Note to anyone looking to build a car dolly: Car dollies need to have a pivoting cradle to work properly. If they don't pivot, they drag their tires sideways around corners and will eventually break the tongue, right where the two truss tubes are welded to the tongue. Having the cars steering wheel unlocked does not help. DG
@@xycho351 All that means is most don't understand the physics involved. The pivot points in the steering do not allow for a full relief of the pressure that is generated during a turn even though the steering wheel turns some. The outside wheel of the car is pulled forward and the inside wheel is pushed back . Try this the next time you have your car on the dolly. With the trailer straight behind, measure the distance from the front tread of the tires to a reference point on the trailer. Then, make a tight turn and stop when the dolly/car is at its maximum deflection. Then, remeasure the two measurements. Cars are not manufactured to tolerate a lot of this. The only way to relieve this stress is to have a pivot that is in the center of the dolly. DG
That is partially true. You can have a fixed deck as long as you leave your steering wheel unlocked and car in neutral. The reason U-Haul only rents pivoting is simply cause it's easier to use. Don't have to leave the key in the ignition and put it in park if it's a fwd
@@darkfireBikes The pivot points in the steering do not allow for a full relief of the pressure that is generated during a turn even though the steering turns some. The outside wheel of the car is pulled forward and the inside wheel is pushed back. Try this the next time you have your car on the dolly. With the trailer straight behind, measure the distance from the front tread of the tires to a reference point on the trailer. Then, make a tight turn and stop when the dolly/car is at its maximum deflection. Then, remeasure the two measurements. Cars are not manufactured to tolerate a lot of this. The only way to relieve this stress is to have a pivot that is in the center of the dolly. DG
You are the man!!, no shirt flip flops, only gloves. Hope you don't get burned! I work in the ER and see this kind of SH*&^ all the time please follow safety guidelines PLEASE!!!!
Meh… have gotten a little singe here and there and probably will again but I’ll live😁 Must be geniuses around your area in 20 some years of working at the ER/hospital worst related injury I saw was a dude flung a good sized metal sliver in his eye from grinding without glasses.
Crocs, shorts, t-shirt....brave man lol... tip though, don't ground through moving parts as you did when you grounded through the ball release or you run the risk of having it weld itself due to the resistance of there being a weak continuous ground.
must be nice having a brand new axle and new angle iron just "laying around". Plus your dolly is gonna twist itself apart, along with tearing the cars fenders off when you turn. Theres a reason why real a tow dolly has a turntable
I have seen a lot of negative comments and you replied respectfully on each one. Please make a video of towing with this while those comments pop across the screen how it wont work
yep... plan to as soon as I add those tie downs I mention in the end of the video. I thought with all the fuss I may have to do that this weekend. Although, I would rather work on the RD400. Thanks for watching!
I want to see it! Take the car in get the alignment checked with proof its good. Strap it down nice and tight!!!! You know so its safe. Tow it around town making lots of turns for like an hour or 2. Turn it around in a parking lot nice and tight a few times each way with the tow vehicles wheels turned to the lock. Take it back have the towed cars alignment checked again. If it's not messed up Ill buy you a steak dinner! When it is post how much it will cost to have it fixed.
Yea... haven't seen too many tow dollies doing donuts in the parking lot. I think many folks on here just don't understand how it works. You turn corners in your car everyday... think about that for a few minutes. Here is your visualization problem. Do not do this except over the tires... "Strap it down nice and tight!!!!"
Your not understanding here not me man. When you turn and the car turns on the dolly the wheels on the dolly have NOTHING to do with it. If there strapped the car CAN NOT turn on the dolly. Here is why. And I will make you a video explanation if you need it as well. When the tow vehicle turns such as a 90 degree corner in a city the dolly will angle behind the tow vehicle in order to follow it correct? Ok so if it did not do this, and was locked to the tow vehicle with no pivot point (the hitch in this case) it would have no other option than to be dragged sideways right? The car on the tow dolly is now the same. The dolly is now the tow vehicle and the car is now the trailer. If both front tires are strapped down tight enough to prevent the car from falling off then they will not move front to back on the dolly at all right? Well if they can not move front to back on the dolly at all the car will not turn on the dolly. Why? Because you can turn the tires on the dolly all you want on the dolly and the car will stay in a straight line on the dolly. In order for the rear of the car to not be in a straight line with the dolly axles it has to be at an angle on the dolly. (This is what the center pivot point allows) Even if you can turn the front wheels of the car in order for the CAR to move to an angle on the dolly so it is not being drug sideways the outside front tire will HAVE to move back on the dolly. If its strapped in place it CAN NOT do this. So with the steer tires of the vehicle on the dolly strapped in place the car can NOT pivot on the dolly in any way and thus it WILL be drug sideways exerting a MASSIVE force on the front suspension and steering. This WILL bend things on the towed vehicle. And if towed far enough will ruin the rear tires from be drug sideways. This is actually why your strap did not stay tight on your test run. This might work for a very short trip with limited turns but tow this thing threw a large city and spin it around at a gas station trying to get to a pump and the towed cars messed up for sure. If you need a video to demonstrate this I would be happy to make you one. I have towed a trailer for living almost all my adult life. I have built trailers, and dolly's in the past. And am planning a trailer build right now. I went to school for automotive engineering as well. I am not just some keyboard know it all. In fact I am sure there are things I could learn from you! I promise you your dolly will damage anything you tow with it unless you don't turn! This is not an argument it is a statement of fact. Let me know if you want that video made for you demonstrating why your dolly with damage the towed vehicle.
How do you manage to tow with that thing not able to swivel?Seems to me it would bind for days at each turn.If it doesn't bind,make a demo video to show us...
I have thought of that since everyone has their feelings hurt. Once I get the stops and hooks added that I mentioned in the end of the video I will load up the car again and take if for a spin.
@@BigRedFishDad Can confirm, my feelings are hurt. Seriously though, there's a super simple fix... Just extend the pads where the tires go a little, like maybe 14 feet, then just move the axle back a little further than half of that, and then you just find you another scrap axle (but with brakes) and 4 springs and boom! Problem solved!
wow... you just described a trailer. You are super smart but should probably do a little research on non pivoting tow dollies. Again, thanks for watching and participating in the fun comments section!
@@BigRedFishDad bunch of you tube engineers has spoken. This will be fine have had non pivoting tow dolly just need to leave steering wheel unlocked this will work fine
We used it to haul the little black car once and the 88 bronco 2.5 hours away to the coast several times with no issues. If you’re reading all the “expert” opinions about turning just be sure to unlock the steering and will be fine. As for update all the kids are gone now so we have less cars and issues so it was just sitting in the yard taking up space so my son converted it to haul a 200 gallon gas tank.
I have no idea if this set up will bend the car front suspension, or if the car will fall off when the straps are stressed too much, but I do know that it looks real silly when they pull a car around a tight corner. I wonder how long those trailer tires will last before they are shredded. News flash for those who can not grasp the problem. On a tight corner the trailer tires get dragged SIDEWAYS. Oops !!!
Ian is right. There needs to be a pivot between the dolly wheels and the rear wheels of the towed vehicle. Every properly engineered dolly I've seen has a pivot point between the tie down platform and the axle, or an axle with steerable wheels.
@@jamestwyman7020 the steering should be unlocked whenever using a dolly, but it is never enough flexibility. The dolly must have a pivot or a self steering axle. If the dolly is rigid, it will put tremendous forces on the front wheels of the towed vehicle during turns because the front wheels can only pivot in place. They don't change in orientation to the rear wheels.
Y’all need to understand it’s just a video of how this man did it. Anybody who has rented or purchased a tow dolly knows there is a turntable that the tires ride on. That’s why his chalks are bending, and the straps keep loosening. Chill, he’s happy with it, that’s what matters.
yep... That and they were stupid cheap things that came with the jack in the truck. Some of those solid Rubber chocks or even a 4x4 would have worked better that these pieces of sheet metal. i.ebayimg.com/images/g/4CoAAOSwHmhV8OIb/s-l1600.jpg
must pivot , any vehicle with four wheels has to steer even if two are on a dolly ,ALL manufacturers have a pivot and high end dollys actually steer the wheels on the dolly ,you could be killed or kill someone else when you have a failure!
*******Sorry buh may I ask why is it that you only used the Arc welding on the hitch area of the dolly... (Was it simply because the metal was to thick to weld in the hitch area for the Meg welder ...?)
Wow. Thank you for this video and the hours it took to weld and edit. I am interested in building one myself, as I have a bunch of metal lying around and need to move a 98 Accord. (Funny your vehicle of choice). Question is: how to make it legal in PA?
What’s up with Pennsylvania? I’ve read off-road atv’s need a license decal there. Now, a tool like a tow dolly is a hassle to become legal? Sorry, but you live in a poorly run state.
@@label1877 - To safety check or not safety check... this is the question. Building a homemade car dolly is all fine and great until the dolly comes apart on the highway and injures/kills someone due to someone building one that has absolutely no business/skill building a proper and safe dolly.
WJK One could make that argument on absolutely anything. A boat trailer, a tire carrier, an outside lighting fixture. So you do not trust your fellow citizens to know their ass from a hole in the ground. Nobody but licensed, insured, bonded men are “allowed “ to do anything? That is a ...big brother knows best Philosophy. It’s a heavy handed way to run a government. In my state, that would not fly. Life has risks, if homemade dollies become a safety issue, we will address it.
@label1877 - No, actually the argument can't be made for everything... you can't cherry-pick or use half logic where full logic is required. (ie) Someone builds a homemade lighting fixture and it fails and falls off their barn wall and whacks them on their head, that's completely isolated to them, as it only affects (hopefully) just them. Send a homemade whatever rolling up and down public roads (vs rolling up and down someone's personal/private road) and the item should need AND be allowed to receive a simple and easy inspection and approval. See... I'm actually 100% for homemade items be it private off-road us or public on-road use but there's a right way and a wrong way to go about it. The Gov't/States ultimately work for the people... if there isn't a system in place that allows someone to build (for example) a diy car dolly (and also a way to get it inspected and approved for public road use) then that simply needs to change... easy as that.
Trailer pivot point is in middle of axle. Car wheel pivot point is thru centre line of ball joints ,one on each side. Your system cant work.Other than in a straight line you cannot move that rig without the power of a car. Those trailer wheels will be skidding in a turn. This is real dumb. Basic engineering is missing.
It won't. Picture a semi truck that the 5th wheel does not rotate. Exact same principle. It will never turn correctly without dragging the dolly sideways.
I just watched it and if you notice when they turn, it literally drags the dolly sideways. This thing will chew tires up like crazy. I would like to see this dolly in a sharp slow turn and you'll understand how inefficient that is. Doesn't matter if the wheels on the car is turned all the way to one side or straight, it will pull exactly the same.
@@TimMcArdle I understand what you are saying because I have had both but this one pretty good for short drives. If you are going for long drives get the swivel
Raleigh Dale from 1 year ago got it right and described it perfectly! (scroll down and read his comment). A car dolly that doesn't pivot drags the trailer wheels sideways when you corner. Unlocking the steering wheel does not help. Just because you've been building trailers for years doesn't mean you understand physics.
He rebuilt the transmission... was running pretty good drove it for a few days until two of the tires shredded (they were probably 10 years old to begin with). Let is sit for about two months now when he puts in in drive it dies. Put it in reverse you can drive all over the yard backward. Time, time, time there is never enough time to finish everything!
heavy bot trailer channel that was left over from the camper build and a new axel from tractor supply. The rest was either 3/16 or 1/8 angle that I keep on the rack in my shop. With the scrap and other I had maybe $250 for axel and tires.
sorry... we use the car ramps that we use to change oil. Watch the end of video where I talk about issues with the straps. I have wheel straps now but need to weld a few hooks on to attach them with.
Who thinks this guy will figure out that even if he leaves the steering unlocked it will not allow the car to turn? Wow! Makes one wonder what his boat trailer camper is built like.
I know what happens. My pivot point locked up on my dolly and even with the steering unlocked it bent the crap out of my tie rods and such. Cost a lot of money to fix it.
@@mattmoilanen3813 I dont think he fully understands the mechanics of it. He thinks the towed vehicle will "steer" on the dolly but if it's strapped correctly it will not. It will bend steering and suspension parts tho! LOL I know this for a fact. My column was not locked when my dollys pivot failed. Bent the crap out of a lot of stuff under my car. Was not cheap to fix.
An accident waiting to happen no steering accerman or swivel tinplate ball hitch best not to use on highway...... Look into build specs before you make the replacement all you have made is a 24 inch long trailer not a dolly
@@BigRedFishDad yes but I won't subscribe, constructive criticism is not taken so here it is again unsafe junk from junk don't worry you are not allow I've seen Russian, Polish Indian (from India ) all constructed as yours and all unsafe.......
I am very sad but thanks for watching ;) We love when the keyboard experts chime in. All you said was "it doesn't pivot" ... which has already been addressed.
@@BigRedFishDad then you should update the video, my first comment accident waiting to happen no steering. .....not a keyboard jockey /expert but spent most of my life in mechanical engineering read a lot of books seems my advise for you to do research goes Un heeded ...if you don't understand how something works how can you attempt to recreate it... that's me out even the Chinese have to reverse engineer anything they copy good look in what you do
@@georobinson1222 again... thanks for watching;) If you spent that long reading about engineering you woukd know there is always another way to achieve the same results. Good luck with your design and all you do as well. Hint: cars are already designed to "pivot".
You don't have any safety chains to attach to the towing vehicle, no safety chains to attach to the car being towed, you don't have the legal tire straps that are required, no ramps, no fenders, no swiveling platform , and license plate needs to be mounted on the fenders that aren't there with light on them as well. I wouldn't pay $200.00 for that. And it won't pass a DOT inspection. BUT I am just saying!!!!!!!! I build trailers for a living.
@@listen9454 I was just looking at the phrasing of your question: you asked if YOU could do it with a stick welder. How would any of us know what YOU can do? Get my point?
@@timwilliams632 my whole point was if it’ll be just as reliable with a stick welder I was still in welding school I’m done now and I already know. I didn’t ask if I can do this I asked if I can do this with a stick welder I was clearly asking if a stick welder can hold it up
So with all the negative comments ... it would seem an impossible way to use this dolly..however the fact is yes it will work .is it optimal , ? No of course not it would be better if it had a swivel . But it will work and yes leaving the steering will alleviate some of the problem ..not all but enough .. as far as the tire scrubbing .. I. Would ask one of you geniuses to explain how a 3 axle trailer would ever work? Yet they are sold every day also how many of you know the difference between a spread axle trailer and a closed axle trailer ? .. granted a spread axle can dump the air on a tight turn .. if you have air suspension.. so those types of axle configurations run thousands of miles daily.. on heavy trucks lots of weight .. and you people think that a car dollie with no turntable but does allow for som turning with steering ...and drawing around a lill pos car that weigh maybe 3 thousand lbs is out of the question ? Also how much use will it have ?
It is a blatant lie that you need an articulating wheel pan. Fixed pan designs work much better in turns than the moving ones. In addition, it is impossible to damage your car with the dolly fender brackets. Swivel pan designs are obsolete.
@@BigRedFishDad I built one which pivots as these do not work. with the two front wheels strapped like this it drags the back wheels on the bends. You might be lucky and not have any tight bends like we have here.
@@cunningplan96 Better luck next time... I mentioned this in the video and several comments but my only issues was I needed the proper wheel straps. Unlock the steering column security feature and drive away.
I know about having the lock off! We did have one in the garage but after the boss having problems with the car very nearly falling off! He gave it away. I have seen them work but where I live they just don’t 👌
@@BigRedFishDad hehe fuck'em. have you seen the shit they do approve? l mean we're talking about knives that aren't even usable. l don't know anybody at work who uses and OSHA approved knife. l mean it's physical labor, you're gonna get hurt every now and then. we don't need the government to hold our hands when we work.
Just keeps the lawyers happy ;) If you seen many of my vids... I ain't too hung up on osha standards. Gloves and goggles when grinding or cutting and I'm good.
Might wanna tear it back apart and turn it into a trailer haul to motorcycles or a snowmobile or quad . Not a car dolly your wife should have told u that before she made the cookies... just saying
Because you use your hands to grab things not your legs. Also, I have nicked the gloves while grinding many times it would not have been so great on bare fingers.
@@BigRedFishDad arc spatter goes everywhere though. Hands aren't the only body parts hit when arc welding. Granted, even when you wear all the gear you still get spatter down into your shirt or jacket and still get burned, but you get burned a whole lot less.
@@farmsgrace341Yep it does... not too worried about that it hurts when it gets in the crocs but so does bacon grease when it pops all over your hand when cooking. But you said why bother while grinding as well...a cutoff wheel will take a finger down to the bone quick without gloves but a little spatter aint gonna ruin my day.
BigRedFishDad I only added grinding to my question because the caption on that part of the vid said grinding and welding, even though that section of the vid only showed your helper or son arc welding without a shirt or long pants on. You were at least wearing a shirt while mig welding or maybe flux core welding(didn't see a bottle). As for your crocs, I've welded with flip flops on once before, long long ago, so I know the "joy" of that and have opted for boots from then on. Anyways, it's your body to do with as you please and I really have no say in what you do. I was just asking a question. So, asked and answered. Very nice towing trailer. Have a great day.
Please wear pants shirts work boots and proper clothing when you are welding. Nobody wants to see your beer gut or shorts. You have many viewers so safety should be a big priority.
Safety first Need to wear boots gloves eye protection This dolly needs work Yes it needs the turntables for the tires and weight distribution DOT Dept of transportation would fail it CHP California Highway patrol would pull you over and declare it unsafe at highway speeds Consider electric brakes if you can they help alot on steep grades .
In Ohio anything over 2k MUST have brakes. Same for MI. Not sure about others. But I know most states ar 1,500-3,000lbs you need brakes if you go over that.
What are you towing it with? The tow vehicle is what you need to go by if its rated less than the state law. My Silverado 2500HD is rated for 5K without trailer brakes. After that I must have them. In my case the state laws is lower so I have to go by that. My old Tahoe was only rated for 2,500 without trailer brakes. State law was still lower at 2k so I still had to go by that. My wifes Jeep is only good for 1,500 without trailer brakes so I have to go by that even tho state law is 2k.
sorry..the trailer is not correct..do not build this trailer...it is dangerous..it needs to be able to turn..go look at a uhaul before you build a dolly...the uhaul is correct...bigredfish should pull this video before someone gets hurt...u tube can be dangerous if people listen and copy people who dont know what they are doing
Ohhh the late comments to the conversation.... been using it for a few years now. Btw... go read the debate below but like many people today with all things they (you) "believe" things can only be one way.
Note to anyone looking to build a car dolly: Car dollies need to have a pivoting cradle to work properly. If they don't pivot, they drag their tires sideways around corners and will eventually break the tongue, right where the two truss tubes are welded to the tongue. Having the cars steering wheel unlocked does not help. DG
Not true, just need to know how most dollies are fixed
@@xycho351 All that means is most don't understand the physics involved. The pivot points in the steering do not allow for a full relief of the pressure that is generated during a turn even though the steering wheel turns some. The outside wheel of the car is pulled forward and the inside wheel is pushed back . Try this the next time you have your car on the dolly. With the trailer straight behind, measure the distance from the front tread of the tires to a reference point on the trailer. Then, make a tight turn and stop when the dolly/car is at its maximum deflection. Then, remeasure the two measurements. Cars are not manufactured to tolerate a lot of this. The only way to relieve this stress is to have a pivot that is in the center of the dolly. DG
Also, you need to ask yourself, why does Uhaul only rent pivoting dollies.
That is partially true. You can have a fixed deck as long as you leave your steering wheel unlocked and car in neutral. The reason U-Haul only rents pivoting is simply cause it's easier to use. Don't have to leave the key in the ignition and put it in park if it's a fwd
@@darkfireBikes The pivot points in the steering do not allow for a full relief of the pressure that is generated during a turn even though the steering turns some. The outside wheel of the car is pulled forward and the inside wheel is pushed back. Try this the next time you have your car on the dolly. With the trailer straight behind, measure the distance from the front tread of the tires to a reference point on the trailer. Then, make a tight turn and stop when the dolly/car is at its maximum deflection. Then, remeasure the two measurements. Cars are not manufactured to tolerate a lot of this. The only way to relieve this stress is to have a pivot that is in the center of the dolly. DG
You are the man!!, no shirt flip flops, only gloves. Hope you don't get burned! I work in the ER and see this kind of SH*&^ all the time please follow safety
guidelines PLEASE!!!!
Meh… have gotten a little singe here and there and probably will again but I’ll live😁
Must be geniuses around your area in 20 some years of working at the ER/hospital worst related injury I saw was a dude flung a good sized metal sliver in his eye from grinding without glasses.
Such fine scraps you have around that house.Like new steel stock! Amazing!
lol
Arc welding in shorts with no shirt on...you sir are a brave man
Mig wielding
Blessed man to have yr wife help you out. From manual labor to baking cookies 👍👌
Don't you need a swithval plate between the car wheels and the dolly, as you would drag the car when turning?
Looks sturdy, and if it works that's all that matters.
Crocs, shorts, t-shirt....brave man lol... tip though, don't ground through moving parts as you did when you grounded through the ball release or you run the risk of having it weld itself due to the resistance of there being a weak continuous ground.
Awesome build. Do you have a link for the axel?
I'd run bolts through the trailer coupler for extra security especially because it's zinc coated and you didn't grind it before welding
LMFAO...
Half assed kids don't try this at home !!OMG This will kill some innocent people who will be sharing the road when it falls apart . Poorly made facts
must be nice having a brand new axle and new angle iron just "laying around". Plus your dolly is gonna twist itself apart, along with tearing the cars fenders off when you turn. Theres a reason why real a tow dolly has a turntable
Just never turn a corner
Catastrophic failure waiting to happen. So comforting to know that you'll be using this on public roads along with my family
Why do you think this will be a catastrophic failure?
I have seen a lot of negative comments and you replied respectfully on each one. Please make a video of towing with this while those comments pop across the screen how it wont work
yep... plan to as soon as I add those tie downs I mention in the end of the video. I thought with all the fuss I may have to do that this weekend. Although, I would rather work on the RD400. Thanks for watching!
I want to see it!
Take the car in get the alignment checked with proof its good. Strap it down nice and tight!!!! You know so its safe.
Tow it around town making lots of turns for like an hour or 2. Turn it around in a parking lot nice and tight a few times each way with the tow vehicles wheels turned to the lock. Take it back have the towed cars alignment checked again.
If it's not messed up Ill buy you a steak dinner!
When it is post how much it will cost to have it fixed.
@@BadmunkyWRX Get serious, friend... If he makes all the turns you suggest, there will be no tires or wheels left to check for alignment!
Yea... haven't seen too many tow dollies doing donuts in the parking lot. I think many folks on here just don't understand how it works. You turn corners in your car everyday... think about that for a few minutes.
Here is your visualization problem. Do not do this except over the tires... "Strap it down nice and tight!!!!"
Your not understanding here not me man.
When you turn and the car turns on the dolly the wheels on the dolly have NOTHING to do with it.
If there strapped the car CAN NOT turn on the dolly.
Here is why. And I will make you a video explanation if you need it as well.
When the tow vehicle turns such as a 90 degree corner in a city the dolly will angle behind the tow vehicle in order to follow it correct?
Ok so if it did not do this, and was locked to the tow vehicle with no pivot point (the hitch in this case) it would have no other option than to be dragged sideways right?
The car on the tow dolly is now the same. The dolly is now the tow vehicle and the car is now the trailer.
If both front tires are strapped down tight enough to prevent the car from falling off then they will not move front to back on the dolly at all right? Well if they can not move front to back on the dolly at all the car will not turn on the dolly. Why? Because you can turn the tires on the dolly all you want on the dolly and the car will stay in a straight line on the dolly. In order for the rear of the car to not be in a straight line with the dolly axles it has to be at an angle on the dolly. (This is what the center pivot point allows) Even if you can turn the front wheels of the car in order for the CAR to move to an angle on the dolly so it is not being drug sideways the outside front tire will HAVE to move back on the dolly. If its strapped in place it CAN NOT do this.
So with the steer tires of the vehicle on the dolly strapped in place the car can NOT pivot on the dolly in any way and thus it WILL be drug sideways exerting a MASSIVE force on the front suspension and steering. This WILL bend things on the towed vehicle. And if towed far enough will ruin the rear tires from be drug sideways. This is actually why your strap did not stay tight on your test run.
This might work for a very short trip with limited turns but tow this thing threw a large city and spin it around at a gas station trying to get to a pump and the towed cars messed up for sure. If you need a video to demonstrate this I would be happy to make you one. I have towed a trailer for living almost all my adult life. I have built trailers, and dolly's in the past. And am planning a trailer build right now.
I went to school for automotive engineering as well. I am not just some keyboard know it all. In fact I am sure there are things I could learn from you!
I promise you your dolly will damage anything you tow with it unless you don't turn! This is not an argument it is a statement of fact.
Let me know if you want that video made for you demonstrating why your dolly with damage the towed vehicle.
Have the welds and dolly been holding up so far?
How do you manage to tow with that thing not able to swivel?Seems to me it would bind for days at each turn.If it doesn't bind,make a demo video to show us...
I have thought of that since everyone has their feelings hurt. Once I get the stops and hooks added that I mentioned in the end of the video I will load up the car again and take if for a spin.
@@BigRedFishDad Can confirm, my feelings are hurt.
Seriously though, there's a super simple fix... Just extend the pads where the tires go a little, like maybe 14 feet, then just move the axle back a little further than half of that, and then you just find you another scrap axle (but with brakes) and 4 springs and boom! Problem solved!
wow... you just described a trailer. You are super smart but should probably do a little research on non pivoting tow dollies. Again, thanks for watching and participating in the fun comments section!
@@BigRedFishDad bunch of you tube engineers has spoken. This will be fine have had non pivoting tow dolly just need to leave steering wheel unlocked this will work fine
@@michaelovers688 leave steer wheel unlocked don't strap wheels use chains to ham strap to the frame of the dolly to the car frame
great build & video, but what about turning?
what’s the 5 year update? be honest
We used it to haul the little black car once and the 88 bronco 2.5 hours away to the coast several times with no issues.
If you’re reading all the “expert” opinions about turning just be sure to unlock the steering and will be fine. As for update all the kids are gone now so we have less cars and issues so it was just sitting in the yard taking up space so my son converted it to haul a 200 gallon gas tank.
I have no idea if this set up will bend the car front suspension, or if the car will fall off when the straps are stressed too much, but I do know that it looks real silly when they pull a car around a tight corner. I wonder how long those trailer tires will last before they are shredded. News flash for those who can not grasp the problem. On a tight corner the trailer tires get dragged SIDEWAYS. Oops !!!
Show us a video with a car on a tow dolly, steering free and moving, tires strapped down where the dolly wheels drag sideways
They sure look silly when turning a sharp corner.
Ok if you were towing in a straight line. The platform is supposed to pivot.
NO. the coupler turns with the car just like normal trailer
right on...
Ian is right. There needs to be a pivot between the dolly wheels and the rear wheels of the towed vehicle. Every properly engineered dolly I've seen has a pivot point between the tie down platform and the axle, or an axle with steerable wheels.
@@pjnelson5827 no this type you leave steering lock off
@@jamestwyman7020 the steering should be unlocked whenever using a dolly, but it is never enough flexibility. The dolly must have a pivot or a self steering axle. If the dolly is rigid, it will put tremendous forces on the front wheels of the towed vehicle during turns because the front wheels can only pivot in place. They don't change in orientation to the rear wheels.
had to wear a weld. helmet while watching this. safety first! 😀
LOL
Lol, I had same feel too
Y’all need to understand it’s just a video of how this man did it. Anybody who has rented or purchased a tow dolly knows there is a turntable that the tires ride on. That’s why his chalks are bending, and the straps keep loosening. Chill, he’s happy with it, that’s what matters.
yep... That and they were stupid cheap things that came with the jack in the truck. Some of those solid Rubber chocks or even a 4x4 would have worked better that these pieces of sheet metal.
i.ebayimg.com/images/g/4CoAAOSwHmhV8OIb/s-l1600.jpg
great job, regards from ARG
You ever get a welding burn before? It’s worse that a sunburn man put some clothes on
not me but he has... looks like a roasted hot dog! We do tell him to at least put a shirt on... but he's 19 now so invincible :;
It turns from the ball that's on the hitch, I've made several just like it and had zero problems. As long as his welds are pentrating he will be fine,
must pivot , any vehicle with four wheels has to steer even if two are on a dolly ,ALL manufacturers have a pivot and high end dollys actually steer the wheels on the dolly ,you could be killed or kill someone else when you have a failure!
*******Sorry buh may I ask why is it that you only used the Arc welding on the hitch area of the dolly... (Was it simply because the metal was to thick to weld in the hitch area for the Meg welder ...?)
I love watching you guys teaching us to build stuff
Im not satisfied with this... how does the front tire turn??
Good job. God bless you. From Brazil.
Can you pls build for me.i need agently.
Well done but my like is for cookies....😍😍😍😍
To make my pivot I put a bolt on the hitch. And well it set up so it pivot with it.
There is no swivel plate for turns---won't work
Blah, blah, blah read all comments please … and watch more it works just fine.
Bendiciones.. Gracia por el vídeo...muy bueno
You actually do not need license plate for a tow dolly in Texas. Which is strange since they tax us for everything else
I thought Texas is a free state?
How heavy is this thing? Can you lift it with two people?
How do you turn with a fixed platform? That's a nightmare waiting to happen.
No nightmares here... Unlock the steering wheel and drive away.
What if u load the car on backwards
@@51-FS Why would you do that though ? Don't, Unless you are using an actual car trailer.
U want to load the drive wheels....
@@51-FS That's what neutral is for. Steer wheels on the dolly, drive wheels on the ground in neutral.
Good job
Wow. Thank you for this video and the hours it took to weld and edit.
I am interested in building one myself, as I have a bunch of metal lying around and need to move a 98 Accord. (Funny your vehicle of choice). Question is: how to make it legal in PA?
What’s up with Pennsylvania? I’ve read off-road atv’s need a license decal there. Now, a tool like a tow dolly is a hassle to become legal? Sorry, but you live in a poorly run state.
@@label1877 - To safety check or not safety check... this is the question. Building a homemade car dolly is all fine and great until the dolly comes apart on the highway and injures/kills someone due to someone building one that has absolutely no business/skill building a proper and safe dolly.
WJK One could make that argument on absolutely anything. A boat trailer, a tire carrier, an outside lighting fixture. So you do not trust your fellow citizens to know their ass from a hole in the ground. Nobody but licensed, insured, bonded men are “allowed “ to do anything? That is a ...big brother knows best Philosophy. It’s a heavy handed way to run a government. In my state, that would not fly. Life has risks, if homemade dollies become a safety issue, we will address it.
@label1877 - No, actually the argument can't be made for everything... you can't cherry-pick or use half logic where full logic is required. (ie) Someone builds a homemade lighting fixture and it fails and falls off their barn wall and whacks them on their head, that's completely isolated to them, as it only affects (hopefully) just them. Send a homemade whatever rolling up and down public roads (vs rolling up and down someone's personal/private road) and the item should need AND be allowed to receive a simple and easy inspection and approval. See... I'm actually 100% for homemade items be it private off-road us or public on-road use but there's a right way and a wrong way to go about it. The Gov't/States ultimately work for the people... if there isn't a system in place that allows someone to build (for example) a diy car dolly (and also a way to get it inspected and approved for public road use) then that simply needs to change... easy as that.
@@label1877 just came by to say you're right and the other guy is full of rotten baloney
Trailer pivot point is in middle of axle. Car wheel pivot point is thru centre line of ball joints ,one on each side. Your system cant work.Other than in a straight line you cannot move that rig without the power of a car. Those trailer wheels will be skidding in a turn. This is real dumb. Basic engineering is missing.
You mean a car doesn't steer in the middle of the front axle like a radio flyer wagon?? Lol
It won't. Picture a semi truck that the 5th wheel does not rotate. Exact same principle. It will never turn correctly without dragging the dolly sideways.
@@TimMcArdle watch "Acme EZE-Tow Tow Dolly Demonstration Video" lots of people are using this dolly
I just watched it and if you notice when they turn, it literally drags the dolly sideways. This thing will chew tires up like crazy. I would like to see this dolly in a sharp slow turn and you'll understand how inefficient that is. Doesn't matter if the wheels on the car is turned all the way to one side or straight, it will pull exactly the same.
@@TimMcArdle I understand what you are saying because I have had both but this one pretty good for short drives. If you are going for long drives get the swivel
I have the same angle grinder and I could never get my angle grinder it cut like yours tell me what kind a special cut off wills are you using
regular harbor freight specials...
Nothing like welding arc burns on your nipples to wake you up! Lol
Maybe it's an S&M fetish?
What's the type of welding rod (s) that were used?
its a wire welder, MIG and 6011-6013 rods is my guess
Raleigh Dale from 1 year ago got it right and described it perfectly! (scroll down and read his comment). A car dolly that doesn't pivot drags the trailer wheels sideways when you corner. Unlocking the steering wheel does not help. Just because you've been building trailers for years doesn't mean you understand physics.
Not true.....
WHEN THEY PUT ON BEACH SHORTS AND GIRL SLIPPERS TO BUILD CAR DOLLY LMAO........NIIIICCCCEEE ........NICE BUILD
How do you load it without ramps?
www.harborfreight.com/4000-lb-capacity-solid-steel-auto-ramp-set-63250.html?ccdenc=eyJjb2RlIjoiMjU1MDUxNTIiLCJza3UiOiI2MzI1MCIsImlzIjoiNTkuOTkifQ%3D%3D&campaignid=12144811130&adsetid=117789282198&product=63250&store=3275&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADAHb4eg8Fa5BJFCqTwwBOXU-OlAS&gclid=CjwKCAjw88yxBhBWEiwA7cm6pQN0E9ncFUiSAmM84NHFLInTtfgbu-6N3GYqsw51LjCBF6hC9fjFqxoC9TcQAvD_BwE
I hope you have good insurance if you plan on taking that Mickey Mouse thing down the highway
I'm not a bit worried... thanks for the concern.
@@BigRedFishDad love it ;)
Show us what did You build.? Keep quiet
for my safety i hope that BigRedFishDad is never towing anything close to me on the road.
LOL
I agree !!
Yes this dolly not safe specially in turns or curve
Ball hitch is better bolted, not Legacy welded meaning three hours vs five minutes for replacement. Still nice job
Looks great hey what kind of welder did you used
Brand and what type?
What voltage does it need?
Thanks
A question I hope I'm wrong that does not have to be approved by the dot....
Cool project,but I love the old bronco. Do something cool with that 👌
He rebuilt the transmission... was running pretty good drove it for a few days until two of the tires shredded (they were probably 10 years old to begin with). Let is sit for about two months now when he puts in in drive it dies. Put it in reverse you can drive all over the yard backward. Time, time, time there is never enough time to finish everything!
@@BigRedFishDad check the neutral safety switch on the trans ,it might just be out if adjustment,or replace.
@@tinysmisadventures3051 will do thanks!
What steel did you use and whats the gauge of the metal? Also can I get prices of everything that you used?
heavy bot trailer channel that was left over from the camper build and a new axel from tractor supply. The rest was either 3/16 or 1/8 angle that I keep on the rack in my shop. With the scrap and other I had maybe $250 for axel and tires.
What are the specs on the axle you used for this build?
I like that fish symbol I know what I mean I like it thank you for the video. I can make one of my own
Good job. HOW DID THE CAR GOT ONTO THE DOLLY ? WHAT IS THE RATINGS ON THE AXLES ? WHAT SHOULD BE YOUR LIMITATION OF TOWING?
sorry... we use the car ramps that we use to change oil. Watch the end of video where I talk about issues with the straps. I have wheel straps now but need to weld a few hooks on to attach them with.
You guys should test at 120 mph and prove its good
Where did you get the first part you had laying on the ground the part the wheels get put on to?
You're going to have to buy a trailer axle with the load bearing capabilities exceeding what you're going to tow.
Who thinks this guy will figure out that even if he leaves the steering unlocked it will not allow the car to turn? Wow! Makes one wonder what his boat trailer camper is built like.
I know what happens. My pivot point locked up on my dolly and even with the steering unlocked it bent the crap out of my tie rods and such. Cost a lot of money to fix it.
@@BadmunkyWRX I pretty sure he has no idea what the difference between a tow Bar and a tow Dolly is ha ha!
@@mattmoilanen3813 I dont think he fully understands the mechanics of it.
He thinks the towed vehicle will "steer" on the dolly but if it's strapped correctly it will not. It will bend steering and suspension parts tho! LOL I know this for a fact. My column was not locked when my dollys pivot failed.
Bent the crap out of a lot of stuff under my car. Was not cheap to fix.
boat trailer camper been on many hunting trips and still going strong 5 years later... you should check out the videos on it!
@@BigRedFishDad Ill check them out!
I actually love watching videos like this.
Hows it holding up??
Была б у меня такая страшная жена я бы тоже в гараже жил,шутка!) автор молодец, руки откуда нужно)
An accident waiting to happen no steering accerman or swivel tinplate ball hitch best not to use on highway...... Look into build specs before you make the replacement all you have made is a 24 inch long trailer not a dolly
No plans to replace ... but thanks for watching!
@@BigRedFishDad yes but I won't subscribe, constructive criticism is not taken so here it is again unsafe junk from junk don't worry you are not allow I've seen Russian, Polish Indian (from India ) all constructed as yours and all unsafe.......
I am very sad but thanks for watching ;) We love when the keyboard experts chime in. All you said was "it doesn't pivot" ... which has already been addressed.
@@BigRedFishDad then you should update the video, my first comment accident waiting to happen no steering. .....not a keyboard jockey /expert but spent most of my life in mechanical engineering read a lot of books seems my advise for you to do research goes Un heeded ...if you don't understand how something works how can you attempt to recreate it... that's me out even the Chinese have to reverse engineer anything they copy good look in what you do
@@georobinson1222 again... thanks for watching;) If you spent that long reading about engineering you woukd know there is always another way to achieve the same results. Good luck with your design and all you do as well.
Hint: cars are already designed to "pivot".
Thank you.
Good job.!!
Not shure about that amount of continuous ark welding on the hitch tho.
Would prefer short runs + bolts.!!
Don't loan this thing out unless you enjoy rebuilding bent up steel. Just ask how I know?!!
Phil Lowman how do you know
@@betop7762 You know how he knows; WE ALL KNOW.
What axle did you use
I don't remember but it was from Northern Tool. I think it was a 3500lb.
@@BigRedFishDad appreciate it brotha!
You don't have any safety chains to attach to the towing vehicle, no safety chains to attach to the car being towed, you don't have the legal tire straps that are required, no ramps, no fenders, no swiveling platform , and license plate needs to be mounted on the fenders that aren't there with light on them as well. I wouldn't pay $200.00 for that. And it won't pass a DOT inspection. BUT I am just saying!!!!!!!! I build trailers for a living.
Thanks for watching and it isn't for sale... just saying ;)
Well thanks for responding.
Would u sale if for a 1000 bucks?
I dont know how texas is, but anywhere else in the country doesnt require licensing a tow dolly, same as a log splitter, or a welder trailer.
Can I still do this with a stick welder
How does he know what you can do? I am guessing the answer is "no" since you asked. haha
@@timwilliams632 it’s already done also if you read it a little slower you’d be able to see it was a question. 🤣🤣
@@listen9454 I was just looking at the phrasing of your question: you asked if YOU could do it with a stick welder. How would any of us know what YOU can do? Get my point?
@@timwilliams632 my whole point was if it’ll be just as reliable with a stick welder I was still in welding school I’m done now and I already know. I didn’t ask if I can do this I asked if I can do this with a stick welder I was clearly asking if a stick welder can hold it up
The welder type doesn't matter if you get good penetration you will have equivalent welds.
I like it
Sounds like your running more wire speed
maybe I cheat and use the autoset feature on Miller it is usually pretty close for homeschool ;)
Great job. should work just fine.
In a straight line
Is this street legal?
yes, tagged as a homemade trailer. Just used it a few weeks ago to haul 1988 bronco 140 miles.
Excelent. It is one of the Best I saw. I'm planing to bild one myself. Very good designe. 👍👍
Watch welding???
Donde es eso
Thankyou
So with all the negative comments ... it would seem an impossible way to use this dolly..however the fact is yes it will work .is it optimal , ? No of course not it would be better if it had a swivel . But it will work and yes leaving the steering will alleviate some of the problem ..not all but enough .. as far as the tire scrubbing .. I. Would ask one of you geniuses to explain how a 3 axle trailer would ever work? Yet they are sold every day also how many of you know the difference between a spread axle trailer and a closed axle trailer ? .. granted a spread axle can dump the air on a tight turn .. if you have air suspension.. so those types of axle configurations run thousands of miles daily.. on heavy trucks lots of weight .. and you people think that a car dollie with no turntable but does allow for som turning with steering ...and drawing around a lill pos car that weigh maybe 3 thousand lbs is out of the question ? Also how much use will it have ?
It is a blatant lie that you need an articulating wheel pan. Fixed pan designs work much better in turns than the moving ones. In addition, it is impossible to damage your car with the dolly fender brackets. Swivel pan designs are obsolete.
ALSO HOW DID YOU MAKE HOOKS TO STRAP THE TIRES ?
Rebar
A 2007 dodge Caravan axle is better with stroger bearings
Won't work, it needs a pivoting turn table to steer.
Wrong... but thanks for watching!
@@BigRedFishDad I built one which pivots as these do not work. with the two front wheels strapped like this it drags the back wheels on the bends. You might be lucky and not have any tight bends like we have here.
@@cunningplan96 Better luck next time... I mentioned this in the video and several comments but my only issues was I needed the proper wheel straps. Unlock the steering column security feature and drive away.
I know about having the lock off! We did have one in the garage but after the boss having problems with the car very nearly falling off! He gave it away. I have seen them work but where I live they just don’t 👌
If no pivot is needed then why do tow trucks have them on there wheel lifts
All these coments are what I thought too .
I would be dressed when cutting, grinding and welding
Niceeee.
Like 👍👍👍
you're welding in crocks without a shirt on, OSHA would not approve of this.
Guess its a good thing an OSHA inspector don't step onto my private property then.
@@BigRedFishDad hehe fuck'em. have you seen the shit they do approve? l mean we're talking about knives that aren't even usable. l don't know anybody at work who uses and OSHA approved knife. l mean it's physical labor, you're gonna get hurt every now and then. we don't need the government to hold our hands when we work.
Just keeps the lawyers happy ;) If you seen many of my vids... I ain't too hung up on osha standards. Gloves and goggles when grinding or cutting and I'm good.
Ela vai amotesedor ou mola
I want to make one but out of a bigger alxes I can find junk around the house to build it. Not any great video out there saying how to. No offense
If you built it out of aluminum that would be the greatest coolest tow dolly ever just saying
Somebody is gonna get hurt
Lot of tire scrub in the similar tow dolly at th-cam.com/video/ZoizMRJ6aUo/w-d-xo.html
Q medidas tiene el doli de ancho y punta y separacion de llanta a llanta
79 inches between drop... pause video at 0:09 to 0:11
Lengthy video
Might wanna tear it back apart and turn it into a trailer haul to motorcycles or a snowmobile or quad . Not a car dolly your wife should have told u that before she made the cookies... just saying
Would love to see yours... Just saying 😉
el trailer del miserable
Why even bother with gloves if you don't even have a jacket, shirt or pants on while arc welding and grinding?
Because you use your hands to grab things not your legs. Also, I have nicked the gloves while grinding many times it would not have been so great on bare fingers.
@@BigRedFishDad arc spatter goes everywhere though. Hands aren't the only body parts hit when arc welding. Granted, even when you wear all the gear you still get spatter down into your shirt or jacket and still get burned, but you get burned a whole lot less.
@@farmsgrace341Yep it does... not too worried about that it hurts when it gets in the crocs but so does bacon grease when it pops all over your hand when cooking. But you said why bother while grinding as well...a cutoff wheel will take a finger down to the bone quick without gloves but a little spatter aint gonna ruin my day.
BigRedFishDad I only added grinding to my question because the caption on that part of the vid said grinding and welding, even though that section of the vid only showed your helper or son arc welding without a shirt or long pants on. You were at least wearing a shirt while mig welding or maybe flux core welding(didn't see a bottle). As for your crocs, I've welded with flip flops on once before, long long ago, so I know the "joy" of that and have opted for boots from then on. Anyways, it's your body to do with as you please and I really have no say in what you do. I was just asking a question. So, asked and answered. Very nice towing trailer. Have a great day.
O PALMEIRAS Ñ TEM MUNDIAL
Please wear pants shirts work boots and proper clothing when you are welding. Nobody wants to see your beer gut or shorts. You have many viewers so safety should be a big priority.
Safety info at 4:25... thanks for watching. I do hate it when some of that spatter falls inside the crocs!
Too many of these YT creators hang their laurels on stupidity !
Что это такое
Safety first Need to wear boots gloves eye protection
This dolly needs work
Yes it needs the turntables for the tires and weight distribution DOT
Dept of transportation would fail it CHP California Highway patrol would pull you over and declare it unsafe at highway speeds
Consider electric brakes if you can they help alot on steep grades .
Ha... no worries you will NEVER see me in CA. And a little hot metal in the crocs only hurts for a few minutes ;)
@@BigRedFishDad unstable and not safe
Youre asking for a ccident
@@cupofcoffee2914 thanks for the concern... that debate has already been had and thanks for watching!
@@cupofcoffee2914 What do turntables have to do with weight distribution going straight down the road?
LMFAO
You need brakes by law better check
Way under 4000lbs... better check yourself :) Thanks for watching!
Varies by state
In Ohio anything over 2k MUST have brakes.
Same for MI. Not sure about others.
But I know most states ar 1,500-3,000lbs you need brakes if you go over that.
@@BadmunkyWRX it is 4500lbs in Texas (contrary to all the "experts" on here I did do my research before hand :; )
What are you towing it with?
The tow vehicle is what you need to go by if its rated less than the state law.
My Silverado 2500HD is rated for 5K without trailer brakes. After that I must have them. In my case the state laws is lower so I have to go by that.
My old Tahoe was only rated for 2,500 without trailer brakes. State law was still lower at 2k so I still had to go by that.
My wifes Jeep is only good for 1,500 without trailer brakes so I have to go by that even tho state law is 2k.
sorry..the trailer is not correct..do not build this trailer...it is dangerous..it needs to be able to turn..go look at a uhaul before you build a dolly...the uhaul is correct...bigredfish should pull this video before someone gets hurt...u tube can be dangerous if people listen and copy people who dont know what they are doing
Ohhh the late comments to the conversation.... been using it for a few years now. Btw... go read the debate below but like many people today with all things they (you) "believe" things can only be one way.
NO BRAKES, f*cking lethal.
Mine is a Master Tow production model with no brakes. Haven't killed anyone yet.
No brakes? Lol so every trailer without brakes is lethal? Many boat trailers, single and double axle utility trailers, etc. do not have brakes.
@@jarodmorris611 Well, stay away from me then :)
yur dumm
Can i ask whats the name of the material that you weld to the frame? Using stick welding..