How fast can you drive with a car dolly

Most drivers should cap their speed at 55 mph when using a car dolly. That aligns with many manufacturers’ and rental companies’ limits and complies with towing-specific speed laws in states like California. In every case, follow the lowest limit among the posted towing speed, the dolly manufacturer’s maximum, the trailer tires’ speed rating, and current road, traffic, and weather conditions. Below is a detailed look at the legal, mechanical, and safety factors that determine how fast you can go with a tow dolly.

The legal picture

In most jurisdictions, a car dolly is treated as a trailer, and the legal speed limit for vehicles towing applies. Many places allow you to travel at the posted speed, but several states impose lower limits for any vehicle that’s towing. California, for example, sets a maximum of 55 mph when towing on all highways, regardless of higher posted limits. Because enforcement and penalties vary, the safest approach is to verify towing-specific limits for your route with your state Department of Transportation or highway patrol.

What manufacturers allow

Manufacturer and rental-company limits are often stricter than general highway limits. Rental tow dollies commonly specify a maximum of 55 mph in their contracts and on equipment labels. Many retail tow-dolly makers publish maximum speeds in the 55–60 mph range, and some models may differ. Always check the owner’s manual or the placards on the dolly frame; those limits are designed around the dolly’s brakes, frame, and tire specifications and should not be exceeded.

Tires set a hard ceiling

Your dolly’s tires can be the final word on speed. Many trailer-specific (ST) tires are rated around 65 mph unless a higher speed rating is marked on the sidewall. Newer or premium ST tires may carry an explicit speed symbol (for example, L ≈ 75 mph), but the manufacturer’s dolly limit still governs if it’s lower. Heat buildup at higher speeds is a primary cause of trailer-tire failures, especially when underinflated or overloaded.

What actually determines your maximum safe speed

The practical cap on your speed comes from a combination of legal, mechanical, and environmental constraints. The following points explain what to check and why they matter.

• Posted towing speed limit: Some states set lower maximums for any vehicle towing (e.g., 55 mph in California).
• Dolly manufacturer limit: Many dollies are capped at 55–60 mph; rental equipment frequently specifies 55 mph.
• Tire speed rating and load: Trailer tires often top out at 65–75 mph; never exceed the tire or load rating.
• Brake configuration: Surge or electric brakes help control, but they don’t raise the safe maximum speed.
• Weight and balance: Improper loading and tongue weight can cause sway that forces slower speeds.
• Tow vehicle capability: Short wheelbases, soft suspensions, or marginal towing capacity necessitate lower speeds.
• Road, weather, and traffic: Rain, crosswinds, steep grades, and congestion call for reducing speed and increasing following distance.

Taken together, these factors generally point to a conservative cruising speed, with 55 mph serving as a broadly safe upper limit unless a lower constraint applies.

How to confirm your exact limit

You can establish a precise, defensible speed limit for your trip by following a quick verification routine.

1. Check state towing laws for each state on your route (Department of Transportation or highway patrol sites).
2. Read the dolly’s owner’s manual and frame placards for the manufacturer’s maximum speed.
3. If renting, review the rental agreement; many contracts set a firm 55 mph cap.
4. Inspect tire sidewalls for load and speed ratings; ensure they’re inflated to the specified cold PSI.
5. Confirm your tow vehicle and hitch ratings, including tongue weight and gross combined weight.
6. Set a speed alert or cruise control below the lowest of these limits.

Completing these steps ensures you’re compliant with the law and within the mechanical limits of your equipment, reducing the risk of citations, blowouts, and instability.

Practical speed and safety guidelines

The following practices can help keep you safe and legal while towing a car on a dolly, especially on long highway stretches.

• Use 55 mph as a default maximum unless a lower legal or equipment limit applies.
• Reduce to around 50 mph in rain, crosswinds, heavy traffic, or on steep descents.
• Stay in the right lane where required; many states mandate right-lane travel when towing.
• Leave at least 5–7 seconds of following distance to account for longer stopping distances.
• Stop periodically to check straps, tire temperature, and inflation; re-tension tie-downs as needed.
• Avoid sudden maneuvers; gentle throttle and steering inputs help prevent sway.
• If sway begins, ease off the accelerator smoothly—do not brake hard—and let the rig settle.

These habits, combined with adherence to the strictest applicable limit, meaningfully lower your risk of incidents while towing.

Bottom line

Plan on 55 mph as your top speed with a car dolly, and never exceed the lowest limit among the posted towing speed, the dolly maker’s maximum, and your trailer tires’ rating—further reducing speed for weather, traffic, and terrain. This approach keeps you compliant, protects your equipment, and provides the most stable towing experience.

How fast can I drive with a U-Haul car dolly?

We suggest you drive the car tow dolly nearly 10 miles below the posted speed limit.

What is the top speed of a car dolly?

You should not exceed 55 miles per hour when driving with a tow dolly, and it’s often recommended to stay at least 10 miles below the posted speed limit for increased safety, better control, and reduced stress on the equipment. Driving too fast can cause the towed car to sway, increasing the risk of accidents and potential damage to the car, dolly, or vehicle. Always prioritize safety by slowing down for curves, hills, adverse weather, and to anticipate stops, as well as maintaining a safe following distance. 
Key Speed Recommendations

• Maximum Speed: Do not exceed 55 mph when using a tow dolly. 
• Posted Speed Limit: Drive at or below the posted speed limit. 
• Recommended Practice: Consider driving 10 mph below the posted speed limit. 

Why Slower Speeds Are Crucial

• Safety: Slower speeds reduce the risk of swaying, loss of control, and accidents. 
• Control: You have better control over your vehicle and the dolly at slower speeds. 
• Equipment Care: Slower driving helps preserve the quality of the tow dolly and the towed vehicle. 

Driving Tips for Tow Dollies

• Anticipate Stops: Slow down and brake early, especially before downhill sections. 
• Shift Gears on Hills: Shift to a lower gear before going downhill to avoid “riding brakes”. 
• Defensive Driving: Drive defensively, maintain a generous following distance, and be prepared for unexpected situations. 
• Check Dolly Maintenance: Before and during your trip, check that the dolly is properly loaded, secured, and the tires are properly inflated. 

Can you go 70 mph with a trailer?

RV Speed Limit: 70 mph for cars and trucks on rural interstates; 65 mph for cars and trucks and 55 mph for trailer tow on urban interstates.

Can you really only go 55 mph with a U-Haul trailer?

For moving trucks, U-Haul recommends following posted speed limits (both minimum and maximum) and reducing your speed when driving with a fully loaded truck. You should also slow down on bumpy roads or during severe weather. The maximum recommended speed when towing a U-Haul trailer is 55 MPH.