How to Tow a 4x4 Truck on a Dolly: 5 Steps to Get Started

Transferring your ride across town or one place to another doesn't have to be complicated. Towing with a dolly is the perfect solution: efficient, safe, and economical. To ensure your vehicle gets where it needs to go without damage or additional expense, ensure you're doing it correctly.

For travelers and thrill-seekers alike, optimum readiness is essential when it comes to taking your 4x4 truck out for a spin. After all, no two 4x4 trucks are identical, so consult the manufacturer's manual before you hit the road.

To keep everything safe and smooth, from loading up the tow dolly with your vehicle to strapping it down tight - there's plenty of guidance available for correctly towing vehicles in style.

So need to transport your 4x4 truck? Don't worry we've got you covered. The steps outlined in this post will show you how to tow a 4x4 truck safely and securely.

Here are the steps involved to Tow a 4x4 Truck On a Dolly

Before beginning, you'll need:

• Tow Dolly

• Tow Straps

• Wrench

• Chocks

Step 1: Prepare the Tow Dolly

The first step in preparing your tow dolly is to inspect the tire pressure for good working conditions and secure parts. Having properly inflated tires are essential for the safety and efficiency of your journey.

Also, all parts must be securely fastened before attaching them to the towing vehicle. Then, ensure that the ball hitch connection between the truck and dolly is tightly secured to ensure safe transit.

Step 2: Prepare the 4x4 Truck

Start by chocking the rear wheels so they do not move during transit. After that, shift into neutral and release the parking brake to prevent accidental movement. Place tow straps over the front tires and attach them securely to the dolly before double-checking that both are safely connected for travel.

Step 3: Load The 4x4 Truck Onto The Tow Dolly

Once all preparations have been made, you can begin loading your 4x4 onto the tow dolly. Line up the dolly in front of the truck before using a winch to pull it aboard. The truck should be centered on the dolly and the tires straightened to prevent potential problems during transit.

Step 4: Secure The 4x4 Truck To The Tow Dolly:

Once loaded onto Dolly, use two separate tow straps attached at both sides of the front wheels in order to stabilize the truck’s movement during a transit time period. It is important these straps are tightened securely in order to prevent movements.

This will prevent any loss of traction which could potentially lead to an accident or road hazard situation.

Step 5: Begin Towing

At this stage, it’s essential to verify that all lights and signals are working properly on both vehicles involved in this process, including brakes, turn signals, headlights, etc. You should also drive slowly and steadily on highways and roads at a safe distance from other vehicles.

Listen for any unusual sounds or movements coming from either vehicle. If suspicious noises arise, stop immediately for further inspection before continuing onwards with your tow mission successfully completed.

Towing a 4x4 Truck On a Dolly, What Mistake Should You Avoid?

Don't get off on the wrong track by making common mistakes when towing it. From selecting an unsuitable dolly, to not properly securing the vehicle, here are several key mistakes to avoid:

• Choosing the Wrong Dolly: Make sure the dolly is compatible with the size and weight of your truck to avoid serious damage. Consider the make and model so you can get the proper fit.

• Incorrect Placement of the Dolly: The towing stability depends on how you position your dolly. Place it in between the front and rear wheels and distribute tongue weight evenly across all four tires for maximum stability.

• Neglecting to Secure the Truck Properly: Ratchet straps or chains are necessary to keep your truck securely in place during transport. Failure to properly secure your vehicle can lead to shifting or falling off during transport.

• Forgetting to Disengage the Parking Brake: Before you begin towing, always double-check that your parking brake has been disengaged, as leaving it engaged can cause serious damage to transmission or drivetrain components if not done correctly.

• Ignoring Road Conditions: Always be aware of what kind of conditions you’re driving in when transporting a 4x4 on a dolly. As road hazards can affect how safe your vehicle is towed, potholes, bumps, or sharp turns should all be avoided when possible.

• Overloading the Dolly: It is important not to overload a dolly; check its weight capacity before loading up your truck onto it for transport. If overloaded past its capacity, this could cause damage to both the dolly and/or truck.

What's the Right Tire Pressure For the Dolly When Towing?

The right tire pressure for a dolly when towing depends on the load being transported. When transporting an empty dolly, the tire pressure should be reduced to 10 psi to prevent over inflation and reduce tire wear.

However, once the dolly is loaded with a 4x4 truck, it is essential to inflate the tires to their maximum recommended pressure, which is typically 50 psi. This will ensure that the tires can handle the load and provide a safe and efficient ride.

Aside from that, if possible, it is a good idea to check the tire pressure regularly while driving to ensure they remain properly inflated.

Crafting a Smooth Tow with Care: The Keys to 4x4 Truck Success

Concluding a successful 4x4 truck tow with a dolly requires careful attention to detail and proper equipment. Generally, it is recommended to tow a 4x4 truck on a four-down or on a trailer. But using a dolly can be a viable option with the right preparation and caution.

Following each step correctly is the key to ensuring your vehicle remains secure and protected during transport. Pre-towing inspections can also play a vital role in preventing incidents or damage. Remember that your rear tires endure more mileage if you are towing with a dolly.

So whether you're a seasoned vet or just embarking on your first towing experience, remember to tow responsibly and always prioritize safety first. By doing so, you can enjoy a smooth journey and arrive at your destination with peace of mind.