Tow Manager
Proper Use and Maintenance of Dollies By Brian J Riker
Brian J. Riker is a third-generation towman, with 25 years of experience in the ditch as a tow operator, and president of Fleet Compliance Solutions. He specializes in helping navigate the complex world of federal and state transportation regulatory compliance. He can be reached at brian.riker@fleetcompliancesolutions.net
In certain situations the dolly is a preferred method for towing.
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heel dollies are an overlooked piece of equipment on wreckers until they are needed. Most towers do not use their dollies often making their upkeep and inspection a low priority which can lead to a failure at a critical time resulting in serious damage, injury or even death. As with all other tools and equipment on your truck, dollies must be inspected daily and serviced as required to ensure they are safe to use when needed. As you conduct your daily walk around or pre-trip inspection you must inspect your dollies to make sure they are properly secured in their mounts, none of the components can come loose from the truck, the tires do not show signs of excessive wear and are properly inflated. You should also check the wheel bearing for excessive play by holding the dolly frame securely with one hand while attempting to wiggle the tire and wheel assembly side to side with the other hand. If you can feel any movement or a “popping” sensation your dollies should be serviced by a qualified professional as this indicates excessive play in the wheel bearing assembly that will lead to a catastrophic failure while in tow.
14 • December 2020 | Towman.com
When used properly dollies are a safe and efficient method of towing vehicles that would otherwise require a carrier or be damaged due to low ground clearance. With the increased popularity of lowered vehicles dollies are a must have tool for dealing with these heavily modified vehicles – often the better choice than using a carrier. It is important to read the owner’s manual for your exact make and model of dolly as they are not all the same regardless of their similar appearance and function. There are significant differences in the maintenance procedures, speed and weight ratings as well as the steps to load and unload different models and especially among different manufacturers. There are many things to consider when deciding to deploy dollies as an alternate to using a carrier. Since there are many differences between available products my suggestions contained in this article are for general guidance only, always follow the instructions for your specific make and model of dolly. Your first consideration should be the weight rating of your dolly as compared to the weight of the vehicle you wish to
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