tow dolly

[jcl071441]

While towing my roadmaster two wheel dolly empty I notice the left wheel wobbling. Is this because it was empty with no weight on it or is this something I should be concerned about.

[Americanrascal]

I'd definitely check the attaching devices. Castle nut and underlying bearings and any lug nuts. i have an American Car Dolly and once ran across a long section of very rough road and the castle nut came too loose making for some play and a bit of damage. Wobble is not normal?

[jcl071441]

Thanks. I will definitely check them out.

[Mike Owens]

It's a good practice to check and pack (grease) wheel bearings on a annual basis. You probably have a loose or failing outer bearing. Could also be loose however normally there is a locking device (cotter pin or tab) that prevents the nut from backing off. Lift the wheel with a jack and check the play with the wheel on for a quick test. Worse case a bent rim or axle.

[WindBurner]

Originally Posted by jcl071441

While towing my roadmaster two wheel dolly empty I notice the left wheel wobbling.

Is it possible that the whole dolly was oscillating, versus only the left wheel?

On a trip a few months back where we made the return trip with our Master Tow dolly empty, I noticed a side to side movement of the left tire in the left mirror, then turned on the rear view camera and saw that the entire dolly had a small left to right oscillation/shimmy, even with the reduced tire pressure after unloading the car. Checked the dolly tires at each rest stop with no strange temperature or wear issues found, so we proceeded.

[bamaboy473]

If the wobble is side-to-side, then check lug nuts first. If they are tight, then a wheel might be out of round; the answer being to replace the wheel/tire.

If the wobble is up and down, then balance the tire and the bounce should go away.

[Indy Bob]

Towing empty is very hard on them. I have heard to put the tire pressures at about 25 to keeo them on the ground, rather than launching them every time they hit a bump. I would go buy a DEMCO KAR KADDY II and don't tow empty

[corvetteman]

Everyone already said it...check torque on lug nuts and pack wheel bearings and torque spindle nut. Don't forget to check condition of the seal on the inside of hub. It is a good idea to replace it every time the wheel bearings are packed.