The Best Trailer Dolly

What to Consider When Choosing a Trailer Dolly

Now that you have seen some of the top products on the market, you now need to match the right trailer dolly to your own needs and specifications. So, here are a few of the main points which are worth considering in greater detail.

• Weight Capacity

The first and most obvious point to add to your list of requirements is the weight capacity that you need the trailer dolly for. If you only plan on moving around a single object, you should weight it and choose a trailer which can comfortably support it. However, if you think that you may need to lug around heavier weights, a more supportive trailer will be required. Remember that motorized dollies are able to support greater weights. You need to check the weight capacity carefully as the last thing that you want is for the dolly to break because you have overloaded it.

• Adjustability

Another factor which should come into your decision-making process is the adjustability of the trailer dolly which you choose to invest in. If you can adjust the hitch without having to push the handle all the way down, this makes your life so much easier. And if you are connecting the trailer in different situations and on uneven ground, this can be especially useful to you. Adjustable dollies have a ball which can be positioned lower or higher compared to the trailer, making it much easier to lift and hold the handle in a position which feels natural to you.

• Manual or Motorized

Manual trailer dollies are the more affordable option, they don’t require maintenance, and they are a perfectly viable option if you are transporting around lower weights. However, if you need to transport heavier trailers, a motorized one may be the better solution. On the downside, there are obviously more expensive and can end up requiring some maintenance to keep them in good working order as well. It is worth looking up proper care techniques to ensure that you maintain your dolly properly once you have bought it.

• Usage

Depending on your needs, you can get different sized balls, as well as dollies of varying designs. You can also get wheels of different sizes, which are either inflatable or made of solid rubber. As well as looking at the size, you should also pay attention to the pattern as this can have an impact if you are using the dolly on surfaces such as sand or dirt. Some dollies even have extra caster wheels to help take more of the load off and make turning that little bit easier, which is especially useful if you are in a tight spot.

• State Laws

We will go into more detail about this later in the article, but it is worth looking closer at the state laws regarding trailer dollies before you invest in one. In some states, their usage is prohibited, and there is no point in buying something which you are never going to be able to use. If you are buying a boat trailer as well, it is worth bearing in mind that you will need to register it with the DMV. Again, we will go into a little more detail about this further down in the blog post.

• Customer Reviews

The internet is such a useful tool which allows you to see what other people have had to say about each and every one of the different products on the market. Of course, it is worth knowing how to use these effectively. Don’t simply look at the best and worst reviews. It is worth looking at the ones which are in the middle, as well as those which offer a high level of detail. It is also worth checking that they have a ‘verified reviewer’ status or a similar seal of approval. You may be able to find some plus points or flaws which were not otherwise apparent and obvious.

Benefits of Using a Trailer Dolly

Using a trailer dolly presents a few advantages and benefits which are worth discussing in more detail. After all, before you buy a product, it is worth knowing what plus points you can expect to get.

• Takes the Load Off Your Back

The objects which you are moving around with a trailer dolly are extremely heavy and even challenging to move around with the help of another person. Moving them by hand can end up putting a lot of strain on your back, legs, arms, and other areas of your body. And this kind of strain can end up leading to injuries. A trailer dolly is a simple solution which can remove this stain and allow you to move your heavy objects around more safely and securely.

• Maneuver in Tight Spots

A trailer dolly gives you the freedom to move objects around in tight spots which are difficult to get into if you are moving them around by hand. This greater level of precision ensures that you can get into narrow spots and move between objects freely without issue. If you try to do this by hand, there is a much greater risk that you are going to drop your boat trailer. Which leads us to the next point…

• Helps to Prevent Damage

The kind of items that you are moving around with a trailer dolly is expensive, and you want to avoid them becoming damaged if you possibly can. If you try to move the objects by hand, there is every chance that you could lose your grip or drop them due to their extreme weight. A trailer dolly helps to reduce the risk of this issue and makes it less likely that you are going to end up damaging your prized possessions.

• Long-Lasting Tool

Many of these trailers are designed to stand the test of time, made using solid steel and covered in a powder coat finish which helps prevent rust and corrosion. Many have tires which are extremely strong and durable, as well as unlikely to burst. So, when you invest in one of these products, you know that you have something that you can rely on to do the job time and time again.

• Minimal Maintenance

Following on from the previous point, a lot of these trailer dollies require very little or no maintenance at all. This helps to set your mind at ease that you have a product which you can store away for a long time and dig out when you need it the most.

Types of Trailer Dollies

Trailer dollies tend to come in hand and electric varieties. Your budget, convenience, and the weight of the object that you are transporting around are the main points to consider which can help you make your mind which one you need.

• Hand Trailer Dollies

Hand trailer dollies usually come in pieces which you assemble yourself. Standard parts are wheels, a solid steel frame, a handle, and hitch ball to attach the boat trailer. Once you have put it together, you have to push or pull the handle yourself. While the weights which it supports, tend to be lower, it is also the more affordable option and is a perfectly viable choice for many people. As we have mentioned already, you need to weigh whatever you are transporting around to ensure that the dolly doesn’t exceed the maximum weight. Otherwise, it could end up being at risk of braking.

• Electric Trailer Dollies

On the other hand, you could look into getting an electric trailer dolly. This one has a motor which powers the wheels, taking all of the work out of your hands. Controls are often located on the handle or you may even have a remote control which allows you to move it forwards and backward. The motor is usually powered by a battery connected by a chain to the wheel axel. Easy steering and movement are assured, and this is a highly useful system for people who are trying to transport heavier objects or those who want to avoid lifting entirely.

Best Trailer Dollies FAQ:

Q:  What is a trailer dolly?

A:  A trailer dolly is a handy piece of equipment which allows you to tow your boat or jet-ski trailer, or similarly bulky and heavy object. It is designed to attach and lift to the tongue of the boat trailer. Once it is firmly attached, you can then use the handle to move it around to any position that you would like. Essentially, it helps to take the strain away from your back and legs, moving it onto a sturdy dolly. And once you haver your trailer loaded up firmly, you can then maneuver around into the tightest of spaces, between objects, and wherever you need to go.

Q:  How do I license my trailer with the DMV?

A:  Any unit carrying property or passengers attached to a motorized vehicle will need to be licensed with the DMV – and a boat trailer fits into this category. When you title and register a trailer, you will usually have to submit a series of documents including the property signed title, signed an application for the license, receipts of paid personal property taxes, proof of trailer insurance, and applicable title and registration fees. If you are in doubt, it is worth heading down to your local branch of the DMV for more clarification on this issue. You are much better off doing this rather than risk being in violation of the law.

Q:  Are these trailers easy to assemble?

A:  Most trailer dollies will require some assembly, but this is usually straightforward. The manufacturers should provide you with some clear instructions on how to do this, and the best ones will include illustrations and clearly labeled parts. It is also worth checking if there are any instructional videos which can make your life easier as you are putting your trailer dolly together. You could also read the reviews of people who have bought the specific products in the past as they may be able to give you more information about how easy each one is to assemble.

Q:  Can you use all of these trailer dollies in every mainland state?

A:  As you may already be aware, some states are stricter than others when it comes to the usage of tow dollies. Stipulations may include information on weight capacities, brakes, and tail lights. Check your local laws before buying a trailer dolly to ensure that you are not committing any violations. The last thing that you want to happen is that you spend a lot of money on a product, only to find that you cannot use it on your local roads and highways.