Why Should You Buy A Trailer Dolly?
Imagine finding yourself in a tight parking lot, with no other option than halt your vehicle in that tiny spot. It seems impossible and yet… with the help of a dolly trailer, you may easily navigate your way through the tiny spot.
You will get to pick from a wide variety of products, as they come in different shapes and sizes, you just have to figure out which one is the one. For instance, there are trailer dollies that use a gas motor, some are hand-crank based, while the best-equipped are AC and DC electric dolly trailers.
What Are The Benefits Of Owning A Motorized Trailer Mover?
Electric dollies are much more practical, as almost anybody can use them. Manual trailer dollies require lots of physical effort, maybe some good muscle workout before. Kidding. Electric trailer dollies are easier to manipulate and can be used to move not only trailers but also any kind of heavy gear without putting much effort into it.
Also, trailer dollies may come with a single tire; some are equipped with two tires, or even more. What they do have in common is their capacity to move trailers throughout parking lots, garages, outside highways, you name it – and that, with great ease.
Forget about manually moving your trailer. Protect your entire body by leaving the heavy part to the trailer dolly that is specially designed to ease your trailer into tight spaces without putting so much pressure on yourself and mostly your back. Bonus, an electric trailer dolly is quite low maintenance and long-lasting, as it is made of steel with powder coat finish that prevents corrosion. In other words, it is a worthwhile investment.
The automatic brake system will prevent accidents, as trying to move your trailer manually and not being able to react on time in case you misuse the equipment might cause some damage, not only to your back but to other vehicles nearby.
Another important aspect is the quality-price ratio. The design of a trailer dolly is pretty simple, and why should it be otherwise? What matters is its sturdiness and its reliability rather than the aspect. Given its long-term functionality, an electric trailer dolly is a long term investment. Yet, not a pricey one.
Users mostly appreciate the fact that the trailer dolly gear is very low-maintenance. It does not require any special condition, but we would suggest you keep it away from sunlight, as it might cause slight damage in time. Also, consider repeating the powder coating from time to time, every few years, to be more specific, as it can wear off with time.
Things To Consider When Choosing The Best Electric Trailer Dolly
1. Manual VS Motorized Trailer Dolly
Despite the fact that manual trailer dollies are much more affordable, they can rather be used for lighter weights. Motorized trailer dollies can carry heavy weights, up to 12000 pounds. They are also easier to manoeuver. Yet, they are pricier; with good reason, we might add.
2. The Weight Of The Equipment Handled By A Trailer Dolly
Between a manual trailer dolly that can only support lighter equipment and a motorized trailer dolly that can carry heavy equipment, we would go for the electric one. After all, electric trailer dollies can carry the light equipment that manual trailer dollies can, and it can take up to 12000 pounds, which is enormous.
Plus, it is issued with many elements that provide extra quality and extra safety to the end product. Although now you might not own heavy equipment, so you might think that a manual trailer dolly would do just fine, well… you never know when you’re going to need one. Sure, there is always the option to upgrade from manual to electric. Whatever floats your boat.
3. The Adjustability Of The Motorized Trailer Movers
As stated before, trailer dollies come in different shapes and sizes. But one should first look at the flexibility of the equipment. If you might need to connect your trailer dolly on bumpy ground, for instance, adjustability would be a must. Of course, there are many cases in which you should sort of think ahead and make your choice based on your needs. So, always keep in mind that flexibility is a deciding factor.
Types of Electric Dollies
OK, so we got that settled. Among all options, electric dollies are maybe not the cheapest but most definitely the most efficient and user-friendly tools that worth all your attention. Now let’s see what option you have in terms of electric motor dollies.
Alternating-Current Electric Dollies
AC motors make use of alternating current to switch from electrical to mechanical energy.
When owning an AC electric motor dolly, there is something very important to consider: you will have to carry its extension string with you. It will hang right behind you, to be more precise. So be extra cautious not to expose yourself to any electrocution if the ground is wet. Also, be careful not to trip into the cord and you’re safe to go.
AC electric dollies require your dolly to be issued with an electric brake system, as it does not function on any grades. Also, keep in mind that AC electric dollies are rather slow. They can only advance with a reduced speed, no more than 10-15 feet per minute. But who needs speed anyway when trying to fit a trail into a tiny parking spot?
AC motors offer good performance for longer periods of time, as they are more low-maintenance.
Direct-Current Electric Dollies
The electric DC winch motor makes use of direct current to switch from electrical to mechanical energy. It is equipped with carbon brushes and a commutation ring that uses a rotating armature to change the direction of the current.
Unlike AC electric motors, DC electric motors need less energy in order to create a magnetic field, it is why DC motors are more efficient. Thus, given that they are made of multiple moving parts, you will have to invest in changing them much more often than in the case of the lower maintenance AC motors.
As for their traveling speed, they get to no more than half a foot per second. Also, they need more cooldowns than AC motors.
Two-wheeled trailer dollies
Two-wheeled trailer dollies are equipped with the basic, but that doesn’t mean that they are not a good option. On the contrary, they provide quality at the lowest prices, so they are to be considered by users, especially by those who plan on using them to move lighter weights. Made of a hitch ball and a metal frame, two-wheeled trailer dollies are stable, reliable, and easy to maintain.
Three-wheeled trailer dollies
Three-wheeled trailer dollies are an upgraded version of the two-wheeled equipment. The wheel caster that comes with the other two wheels grants the trailer dolly with more stability. It is also easier to manipulate and much more accurate.
Jack Lift
Lift jacks are equipped to help you jerk a trailer to a lorry. It attends you in navigating and jerking your trailer coupler to your truck with no assistance. As simple as that.
Dollies designed for kayaks and canoes
The kayak and canoe dolly is specially conceived with a set of lightweight wheels that helps you glide your equipment over the sand. It is designed to be easily assembled and disassembled so that you can take with you when entering the water.
Features Of The Best Electric Trailer Dolly
The Material
So, the main characteristic of an electric dolly trailer is its reliability, which is why you should go for a dolly made of steel, as it is the most dependable build material. If you add the anti-rust coat, your dolly will be even more solid and will last you for much longer. Beware of the powder coating though, as it is predisposed to scratching.
The Length Of The Handle
Besides the strong handle grip, make sure to choose an electric dolly with a longer handle. A long handle ensures higher leverage and an easier hitch of the trailer.
Weight Capacity
Depending on the weight of the equipment you plan to carry or move, there are several types of dolly trailers that you can analyze before making your decision. For that, one should learn how to calculate the tongue capacity. The dolly tongue defines the weight capacity that a dolly tongue can carry, that is the trailer’s pressure put on the hitch ball. Normally, the weight of the trailer tongue should be 9 to 15 percent of the total weight of the trailer. Of course, the real weight depends on how the trailer’s weight is distributed.
A handy scale and a scaffolding should be more than enough to help you figure out the weight of the hitch ball. Put the coupler on the scale and there you have it. As an example of correct proportions, a dolly weighing 600 lbs will be able to carry a 4000 lbs trailer.
Tips And Tricks
Before engaging in buying a trailer dolly, you should know what are the dos and don’ts, because misusing a dolly without taking into consideration some important factors might hinder your life instead of making it easier. So, keep in mind that:
- Reading a buying guide is essential before making the purchase and before starting to use the trailer dolly;
- Two-wheeled dollies are recommended for lighter equipment, while dollies with three or four wheels are used for heavy loads;
- Make sure you wear the right footwear to keep your toes protected from any accident;
- The weight of the trailer might project you forward, so take safety measures;
- Carefully handle the dolly handle, as it might hit you in the face;
- Never pull a trailer dolly; always push it to avoid getting ran over by it;
- Check your fuses before usage, as they might wear off with time;
- Never push a trailer dolly before securing the equipment with belts and straps;
- Consider wearing a belt around your waist to protect your back.
Final Statement
Given the specificity of the electric trailer dolly, buying the best electric trailer dolly requires some research ahead. Take your safety measures, come back to this guide every time you need an answer to your questions, and make your purchase based on your priorities. Keep it safe and straightforward!
