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Any Recommendations On A Tow-dolly?

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by M38A1 Dauntless, Aug 1, 2021.

  1. M38A1 Dauntless

    M38A1 Dauntless New Member

    I have the M38A1 with a Dauntless/T14 I put in in it and I am considering a tow dolly to haul it out West and go mountain cruising. Most of the dollys are universal and are a bit too big. I think I want a real thin one to haul it behind my 1/2 ton Silverado. Can a guy have one thinned out a bit? I think the thinnest the universals get is still about 18" wider than a guy would need. And the less weight the better, I wondered if I could have a simple one made from a couple of 1-ton trailer axles with the square ends and have them welded up on a square-tube aluminum setup. Like I said, most of the dollys I've seen are overkill in size and weight. I need small and light to be keeping about 75mph down the freeway headin' Denver's direction.

    Again, thanks to everybody, even if you are just here to read! :)
     
  2. jeepdaddy2000

    jeepdaddy2000 Active Member

    You have a D18 t case, which means you can pop it in neutral and flat tow the rig directly behind your pick up with a tow bar (although I wouldn't recommend 75MPH for any towing).
    I towed my 71 from Kentucky to Oregon behind an army buddy's 73 F150. Dropped the windshield and off we went.
     
  3. Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    You want a 2 axle tow dolly? As far as the width is concerned, generally the wider it is the more stable it is. Stability is part of the key to safety. I personally wouldn't want one that was any less than standard width.
     
    3b a runnin likes this.
  4. Peter Dorey

    Peter Dorey Member

    I would much rather tow a light trailer than a tow dolly. Try to find a used 16' trailer with surge or electric brakes and pull-out or a fold-down ramps.

    Even when I have to call for roadside service (which is very infrequent these days) I always ask for a flatbed.
     
    3b a runnin and Glenn like this.
  5. jeep2003

    jeep2003 Well-Known Member

    I like tow dollys they work fine. But i definatly wouldnt make one from scratch. Mainly because they pivot a bit in the middle to make them able to turn. Without that function you are going to have all kinds of problems. They are light. about 5 or 600 lbs its not a problem. The width is a little annoying but it is what it is. I towed my 2a home 150 miles on a busted up old dolly with a 99 tahoe could hardly notice it was there
     
  6. Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    I'm honestly not seeing the advantage of a dolly over flat towing. :confused:

    I've done both, albeit for short distances, & to me a dolly is more trouble than it's worth.
     
  7. oldtime

    oldtime oldtime

    I bet that buying an extra set of 4 wheels with street tires for flat towing would be far cheaper and easier.
     
    ojgrsoi likes this.
  8. Rick Whitson

    Rick Whitson Detroit Area 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    I have a Master Tow, I bought it from a friend for $300.00, I offered $400.00 he said that was too much. It is perfect size for my 64 CJ5. I think it is for Compact cars. Tow Dollies need to be wide if too narrow they will hit your cars fenders when you turn. I only use mine to bring my Jeep from our Cabin to our house, 250 miles. I disconnect my rear drive shaft and put a ratchet strap between the frame rails to hold it up, and duct tape the bearing caps in place. Works well for me, I keep it around 65mph, just stay in the truck lane. Hope this helps, Good Luck
     
  9. dozerjim

    dozerjim Member

    I have a Master Tow also with surge brakes,simple,easy to use,no plates required and can pull different vehicles,no more work to secure a vehicle than a trailer.....Good Luck
     
  10. ojgrsoi

    ojgrsoi Retired 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    You can have this for a song. I bought it for my M38 and then sold the M38. PM me if interested.

    [​IMG]
     
    Puddle Jumper likes this.