Towing a vehicle can sometimes be a necessity, and for many, a car dolly offers a convenient and affordable solution. U-Haul car dollies, in particular, are widely accessible for those needing to move a front-wheel-drive vehicle. But a common question arises when maneuvering with this setup, especially in tight spots: Can you back up with a car on a tow dolly?
Let’s dive into the complexities of backing up with a car dolly, specifically a U-Haul, and understand what you need to consider before attempting this maneuver.
The short answer, based on collective experience and expert advice, is backing up with a U-Haul car dolly is generally not recommended and extremely difficult. While technically possible in very limited situations, it’s a maneuver that’s fraught with challenges and potential complications.
The Challenge of Backing Up with a Car Dolly
The fundamental issue lies in the design of a car dolly. Unlike a trailer with steerable wheels that follow the towing vehicle’s direction when reversing, a car dolly is designed to swivel. This swiveling action is essential for navigating turns going forward, but it becomes a major hindrance when backing up.
Imagine trying to push a shopping cart backward by its handle – it tends to veer uncontrollably. A car dolly behaves similarly. As you reverse, the dolly’s swivel mechanism, combined with the weight and momentum of the towed vehicle, makes it incredibly difficult to control the direction. The car on the dolly will likely turn independently, often at an angle to your towing vehicle, leading to a jackknife situation or worse.
Many users online forums echo this sentiment. One user described it as “shooting pool with a piece of rope,” highlighting the lack of control. Another shared a frustrating experience of trying to back up a Toyota Camry on a U-Haul dolly, ending in a “pain in the butt, aggravating, and tense situation.”
Why is Backing Up a Car Dolly So Hard?
Several factors contribute to the difficulty of reversing with a U-Haul car dolly:
- Swivel Action: The dolly’s swivel point, designed for forward motion and turns, becomes unpredictable in reverse. It allows the towed car to move independently, making it hard to maintain a straight line.
- Limited Visibility: Backing up any trailer or towing setup requires good visibility. With a car dolly and a vehicle behind you, blind spots are significantly increased, making it harder to see and react to the dolly’s movements.
- Steering Dynamics: The steering of the towed car is locked, but the wheels on the dolly are free to move. This creates a double-articulation point (the hitch and the dolly swivel), compounding the complexity of controlling the direction in reverse.
- Weight Distribution: The weight of the towed vehicle on the dolly influences the swivel action. Uneven weight distribution can further exacerbate the unpredictable behavior when backing up.
However, some users report limited success in very specific scenarios. One user mentioned that for minor adjustments, like “moving backwards a few feet in order to re-angle forward,” it might be manageable. Another user claimed to have backed up a block in a straight line with a specific type of dolly that had a swivel lock pin, emphasizing that turning while reversing is almost impossible.
Tips for Backing Up a Car Dolly (If Absolutely Necessary)
Despite the inherent difficulties, if you find yourself in a situation where backing up with a U-Haul car dolly is unavoidable, proceed with extreme caution and consider these tips:
- Straight Line Only: Attempt to back up in a straight line only. Avoid any turns or curves.
- Go Extremely Slowly: Inch back gradually, allowing yourself time to react to the dolly’s movements.
- Constant Corrections: Be prepared to make frequent small corrections with your steering wheel to try and keep the dolly and towed car straight.
- Use a Spotter: If possible, have someone outside the vehicle to act as a spotter and guide you, especially to monitor the dolly’s position and warn of any deviations.
- Lock the Towed Car’s Steering (Potentially): While generally not recommended by U-Haul, some users suggest locking the towed car’s steering wheel might offer slightly more control in a straight reverse maneuver, but this is not guaranteed and could cause other issues.
- Patience is Key: Backing up a car dolly is not a quick process. Take your time, be patient, and don’t hesitate to pull forward and realign if things start to go wrong.
Alternatives to Backing Up
Given the high difficulty and risks associated with backing up a U-Haul car dolly, it’s always best to explore alternative solutions whenever possible:
- Plan Ahead: Carefully plan your route and parking to minimize or eliminate the need to back up.
- Unloading and Repositioning: If you only need to move the car a short distance, consider unloading the car from the dolly in a safe location and manually pushing or using other means to move it into its final position.
- Tow Truck Assistance: For complex parking situations or tight driveways, consider calling a tow truck. Professionals have the equipment and experience to maneuver vehicles in challenging spots safely and efficiently.
- Using a Trailer: If you frequently tow vehicles and need to back up, investing in a car trailer instead of a dolly is a much better option. Trailers are designed to be more controllable when reversing.
Conclusion
While the question “Can you back up with a U-Haul car dolly?” might technically have a “yes” answer under very specific and limited circumstances, the practical reality is that it’s an extremely challenging and risky maneuver. For most drivers, and in most situations, backing up with a U-Haul car dolly should be avoided.
Prioritize planning your towing and parking to eliminate the need for reversing. If backing up is absolutely unavoidable, proceed with extreme caution, utilize a spotter, move at a snail’s pace, and be prepared for a frustrating experience. When in doubt, seeking professional assistance or exploring alternative solutions is always the wiser and safer choice.
