FAQS About Tow Dollies

There are various ways to transport a vehicle using another vehicle. From flatbed tows and trailer hitches, to crane towing, dingy towing, and more, the option you choose primarily depends on the vehicle you are using to tow and the equipment available to you. Continue reading to review some of the most frequently asked questions about tow dollies, and learn what you need to know before getting started on your towing job.

Indiana Roadside Assistance & Towing 317-247-8484
Indiana Roadside Assistance & Towing 317-247-8484

Which Tow Dolly Do I Use?

Not only is it vital that your hitch and towing vehicle meet the particular weight rating of your tow dolly, it is equally important that you have all the other necessary components to go along with them. In order to choose the right tow dolly for your towing needs, you must refer to the towing vehicle’s owners’ manual for its specifications.

How Do I Install a Tow Dolly?

Tow dollies are installed in a very similar way to most hitch systems. In order to set one up on your towing vehicle, you will need to refer to the instructions laid out in your owners’ manual, as well as, the manufacturer’s instructions that come with the tow dolly. You will basically check the hitch ball height then connect the couple on it, and then attach safety chains and other necessary components, such as lights and brakes, to finish.

Do I Need Brake Lights on a Tow Dolly?

State laws regarding tow dollies vary, but most require vehicles in rear-end tow to be equipped with functioning lights for all operations, including stopping, turning, and running. Tow dollies are not required to have weight distributing, sway control devices

Can I Put a Car Backwards on a Tow Dolly?

The short answer to this question is no. Vehicles in tow should always be loaded facing forward. Not only can you be cited for an expensive traffic offense for loading a car on a tow dolly backwards, you can also cause serious accidents and injuries to other people and property.

Can a Car Tow an SUV or Truck on a Dolly?

So long as the tow vehicle is at least 750 pounds heavier than the vehicle-in-tow, you are in good shape. But before you hit the road, be sure to refer to the towing vehicle’s owners’ manual for accurate maximum weight specifications for the vehicle-in-tow.

How Do I Drive Safely With a Tow Dolly?

The basic rules of safety for using a tow dolly, besides ensuring that your dolly is suited for your towing vehicle and applications, is to ensure all connects are secure and operational, reduce your driving speed, ensure all lights are working, ensure that the hitch, hitch-ball, and coupler handwheel are tight, ensure all mirrors are in place, ensure tires are inflated properly, ensure all ramps securely stored and latched, wear your seat belt, anticipate stops and brake early, and use your turn signals.

Need Some Towing Assistance in Central Indiana?

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour roadside assistance and towing services in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. We are fully-equipped with the right fleets to assist cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, construction equipment, trailers, vans, semi-trucks, airplanes, and much more. Our friendly staff is waiting by the phones, ready to help you get back on the road, safe and sound. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, so you can always count on us. Request a free estimate, today.

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

Are Diesel and Petrol the Same Thing?

When it comes to fuel economy, every driver is open to finding new ways to save. One of the most frequently asked questions regarding fuel efficiency has to do with choosing the proper fuel for a vehicle. But in order to choose the right fuel for your car, it is important to understand the differences between your primary options: petrol and diesel.

Continue reading to learn more about both types of propellants for a better understanding of how to improve your fuel efficiency, as well as, what to do if you find yourself stuck on the side of the road in need of fuel.

24 Hour Indiana Roadside Assistance
24 Hour Indiana Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

Diesel vs. Petrol

Petrol is simply another term of conventional gasoline, while diesel describes a different type of fuel. Although both produced from mineral oil, diesel and petrol are quite different in terms of chemical properties, refinement, applications, and performance. You must refer to the owners’ manual of your car or fuel-powered equipment to confirm which type of fuel it is best suited to use.

Diesel is a crude oil that is easier to refine compared to petrol. However, it contains more pollutants, which must be extracted in order for diesel to achieve the same level of emissions as conventional gasoline fuel. On the other hand, diesel has more energy than petrol, and the combustion process tends to be more efficiency, which in turn promotes higher fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions in comparison. Diesel fuel is recommended only for motors that are designed to operate on diesel. Many European cars operate on diesel, but here in the states, it is less common.

Putting Petrol in a Diesel Engine

Never put gasoline in a diesel engine. If you were to put regular gasoline into a vehicle that runs on a diesel engine, the damage can be catastrophic to the engine and fuel system. If this ever happens by accident, you will have to have the entire fuel system cleaned. This includes everything from the tank and lines, to the injectors, filter, and more.

In the opposite scenario, the effects would not be as catastrophic, but they would still be concerning. Not only will it make the car smoke excessively, the car will not perform well. Furthermore, it may clog the fuel filter, lines, and injectors. If you were to continue giving a gasoline engine diesel, the engine would eventually stop working altogether.

Out of Fuel in Central Indiana?

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour roadside assistance and towing services in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. Our friendly staff is waiting by the phones, ready to help you get back on the road, safe and sound. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, so you can always count on us. Request a free estimate, today.

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

Will Trailer Towing Damage My Car?

Whether you are planning a big move across the city, or a long road trip to the lake, you might be in need of a trailer. However, the idea of hooking up a trailer to your vehicle might scare you. After all, you love your car, and you do not want even the tiniest scratch or defect inflicted. Furthermore, the thought of paying a huge repair bill as a result of towing a trailer will put you off the idea too. If you are afraid towing a trailer with your vehicle might damage it, you are not alone.

Perhaps some facts about trailer towing, coupled with some helpful beginner tips, can improve your attitude and confidence before your big day arrives. Continue reading to do learn these and more!

24 Hour Towing and Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484
24 Hour Towing and Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

You Must Do the Math to Safely Tow

The first thing you want to think about when you are preparing to tow a trailer with your car is its maximum towing capacity. Also known as gross vehicle weight rating, or GVWR, this value is the total amount of weight your car’s manufacturer says it can safely tow. Keep in mind that this maximum value includes the weight of the trailer, as well as its cargo. Refer to your car’s owners’ manual, or the driver side door jam, for your towing capacity.

Along with gross vehicle weight rating, you will also need to calculate the trailer’s tongue weight, which should never be more than 15% of the total trailer weight, including the weight of its cargo. You also need to know the gross combined weight rating, or GCWR, which includes the total weight of your trailer and the towing vehicle, including all passengers, as well as, fuel, equipment, and the cargo on the trailer. To learn how to do all three of these calculations properly, read our blog, “A Review of Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings” for help getting started on the right track.

Mind the State Laws for Trailer Towing

Another important factor to consider has to do with your own safety, rather than the safety of your vehicle. It is wise to learn all the state laws surrounding trailer towing before hitting the road. Not only will this protect you unintentionally causing risk or danger to others, it will prevent law enforcement confrontations, fines, tickets, and wasted time dealing with all three.

See our blog, “What You Need to Know About State Trailer Laws” to learn what you need to know. Furthermore, knowing how to safely operate a vehicle that is towing a trailer is important to protecting your car from damage. Learning the state trailer laws can help you understand certain safety factors, like taking turns, speed limits, and more.

Need Help With Towing in Indiana?

If you find yourself in a jam while on your road trip, trust Zore’s Towing for help anytime! Call us at 317-247-8484 for prompt, 24 hour towing and roadside assistance in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. Our licensed towing and recovery division retains an extensive fleet of over 35 tow trucks and wrecker equipment, allowing us to assist drivers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, rain, snow, or ice. Request a free estimate, anytime.

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484