Tow Dolly vs Auto Transport - Which one should you choose for long distance?

Introduction

This blog aims to help readers decide between two standard methods of transporting vehicles for long distances: Tow Dolly and Auto Transport. These two solutions get your car from the outer lane to the inner one.

These two alternatives are the most common ones people opt for when they need to move their vehicles from one state to another or even from one state to another.

In terms of long-distance travel, the mode of transportation of your car that you will pick is of utmost importance. Factors like cost, convenience, vehicle type, and opinion influence choosing between a Tow Dolly or Auto Transport that is most suitable for your needs.

By studying the good and bad sides of every method, you can get a clear view and thus make an appropriate choice to guarantee the safety and efficiency of moving your car to a distant place.

In the upcoming sections, we will go into the features of Tow Dolly and Auto Transport in detail, and thus you, the advantages and disadvantages of both will be explained to make the best choice for your long-distance trip.

Tow dolly

A tow dolly is a trailer meant to transport vehicles being towed behind another car. It is usually made up of two wheels, an axle, and a platform where the front or rear wheels of the vehicle to be towed can be safely placed.

The tow dolly is linked to the towing vehicle through a hitch, and thus, it can be towed by the car.

Pros of using a tow dolly for long-distance towing:

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  Cost-effective option: Tow dollies are usually cheaper to rent or at least to buy than trailers or auto transport services.
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  More straightforward to maneuver than a full trailer: Because they are small and designed to move quickly, they are much more accessible, especially in tight spaces or when backing up.
  

Cons of using a tow dolly for long-distance towing:

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  Limited to front-wheel or rear-wheel drive vehicles: Driving to the dollies is appropriate for cars having either front or rear-wheel drive configurations. Drivers of vehicles with all-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive may be unable to make their cars compatible.
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  May require more maintenance: Since tow dollies are constructed with wheels and axles, they may need more maintenance services than other means of towing. Regular inspections and maintenance of the tow dolly are necessary to ensure that long-distance towing with a tow dolly is safe.
  

Three towing options

When it comes to towing vehicles, there are three primary options available, each with its advantages and considerations:

Using a tow dolly:

A tow dolly is a trailer made to carry vehicles by towing them behind another car. It aids the front or rear wheels of the towed vehicle while the other wheels are still touching the ground.

Pros:

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  Cost-effective: Tow dollies are usually cheaper to rent or buy than other towing ways.
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  Maneuverability: Their small size makes them more straightforward to handle in tight areas.
  

Cons:

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  Vehicle limitations: Tow dollies are used for front- or rear-wheel drive vehicles. Therefore, some all- or 4-wheel drive vehicles are not in their range.
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  Maintenance: Because of the extra parts, such as the wheels and axles, they might need to be serviced more frequently.
  

Flat towing:

Flat towing is a process of towing a vehicle with all four wheels on the ground, usually with the help of a tow bar that connects the towed vehicle to the towing vehicle.

Pros:

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  Versatility: It can also be used for many cars, including four-wheel drive.
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  Simplicity: It does not need a trailer or the extra equipment with the tow bar.
  

Cons:

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  Complex setup: Flat towing a car is more complicated than using a tow dolly or trailer.
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  Potential wear: Flat towing results in extra wear on the tow car's tires and components.
  

Using a trailer:

Trailers are just the units that let the vehicles be loaded and transported entirely off the ground.

Pros:

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  Vehicle compatibility: The car is ideal for many vehicles, for instance, those that cannot be towed with a tow dolly or flat towed.
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  Protection: Gives more safety for the towed vehicle from road debris and weather conditions.
  

Cons:

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  Cost and storage: Trailers can be more expensive to purchase or rent and require storage space when not used.
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  Maneuverability: Trailers can be more challenging maneuvering in tight spaces than tow dollies or flat towing setups.
  

Each towing option has its own set of considerations, and the choice depends on factors such as the type of vehicle being towed, distance of travel, and personal preferences.

Auto Transport

Auto transport services are the professional transportation of cars from one place to another using a carrier specially designed for this purpose. When considering long-distance travel, opting for auto transport presents several advantages:

Pros of using auto transport for long-distance travel:

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  Suitable for all types of vehicles: Auto transport services cover all types of vehicles, from small compact cars to luxurious ones and even motorcycles, thus providing a variety of transportation choices.
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  Less wear and tear on the vehicle being transported: Through professional car transport services, you reduce the wear and tear that may occur during long trips, thus keeping the condition of your car.
  

Cons of using auto transport for long-distance travel:

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  Higher cost compared to tow dolly: Auto transport services usually charge more than tow dolly, so some people's budgets may be affected.
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  Less control over the transportation process: Auto transport automatically handles the transportation from one place to another. Thus, people give away control of driving to the transportation sector. Individuals do not control car transport; hence, they are worried that the transport could be delayed or handled poorly.
  

Factors to consider

When deciding between a Tow Dolly and Auto Transport for long-distance travel, several factors should be considered to make the best choice for your specific situation:

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  Weight and size of the vehicle: Consider your car's weight and size, as some towing methods are unsuitable for bigger or heavier vehicles.
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  Distance of travel: The distance you intend to travel is one significant factor in choosing the best means of transport. Longer distances may require stronger and safer means.
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  Budget constraints: Besides, your spending limit will also affect your choice. Tow dollies are cheaper than auto transport services; however, the latter may be more convenient at a higher price.
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  Personal preference and convenience: Your preferences, the level of towing expertise, and your convenience needs must also be noted. Some people like auto transport services, while others like the control and hands-on approach to using a tow dolly.
  

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What are the key considerations when choosing between a tow dolly and a towing trailer for long-distance car towing?

The main factors you must consider when choosing between a tow dolly and a towing trailer for long-distance car towing are the following. First, the kind of car you want to tow is essential. Usually, tow dollies are designed for front-wheel or rear-wheel drive vehicles, but towing trailers are more versatile.

They can be used with a broader variety of cars, including the all-wheel drive ones. Besides, budget limitations are also vital to consider. Tow dollies are usually cheaper to rent or buy than towing trailers; thus, they are the more economical choice for those who want to cut down on transportation costs.

Besides, the ability to move quickly in the towing process is also a significant factor. Tow dollies are famous for their small size and design; thus, they are more straightforward to handle, especially in tight areas or when backing up. On the contrary, trailer towing can be challenging to store and drive in some places.

Thus, if you focus on cheapness and flexibility, a tow dolly would be the better choice for the long-distance towing of your car.

How does flat towing differ from using a tow dolly for long-distance towing?

Flat towing and using a tow dolly are two usual ways of pulling vehicles over long distances, each having its traits. Flat towing is a process of towing a car with all four wheels on the ground, using a tow bar to link the towing vehicle and the vehicle being towed.

This way is famous for its simplicity, ease of setup, and suitability for any car, including the all-wheel drive models. Flat towing is a handy alternative for those wanting to tow a vehicle without requiring extra gear, such as a tow dolly.

Conversely, a tow dolly is lifting either the front or rear wheels of the towed vehicle off the ground. Thus, the other set of wheels can roll freely. The most common use for tow dollies is for cars with front-wheel and rear-wheel drive configurations, and they may not be able to work with specific all-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive vehicles.

Although flat towing has the advantage of towing a car without needing an extra trailer, a tow dolly gives more stability and control during the towing process. The decision to flat tow or to use a tow dolly is usually based on things like the nature of the vehicle to be towed, the ease of setting up, and the possible damage to the towed vehicle.

Is a tow dolly suitable for all types of vehicles, and what are its limitations?

A tow dolly is not for all vehicles since it is designed and works in a certain way. The topologies of the towing dollies are usually combined with the vehicles that have either the front-wheel drive or the rear-wheel drive layouts.

Cars with all-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive systems are not the perfect choice for towing with a tow dolly since lifting only two wheels off the ground can damage the drivetrain or the transmission components. The manufacturer's directions and advice should be verified before using a tow dolly for your car to ensure it is the right fit for the vehicle and to prevent any potential problems while towing.

The most important downside of using a tow dolly is that it has additional maintenance than other towing methods. Considering the extra components involved with tow dollies, such as wheels and axles, these parts may need to be checked regularly and maintained to ensure safe towing over long distances.

Besides, the tow dolly is for a specific kind of vehicle, which is a reason for its limited usage of towing methods such as flat or trailer. The first step is to understand the restrictions of a tow dolly and that your vehicle might not be compatible with it; this is choosing the towing method that suits your needs.

Is a tow dolly suitable for all types of vehicles, and what are its limitations?

A tow dolly is unsuitable for all vehicles because of its design and limitations. The two dollies are most suitable for cars with front- or rear-wheel drive configurations. All-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive vehicles might not be able to be used with tow dollies since lifting just two wheels off the ground can damage the drivetrain components. It is the key to consult the maker's instructions and specifications of your vehicle to know if it is safe to tow with a tow dolly.

A tow dolly is one of the main limitations that restrict some vehicles in some ways. There are some types of vehicles, notably those with low ground clearance or wide tires, that cannot be towed with a tow dolly because of the clearance or tire size limitations.

Moreover, using a tow dolly involves additional setup time and effort compared to other ways of towing, like flat towing, which might be an issue for those looking for a more straightforward towing system. Studying the compatibility and the limitations of a tow dolly is especially important to make the towing of vehicles safe and efficient.