How to Load a Non Running Car On a Tow Dolly (DIY in 2026)

Whether heading out on a road trip or not, it is essential to know how to load a non-running car on a tow dolly. 

Just imagine your car running out of fuel in the middle of the road late at night. How will you tow it when you don’t even know how to load the car on a tow dolly? To help you out, we will tell you how to load a non-running car on a tow dolly, and that too without buying any come-along. 

Now, different types of dollies have different loading processes. So, let’s check out their types first.

Types of Tow Dolly

Here are the two main types of dollies that are available on the market nowadays. 

Mounted Front Wheels Dolly

This type of dolly has wheels similar to the ones at the front of your car. These wheels initiate the kingpins, enabling the vehicle to move on an axis between the trailer wheels. 

Such car dollies are safer to use than the others. The reason is that they reduce the risks of your car hitting the rear end of the car while towing.

The Center Pivot RV Dolly

This dolly is similar to the mounted front wheel one, and it also supports fixed trailer tires. Its center of the pivot lets your car track around the corners. 

However, the position of the pivot in this dolly can make your car unsteady and move around while turning.

Factors to Consider Before You Load Vehicle

Here are some important factors that you must keep in mind before loading your vehicle. 

Model of Car

You must check the car model and the build before loading it on the dolly. It will determine how easy or difficult your job is going to be. Primarily, a car tow dolly is best for cars with front-wheel drive. Such vehicles require little to no effort or steps while loading on a tow dolly. 

The reason is that in front-wheel drive, the engine transmits all of its power to the front wheels only. In this way, only the front wheels get on the tow dolly. Due to this, you won’t have to worry about disconnecting the drive shafts and whatnot. 

So, if you have front-wheel drive, loading and unloading your vehicle on the tow dolly will become a sweet breeze. However, if you own a different model, you can get a further tutorial for loading your car in the article.

See Also: How To Turn Off Mykey On A Ford Without The Admin Key?

Weight of Car

It is crucial to know the weight of your car to get a suitable tow dolly. Your vehicle should be at least 750 pounds heavier than the vehicle-in-tow. 

So, if your vehicle exceeds the weight limit of the tow dolly, then towing can become tricky and dangerous. You will have to get proper safety equipment and additional brakes in such cases. 

Still, to avoid inconvenience, it is better to check the car’s weight and the tow dolly’s capacity before getting into loading.

Steps on How to Tow a Car That Doesn’t Run

To tow a non-running car, you will require two vehicles, a tow dolly, security chains, ratchet straps, metal plates, and safety chains. 

Firstly, park the tow dolly and the towing vehicle with its engine off and aligned equally on a flat surface. Tighten the coupler hand tire and position the ball clamp under the coupler and close the hitch ball. 

Also, check if you need to secure the safety chains with the s hooks and rubber retainers. 

Now, follow the steps below to prepare the tow dolly.

1. Untie the latch pins and pull out the slopes to get the ramps all set.
2. Pull the release lever to detach the straps from the ratchet spool and then lift the lever until it locks.
3. By pulling upwards, free the straps and lay them on the tow dolly’s surfaces.
4. Place the vehicle along with the tow dolly.
5. Now, get two metal plates and place them below the tow dolly’s ramps. 
6. Push the tow dolly to get it under the vehicle’s front wheels. 
7. Start securing the vehicle by binding the strap over the tires.
8. Now, line up the ratchet at the center of the tire.
9. Once you have loaded the car, lock the ramps back into the tow vehicle.

With this method, you won’t have to spend any money on a come-along and still easily tow your non-running car.

Check Out How to Load a Car onto a Tow Dolly:

Tips on How to Put a Car on a Tow Dolly

Before loading the car on a tow dolly, make sure to check the vehicle properly if it is ready for loading or not. 

First of all, check if you have attached the tow dolly and fastened the safety chains tightly. Also, get rid of any extra weight in the back of your car, or else it will start swaying around due to being unbalanced.

Now, follow the below steps to load your car on the tow dolly.

1. Align the car and tow dolly with each other and park them on a firm and even surface.
2. Put out the tow dolly’s ramps and lay the tire straps horizontally on the floor.
3. Now position your vehicle at the center of the tow dolly surface and slowly drive the car onto the ramp.
4. After parking the car on the ramp, apply the parking brake.
5. Once you have loaded the car, make sure to secure the car tires with straps and safety chains.
6. After loading the vehicle, keep it in the parking setting, release the brakes, and unlock the steering wheel.
7. Once you have followed all the steps and successfully loaded the tow dolly, just hit the road. But don’t forget to check the straps from time to time to be safe.

FAQs

Final Considerations

Now that you know all about how to load a nonrunning car on a tow dolly, you must be ready to hit the road with no fear. 

With our quick and easy guide, you don’t have to ask for professional help. Just make sure to follow each step carefully, and voila, you are all set! 

Also, keeping a box of the tools or equipment we have mentioned in your car at all times is necessary.