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Last Updated on August 24, 2024 by Paul Clayton
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Top 5 Trailer Dollies for Your RV Buyers Guide
Trailer dollies are indispensable tools for your RV. They are designed to assist you in maneuvering your recreational vehicle into tight spots. These devices provide not only convenience but also safety and efficiency.
- Essential gear for RV owners, aiding in mobility.
- Manual, electric, or hydraulic options offer versatility.
- Facilitates moving, parking, and repositioning trailers effortlessly.
- It is irreplaceable when tow vehicle use is restricted.
- The choice of dolly depends on the RV size and weight.
- Minimizes risk of RV damage during maneuvering.
If you live in an older neighborhood with a single, tight road, just as I do, chances are you always need help to pivot, pull in and out, or park your RV.
Regardless of your skill, reversing, parking, or lining up your trailer hitch without needing a truck can be backbreaking labor. The process becomes even more challenging, if not outright impossible, when you try squeezing the RV into a tight space.
This is why an electric dolly for an RV is a godsend accessory for anyone who tows or parks in awkward spots.
Rather than stressing yourself with hellish hundred-point turns, a trailer dolly allows you to navigate tight spaces easily.
Check out some of the highly-rated trailer dollies for RVs to help you easily navigate your RV.
Top 5 Trailer Dollies for RV
1) Parkit360 10K BZ Dolly – Editor’s Choice
Our top pick, the Parkit 360 motorized dolly, is what we use to move our trailers, and we can’t get enough of it.
It’s top-of-the-line, convenient, has decent build quality, and has enough power to pull most trailers.
Under the hood, the Parkit 360 motorized dolly packs a beefy 12V battery-powered 1.5 HP motor. Combined with specialized gear ratios, Parkit is a beast in its capacity and effortlessly manhandles trailers up to 10,000 lbs through the yard.
It’s electric, and therefore, there’s virtually no physical effort to use this dolly, and it can handle anything from trailers and RVs to boats.
The dolly packs a powerful punch but in a small, compact package. It fits into the trunk of my Subaru Outback, and it’s easy to store it in tight spots in my garage when not in use.
Unfortunately, it’s over 100 lbs, so if you need to lift it into a truck, you need muscle or a ramp. Small people may struggle with weight. However, I’ve found it an indispensable tool; it probably wouldn’t do the task if it were lighter.
I also love how Parkit removes the headache of connecting the dolly to your trailer. It comes ready for action right out of the box—no fiddly installation or anything. Switch it to neutral gear, and its wheels easily attach to the trailer hitch.
The best part is that you can mount Parkit using the ball mount, the tongue jacks, or the optional universal adapter. Talk about versatility!
Operating Parkit 360 is as easy as A, B, and C. Moving forward or backward is through a simple button.
It’s perfect for tight space parking jobs and benefits RV owners with limited trailer backing practice or those who need more confidence getting a trailer into a tight spot.
Furthermore, many RVers enjoy the Intelligent Speed Control feature, which provides variable speed settings. Meanwhile, the innovative braking system is handy when moving your trailer on sharp inclines.
I like the 4″ wide tires, which handle rough and smooth surfaces, including grass. The 4″ tires also turn much easier than the 6.5″ tires found in most dollies.
The Parkit battery lasts a long time, and thanks to the onboard charger, charging is super-fast. The digital voltage gauge is a nice perk, giving an insight into how much power is left.
Overall, Parkit is a beautiful product, but if you feel it’s overkill for your needs, consider the 5k model from Parkit360.
Pros
- Powerful motor
- No installation needed
- Allows precision parking
Cons
- Not ideal for inclines above 6%
2) Trailer Valet TVXL25 XL Trailer Dolly – Most Versatile
Trailer Valet TVXL25 XL Trailer Dolly is the perfect pick for those who need to add versatility to the control method.
It has the option of manual crank hand operation and an 18-volt drill. The latter saves you the trouble of hand-cranking or relying on batteries.
However, each control method has its share of pros and cons. Hand cranking provides more precision but is more taxing to the body. On the other hand, using the drill saves you from the hard work, but it also has a fair share of challenges.
The drill’s problem is that it sometimes gets stuck or skips gear. It also requires you to stay focused because if the break gets engaged, the power drill jerks hard, and there’s usually a real possibility of injury.
I recommend that you alternate between the two. If you need speed, go with the drill; if you need precision, consider the crank.
Finding the best balance spot takes time, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll love how easy it is to maneuver your trailer. The patented ball attachment design allows you to back in your trailer in narrow openings and even turn almost 90 degrees.
Furthermore, Trailer Valet is powerful, and you can rely on it to move your 10,000 lbs trailer around and even up slight inclines without any issue. Meanwhile, it remains stable, safe, and rock solid.
The no-flat solid rubber tires are a welcome addition. They save you from the inconvenience of inflating them, though they find treading on gravel surfaces difficult.
I also love how well this product is built. Metal for everything for extended durability. It’s manageable, too, and at 50 pounds, it’s lightweight and will sit neatly inside your trailer, so you shouldn’t have a problem taking it to the RV park.
An automatic brake is another perk that keeps your trailer from accidental rolls.
Pros
- Value for money
- Versatility in control
- Incredible maneuverability with the ball attachment design
Cons
- Works best on flat concrete
3) SuperHandy Trailer Dolly – Best Dolly for Light Trailers
SuperHandy Trailer dolly provides excellent value, and you won’t find anything out there that’s close to its price that will do the job this machine does. Of course, there are better machines, but they are twice the price.
The industrial-grade 800W motor on SuperHandy is designed for RVers with lighter trailers. It has a maximum weight capacity of 2,800 pounds and is a practical option for maneuvering pop-ups and Class A and B trailers.
And that’s not all; it comes with a distinct ball attachment, making maneuvering your rig more effortless. It drastically improves mobility and responsiveness, and this is nice when you’re trying to back up your trailer in a tight spot.
Combined with the swivel wheel, you enjoy navigating your trailer in tight and awkward spots you wouldn’t manage to do manually or with a truck.
But you must go slow when operating this dolly and keep your trailer wheels close to the ground. This will prevent the dolly from tipping forward. It would help if you didn’t make sharp turns, either. You should perform a 4-point turn at a shallower angle rather than a complete 90-degree turn.
Assembling and connecting the dolly to the hitch is effortless and straightforward. You don’t need to read the manual right out of the box.
I’m also impressed by the overload protector, which shuts down the dolly in case of an electric surge. The 24-inch tire base promotes stability and ensures the dolly doesn’t flip when moving a bulky load. But I suggest you replace the OEM tires with tractor-style tires if you need more traction.
The powerful battery is also a plus. It lasts long and has a convenient indicator showing the battery charge level.
My biggest gripe with the SuperHandy dolly is the lack of a brake function. Therefore, you must remain mindful when using it on a slope. I wouldn’t count on this being able to stop a runaway trailer.
Pros
- Ideal for lighter trailers
- Overload protection feature
- Low maintenance
Cons
- No brakes
4) Tow Tuff Electric Trailer Dolly – Most Stable Dolly (Three wheels)
Sporting a three-wheel design, adjustable height, and variable speed, you should consider the Tow Tuff Electric Trailer Dolly for numerous reasons.
I’m a huge fan of this dolly because it strikes a delicate balance of price and performance. It’s a relatively inexpensive pick, yet powerful enough to move 3,500 lbs trailers.
However, the biggest praise is for the triple-wheel layout. The three wheels combine to provide stability (no flipping) and make it much easier to park your trailer with pinpoint accuracy.
The 24V motor is also spritely, and I love the variable speed options that allow me to go slow or fast.
On the other hand, the powerful 7 AH batteries have enough juice to run for extended periods without recharge. Meanwhile, the LED indicators let you know the battery’s charge status.
Another awesome benefit of the Tow Tuff Electric Trailer Dolly is its adjustable ball height. The dolly can move from 22 to 28.5” in height, which is nice because it allows you to use it with different trailers.
My only concern with this dolly is that it needs a braking system. It’s a potential safety issue, especially when stowing your trailer on inclined surfaces.
Pros
- Three wheels for added stability
- Variable speed
- Adjustable height
Cons
- No brakes
5) Trailer Valet TV5X Lift Jack – Best Value
Trailer Valet TV5X Lift Jack is ideal for positioning mid-weight trailers. It has a decent weight capacity of 5,000 lbs and tongue weight capacity of 500 lbs, so it generally has a broad use.
It’s fantastic for stowing or maneuvering your trailer in awkward spots. In particular, it makes it easier to manipulate your trailer in impossible corners that would be hard to work with your truck.
Installing this bad boy is also pretty easy, and it’s compatible with trailers with an 8” mounting bracket. Using Trailer Valet TV5X Lift Jack is equally a breeze, and the specialized high and low gear ratios make it easier to crank the dolly.
Along with the hand crank, you can also power this dolly using drill power. The drill is perfect when you don’t need to expend your physical energy.
A limitation of the Trailer Valet TV5X Lift Jack is it only works well on hard, flat, and stable surfaces like asphalt and concrete.
I also found the drill bit to be too low. It needs to be standard, which is necessary for this tool.
Otherwise, everything else on the Trailer Valet TV5X Lift Jack is awesome, and it will impress you on flat surfaces. You won’t need to break the bank either to get a piece of the action.
Pros
- Affordable
- It comes with an 8″ mounting bracket
- Allow RVers to maneuver in tight spaces
Cons
- It doesn’t work well on inclines and rough surfaces
This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to Parkit360
Best Trailer Dolly for RV Buying Guide
If you’re considering getting an RV trailer dolly, here are the essential purchase considerations for your next selection.
Type of RV Dolly (Electric, Hand or Powered) – Which One to Choose
There are three main categories of RV dollies:
- Electric RV dollies
- Hand crank dollies
- Manual dollies
Each style has its benefits and drawbacks, and the different categories suit different situations.
However, one commonality of all these styles of RV dollies is they make lining your trailer a child’s play.
Manual Trailer Dolly
Manual tow dollies use human energy to move your trailer. They’re the least common type of RV tow dolly and will generally work well on smaller travel trailers.
A manual dolly will serve you fine unless you have a hefty camper. They’re great because they’re cheaper and the easiest to use.
Pros
- Affordable
- Lightweight and compact
- Perfect for ultra-light trailers
Cons
- Only support lightweight campers
Electric Motor Dollies
Electric tow dollies are the most popular RV dollies. An AC motor or DC power can power them.
While they’re generally more sluggish than other dollies, they’ll help you move a hefty trailer without any physical input.
Pros
- Handles large weight
- Premium options provide different drive gears
- Easy to maintain
Cons
- Sluggish
Hand Crank Dollies
The hand-crank RV dollies delicately toe the line between manual and electric travel trailers. These dollies are generally made to handle heavy-duty machinery.
Pros
- Flexibility power sources
- Can handle the more significant weight
Cons
- Still rely on human strength
Are Trailer Dollies Worth It: What’s the Benefit of Trailer Dollies?
If you’re wondering whether investing in a trailer dolly is worth it, here are some of the benefits you stand to gain:
Precision Parking: A trailer dolly for RV makes parking much more accessible and helps with minute adjustments.
Save your back: The electric dollies for RVs are handy helpers that do all the heavy lifting. They help you conserve your energy.
Prevent damage: The right dolly will simplify the lifting job, and its safety features will also prevent damage and falls.
Improved maneuverability: A good quality dolly will make it easier to put the trailer exactly where you want it. It simplifies the maneuverability aspect.
Convenient and simple: Most dollies are dead simple and straightforward to operate. They’re affordable, too, and will provide a dependable way of moving your trailer.
Time-saving: Last but not least, dollies will save you a lot of time and effort when moving your trailer in a tight spot.
Factors to Consider When Selecting the Ideal RV Trailer Dolly
Here are some of the crucial factors to keep in mind when selecting the ideal RV dolly for your needs:
Material
Generally, the choice of material for an RV dolly determines its quality, performance, capacity, and even price.
I recommend dollies constructed out of steel. The material is famous for its hardness and is common in industrial-grade dollies because of its high weight capacity.
Aluminum alloy comes second and is a popular material because of its lightness. However, it ranks lower than steel in terms of hardness.
It’s also common to see many dollies coated with powder or zinc-plated. It helps to extend the longevity of the dollies by shielding them against outdoor elements such as rust and corrosion.
Weight Capacity
Weight capacity refers to the amount of weight a dolly can handle. The weight capacity will stress the dolly and cause damage, which may risk your safety and trailer.
To determine the total weight to be hauled, add the weight of your trailer and tongue weight.
It’s best to choose a dolly with a higher weight capacity. This guarantees safety and may help if you upgrade your travel trailer later.
Brakes
For safety purposes, I suggest you pick a trailer dolly with an automatic brake. It’s an extra layer of security and handy if the hitch malfunctions or the trailer detaches.
The braking system gives me peace of mind. I’m confident that the dolly will stop when I’m not pushing and I can work on the steep inclines comfortably without worrying that the trailer will roll back.
Adjustable Height
Choosing an RV dolly with an adjustable height for versatility is good.
An adjustable height lets you change the hitch’s position depending on the tow height, making it easier to use the dolly with different trailers, boats, or ATVs.
Tires
RV dollies come in different tire types, but I recommend non-flat tires. The benefit of dollies with non-flat tires is they save you from the hassle and inconvenience of inflating them.
It would help to consider the tread pattern and traction, which are essential when pulling your trailer through slippery ground.
Battery
Electric RV dollies, the most popular RV dollies, are usually powered by batteries. Lithium-ion is the most popular type of battery.
When choosing a battery, consider its longevity, durability, run-time, and everything. Having a battery indicator to notify you when you need to recharge is also lovely.
Motor
At the heart of an RV dolly, we have a motor. So, you must ensure the engine delivers a commendable performance.
It should be powerful enough to haul your travel trailer yet operate quietly.
Size and Weight
Last, it would be best to stow the dolly away when not in use. Therefore, you must also consider its storability.
Consider the weight and how compact it is.
RV Dolly Care and Maintenance
Here are some handy care and maintenance tips to ensure your RV dolly maintains peak performance.
- Read the user manual and religiously follow the care and maintenance tips. Failure to do this may void the warranty.
- It’s important to lubricate the moving parts. Lubrication helps with smooth movements and optimal performance.
- When not in use, store the dolly properly, ideally in a dry, shaded location. Don’t expose it to rain, snow, or similar elements. Cover it during long-term storage.
- Always keep the tires inflated, and be sure they can support the recommended weight.
- Check the wiring system and ensure it’s not damaged.
How to Tow a Trailer with a Dolly: Helpful Tips
Here are some best practices when towing your travel trailer with a dolly. These tips will also help to keep you and those around safe:
- Once again, refer to the user manual to understand how to operate an RV tow dolly
- It’s best if you tow your trailer facing forward
- Don’t load any weight on your trailer when towing
- If you notice your trailer is swaying during towing, slow down. Swaying may lead to whipping
Best Trailer Dolly Frequently Asked Questions
How much do trailer dollies cost?
The cost of RV dolly trailers depends on their performance, strength, material, and style. However, the price can be as low as $250 and as high as $3,000.
Can you move a travel trailer by hand?
You can move a travel trailer by hand, depending on its weight. In most cases, however, travel trailers are heavy and huge, so moving them manually is usually a backbreaking task, and you could quickly end up with back problems.
How do I set up and use an RV dolly?
Setting up and using an RV dolly is generally easy, but it can be overwhelming, especially for beginners. An excellent way to learn about towing using a dolly is by referring to the user manual.
Is a trailer dolly worth it?
Investing in trailer dollies for your RV is unquestionably worth it and is highly recommended. These devices significantly simplify maneuvering your RV into tight spaces, sparing you from unnecessary hassle and potential damage.
Additionally, trailer dollies reduce the physical strain of moving heavy loads, enhancing your overall camping experience. They are designed with durability and efficiency, ensuring longevity and optimal performance.
Thus, if you’re looking for a solution to improve the mobility of your RV, trailer dollies are an excellent investment.
Wrapping Up
Trailer dollies are essential equipment for every RV owner. They significantly improve mobility, enabling you to move, park, and reposition your trailer relatively easily.
This equipment is precious when using a tow vehicle, which is either restricted or not feasible. Trailer dollies come in different types: manual, electric, or hydraulic, offering versatility to suit various needs and preferences.
The choice of a trailer dolly largely depends on the size and weight of your RV. Understanding your vehicle’s specifications is, therefore, critical in finding the most appropriate dolly.
By using trailer dollies for your RV, you can mitigate the risk of damage during maneuvering, as they are designed to handle the weight and size of the RV in a controlled and stable manner.
In conclusion, trailer dollies are not merely optional accessories but indispensable tools, providing safety, convenience, and efficiency in managing your RV.
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