kalynzoo
Los Angeles , California
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Joined: 12/30/2005
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I've owned 2 Demco KarKatties over the last appox 30 years. First without brakes, and then after a few years traded for one with brakes. It is easy to load. Tracks very well. Very easy to maintain (clean and grease every once in awhile). Demco has always stood behind it's product (for me). Blown tire, they promptly sent a new fender (for a fee). Paint when requested, no problem. Loose bolt, they sent a new one no charge, just to be nice. Because of the good history of the company I purchased their Alumilite tow bar for my current MH, as I now tow flat. Without the kids I don't change cars as often, and flat is easier with bad knees and back. No pushing the dolly around. Good luck and happy trails.
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steelpony5555
Copperas Cove Texas
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Joined: 10/26/2007
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Dollys are not as big a hassle as some let on---dont matter what you hook up in the rain your gonna get wet---I always stored a 8x8 piece of heavy rubber mat or a piece of canvas so I could get down on my knees since I'm not as limber as I used to be---after a couple of times I could hook mine up probably just as quick as doing a 4 down, maybe faster if you include the time they have to get out their brake system and set it up too, they forget that is part of it too---dont get where folks make out it is so hard--they dont sway--they both tow exactly the same---you cant back up with either---the dolly my vehicle didnt chalk up any miles on the odometer--I didnt have to let the toad idle so the brakes work----but if you find one with brakes for $900 grab it right away--most are $1200 or better---the only problem I found was some of the small newer cars are too low and will rub loading--I had a Civic that was so I took and bought 2x12 treated board and cut a piece to fit on the deck where the tires go and another piece for under the ramps---when not in use I bunge corded it to the dolly--just be sure to get it centered and the buckles on the inside of the fenders---I towed my Civic all over the country with no problems at all---you can get a used dolly for the cost of just the brake system for 4 down--and then be able to use it for different cars ---not that big of a deal to store either--mine I just slide the tongue up under my coach and that way i just rolled it back and hooked it up ready to go---on 4 down if you do change vehicles then you got to buy new mounting plates and they aint cheap and then have them put on cause some vehicles it is a pita to get them on even it they do say they just bolt on---but hey that was my opinion and I loved mine--never had a desire to go out and get a 4-down since I could not see a great advantage
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mowermech
Billings, MT
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Joined: 06/28/2003
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flrvman wrote:IMO buy a 4 down toad. Used is OK for towing only. Dolly is nasty loading and unloading in bad weather. Sways more. I've had both. My vote, 4 down. Good luck.
Just my opinion, of course, but the most practical way to take a toad is on a flatbed trailer. I have done four down, and I don't like the wear and tear on the tires and other parts of the "running gear", especially on long trips. I have done the dolly, long trips and local. It works.
Actually, there is no "BEST" way. There is only what YOU want, need, and like. Take your pick, and go for it. Ignore the naysayers.
CM1, USN (RET)
'94 Dodge 3500 4X2 CTD, Std. cab, LB, 5 speed, 4.10 LS diff., Jacobs Rambrake, 273,000 Miles
'99 Monaco McKenzie 32' triple slide
'95 Tioga 29H Ford-based Class C
Daily driver: '06 Jeep Liberty CRD
Towed: '06 Jeep Rubicon Unlimited
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canttellu
Pennsylvania
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Joined: 09/07/2008
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Having done it both ways, I gave up and bought an enclosed trailer, problem solved. Tow dollys are dirty, and a real PITA. Four down is much easier, and cleaner. I have yet to find a park without a place to park my trailer, and in it is whatever car we chose to take this time, a couple bikes, a scooter, and a golf cart. They are just as clean as they were when I drove them in the trailer.
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mowermech
Billings, MT
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canttellu wrote:Having done it both ways, I gave up and bought an enclosed trailer, problem solved. Tow dollys are dirty, and a real PITA. Four down is much easier, and cleaner. I have yet to find a park without a place to park my trailer, and in it is whatever car we chose to take this time, a couple bikes, a scooter, and a golf cart. They are just as clean as they were when I drove them in the trailer.
I agree. However, the budget just barely allowed the flatbed. An enclosed trailer was out of the question!
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gouda
NW WI
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Joined: 02/04/2007
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A flatbed or enclosed trailer may be ideal, but it's expensive, at least more than I want to spend. I think you'd also need to use more fuel for the MH when pulling something like that. That's a big consideration nowdays.
So, to expand on my original question a bit, I've seen dollys that turn the wheels of the auto and others that actually have their own steering. Seems like those that turn their own wheels would stress the car less. True?
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Bob47
Arlington, TX
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Joined: 11/14/2004
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We have a KarKaddy 3, without the folding tongue that has surge brakes. The Prius is low but I have never had a problem loading it. I too wonder why folks have so many issues with loading a dolly. I have found that if you pull the straps out far enough and lay the straps and chains out before loading the vehicle hook up is a breeze, even when it is raining.
The KarKaddy has wheels that caster allowing it to track behind the coach. This puts no strain on the car's front wheels at all. The rear wheels follow along as in normal driving. The KarKaddy's wheels can be locked however to facilitate backing up when it is not loaded.
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Teddy (Shih Tzu)
1999 Monaco Diplomat 36
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2006 Toyota Prius Towed on Demco KK370SB Dolly
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Rangerdave
Austin Texas
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Joined: 07/04/2008
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see my other thread on surge breaks or other
post
2002 Gulf Stream Ultra Supreme-Demco Kaddy SS Toader Camry
2 peeps 2 poops and lots bbq!
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Ever stop to think, and forget to start again?
I feel like I'm diagonally parked in a parallel universe.
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steelpony5555
Copperas Cove Texas
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Joined: 10/26/2007
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I thought that on all dollies the deck pivoted when turning--it helps the dolly track right behind the tow vehicle and not drag the tires
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canttellu
Pennsylvania
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steelpony5555 wrote:I thought that on all dollies the deck pivoted when turning--it helps the dolly track right behind the tow vehicle and not drag the tires
Nope, I liked the ones with the swiveling deck better, KISS principle. Had both kinds, no difference in loading,tracking, or anything else I could see.
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