeds 4,500 lbs. If the combined weight of your dolly and towed vehicle is significant, a dolly with brakes adds stopping power and reduces wear on your tow vehicle's brakes.
Yes, but use caution. An empty tow dolly is light and can bounce at highway speeds, which affects handling. Keep speeds moderate on empty runs and make sure the ramps are secured so they don't bounce loose. Always keep the safety chains attached to your hitch even when the dolly is unloaded.