What Car Dollies Are Used For

Car dollies are used to move vehicles when they can’t or shouldn’t be driven—most commonly for short-distance towing behind another vehicle (tow dollies) or for maneuvering and storing cars in tight spaces inside garages and workshops (shop wheel dollies). In practice, they help recover disabled cars, reposition vehicles precisely, and transport front- or rear-wheel-drive cars without putting mileage on the odometer.

Understanding the Two Meanings of “Car Dolly”

The term “car dolly” usually refers to one of two tools: a tow dolly for road transport, or a set of shop wheel dollies for low-speed maneuvering indoors. Knowing which one you need determines how you’ll use it and what safety rules apply.

Primary Types

The following list outlines the two main categories of car dollies and what they do.

• Tow dolly: A two-wheel trailer that lifts a vehicle’s front or rear wheels off the ground for highway towing behind a truck, RV, or SUV.
• Shop wheel dollies: Small wheeled platforms placed under each tire (or under the tires on one axle) to roll a vehicle around a shop, garage, or showroom at walking speed.

Both tools “move cars without driving them,” but tow dollies are roadgoing equipment with licensing and lighting requirements, while shop wheel dollies are strictly for on-premises use.

What Car Dollies Are Used For

From breakdowns to storage, car dollies solve multiple mobility problems without running the engine or adding mileage.

• Recovering and transporting disabled vehicles when flatbed service isn’t necessary or available (tow dolly).
• Towing front-wheel-drive cars with their drive wheels off the ground to avoid drivetrain damage (tow dolly).
• Moving, turning, or parking vehicles in tight spaces where steering alone won’t do—such as squeezing multiple cars in a bay or rotating a car 360 degrees (shop wheel dollies).
• Collision repair, restoration, and detailing work that requires precise repositioning without starting the engine (shop wheel dollies).
• Seasonal or long-term storage to prevent flat-spotting and to allow easy repositioning (shop wheel dollies with casters).
• Repossession or auction logistics where quick loading and short-distance moving are routine (tow dollies and shop dollies).

In short, if a vehicle needs to be moved without driving it under its own power, a car dolly often provides the simplest solution.

How Tow Dollies Work

Tow dollies carry one axle of the towed vehicle, leaving the other axle on the road. The safe setup depends on the vehicle’s drivetrain.

• Front-wheel drive (FWD): Load the front wheels on the dolly; rear wheels roll on the road.
• Rear-wheel drive (RWD): Load the rear wheels on the dolly so the drive wheels are off the ground; keep the front wheels straight and secured.
• All-wheel drive (AWD) and most electric vehicles (EVs): Generally not suitable for two-wheel towing. Use a flatbed or follow manufacturer-approved procedures (e.g., driveshaft disconnect or transport mode if specified). Many EVs and AWD vehicles require all four wheels off the ground.

Following the correct orientation protects the transmission and drivetrain and is typically spelled out in the vehicle owner’s manual and the dolly manufacturer’s instructions.

Basic Tow-Dolly Setup (Overview)

The steps below describe a typical loading process for a tow dolly. Always follow your specific equipment’s manual.

1. Inspect the dolly: check tire pressure, lights, ramps, tie-down straps/chains, and (if equipped) brakes.
2. Hitch the dolly securely to the tow vehicle, attach safety chains, and connect wiring; verify brake and signal lights.
3. Align and slowly drive or winch the towed vehicle onto the dolly so the correct axle is lifted.
4. Secure the vehicle using wheel nets/straps over the tires and safety chains as required; tighten per spec.
5. Lock the steering wheel (if the front wheels are on the ground) or ensure it’s straight and secured as required.
6. Recheck all connections after rolling a short distance; observe recommended speed limits (often 55 mph max).

These steps minimize sway, reduce component stress, and help ensure legal compliance on public roads.

How Shop Wheel Dollies Work

Shop wheel dollies sit under each tire to allow omnidirectional movement on smooth floors, letting one or two people maneuver a car with minimal effort.

• Positioning in tight garages and showrooms, including sideways moves and pivoting in place.
• Body shop and restoration work where rollers free up lifts and make panel access easier.
• Storage to prevent flat spots and keep the car moveable without starting it.
• Moving vehicles with stuck drivetrains or locked gear selectors within a facility.

The key advantage is precise, low-speed control without starting the vehicle or needing a tow vehicle.

Safety, Legal, and Technical Considerations

Whether using a tow dolly on the road or shop dollies indoors, there are important rules and limits to follow.

• Weight ratings: Never exceed the dolly’s load rating. Check axle capacities, tongue weight, and tire ratings.
• Brakes and lighting (tow dollies): Many regions require trailer brakes and functional lighting above certain weight thresholds; a breakaway system may be mandated.
• Speed limits: Follow posted towing limits and the dolly’s manual; many manufacturers recommend 55 mph maximum.
• Vehicle compatibility: Always consult the vehicle owner’s manual. AWD/EV models often require flatbed transport.
• Securing the load: Use rated wheel straps and safety chains; recheck tension after the first few miles.
• Steering and parking brake: Lock or secure steering per instructions; do not set the parking brake on the axle riding the dolly.
• Ground clearance: Watch for front splitters, air dams, and low suspensions that can scrape on ramps.
• Floor conditions (shop dollies): Use on smooth, level floors; avoid slopes; ensure casters are locked during storage.

Adhering to these practices reduces risk of damage, complies with regulations, and keeps operators and vehicles safe.

Choosing the Right Dolly

Selecting a dolly depends on how and where you need to move the vehicle.

• Purpose: Road towing (tow dolly) vs. indoor maneuvering/storage (shop dollies).
• Drivetrain/vehicle type: FWD works well with tow dollies; AWD and many EVs typically require flatbeds; shop dollies are fine for any drivetrain indoors.
• Capacity and size: Match weight ratings to vehicle curb weight; for shop dollies, consider per-wheel capacity and caster quality.
• Braking and features (tow dollies): Surge or electric brakes, adjustable wheel nets, tilting beds, and fenders improve safety and usability.
• Floor and space (shop dollies): Larger, polyurethane casters roll easier on imperfect floors; compact designs fit better under low cars.

With the right match, you’ll protect the vehicle and make moving it faster, safer, and less stressful.

Alternatives to Car Dollies

Depending on the vehicle and situation, different equipment may be a better fit.

• Flatbed trailer or rollback tow truck: Safest for AWD/4×4 and EVs; keeps all wheels off the ground.
• Tow bar (dinghy towing): For RV use with vehicles explicitly approved by the manufacturer for four-down towing.
• Skates and go-jacks: For very tight indoor moves or cars with locked wheels, used at walking speed.

If there is any doubt about drivetrain limitations or legal requirements, default to a flatbed solution or professional towing service.

Bottom Line

Car dollies are practical tools for moving vehicles without driving them: tow dollies enable short- to medium-distance road transport by lifting one axle, while shop wheel dollies let you maneuver cars precisely indoors. The right choice hinges on your vehicle’s drivetrain, the distance, and the environment—always check the owner’s manual and local rules before you roll.

Summary

Car dollies serve two core purposes: tow dollies lift one axle for road towing—ideal for many FWD and some RWD vehicles—while shop wheel dollies let you push and position vehicles in tight indoor spaces. Use flatbeds for AWD and many EVs, follow weight and braking regulations, secure the vehicle correctly, and observe speed limits to keep people and property safe.

Are tow dollies legal in all states?

It is important to mention that you can use a tow dolly on all U.S. highways, but there are a few pertinent laws to remember when driving. For a comprehensive list, check out the regulations of your local state.

Why can’t you back up with a tow dolly?

Tow bar stress: With a “4 down” setup, backing up can put excessive strain on the tow bar, potentially bending or breaking it. Dolly instability: A car on a dolly can easily lose stability when backing up, making it difficult to control.

Are car dollies safe for long distances?

Car dollies are not ideal for long-distance towing due to limitations with weight capacity, potential wear on the towed vehicle’s tires, maneuverability issues, and the absence of integrated braking systems. While they can work for shorter trips, especially for lightweight vehicles, car trailers or professional auto transport services are safer and more reliable for long-distance moves, as they keep all four wheels off the road, provide greater stability, and offer higher weight capacities. 
Reasons Car Dollies Are Not Recommended for Long Distances 

• Wear and tear: The tires on the towed vehicle’s rear wheels can experience increased wear and tear because they remain in contact with the road. 
• Weight limitations: Car dollies have a lower weight capacity than car trailers, making them unsuitable for many heavier vehicles. 
• Maneuverability: Dollies can be difficult to maneuver, especially when reversing, making them less practical for long trips. 
• Lack of brakes: Most car dollies do not have their own braking systems, which adds risk and requires the tow vehicle to do all the braking. 
• Vehicle compatibility: Some vehicles are not compatible with tow dollies because they may have features that interfere with the dolly’s operation, such as all-wheel drive, four-wheel drive, or specific transmission types. 

Safer Alternatives for Long Distance

• Car trailers: Opens in new tabThese keep all four wheels of the towed vehicle off the ground, reducing wear and increasing safety for long hauls. 
• Professional auto transport: Opens in new tabFor the safest and most convenient option, hiring a professional auto transport service is the best choice, especially for long-distance moves. 

Key Considerations When Using a Dolly

• Check periodically: Opens in new tabRegularly inspect the straps holding the vehicle’s tires to the dolly, especially after the first few miles and throughout the trip. 
• Know your vehicle’s limits: Opens in new tabBe aware of your tow vehicle’s weight capacity and ensure the loaded vehicle’s weight does not exceed the dolly’s limits. 
• Plan your route: Opens in new tabConsider potential issues like steep inclines or low bridges when planning your journey. 

What are vehicle dollies used for?

A tow dolly is used to transport vehicles by lifting and securing their front wheels, allowing the vehicle’s rear wheels to remain on the ground. This method of towing is ideal for front-wheel-drive cars and light-to-medium-weight vehicles, serving as an affordable option for «users of moving trucks or motorhomes» who want to bring their car along for a trip.
 
How it works:

1. The tow dolly is a two-wheel trailer with a platform that tilts to create ramps. 
2. The vehicle is driven onto the platform, with its front wheels resting in chocks at the front of the dolly. 
3. The vehicle’s tires are then secured to the platform with straps. 
4. The steering wheel is locked, and for non-front-wheel-drive vehicles, the driveshaft may need to be disconnected. 
5. The secured dolly is then attached to a towing vehicle, such as a moving truck or RV, and towed to the destination. 

Key Considerations:

• Vehicle Type: Tow dollies are best for front-wheel-drive vehicles. 
• Vehicle Weight: The vehicle’s weight and dimensions must be within the tow dolly’s capacity. 
• Vehicle Drivetrain: For rear-wheel-drive, all-wheel-drive, or four-wheel-drive vehicles, you may need to disconnect the driveshaft to prevent damage. 
• Safety: Double-check all straps, chains, and lights before driving. 
• Regulations: Be aware of local regulations regarding braking systems and lights on the tow dolly, especially for interstate travel.