How To

The Ultimate Guide to Car Dolly Rental Near You

When you need to move a car, a car dolly rental offers an easy and cost-effective solution. Whether you're relocating a vehicle across the country or need to transport it locally, a car dolly is an essential tool for...

·Updated July 22, 2026·4 min read✓ Reviewed for accuracy
The Ultimate Guide to Car Dolly Rental Near You
Quick Answer

A car dolly is a towing device that lifts only the front two wheels of a vehicle off the ground, making it a more affordable alternative to a flatbed trailer or full-service tow. To load, drive the front tires onto the dolly's ramp, engage the parking brake, and secure the car with straps. When towing with a dolly, maintain lower speeds, avoid sharp turns, and account for increased braking distances. Always verify your tow vehicle has sufficient capacity and a compatible hitch before renting.

When you need to move a car, a car dolly rental offers an easy and cost-effective solution. Whether you're relocating a vehicle across the country or need to transport it locally, a car dolly is an essential tool for safely towing your car behind a vehicle. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what you need to know about renting a car dolly, the benefits, and how to find one near you.

What is a Car Dolly Rental?

A car dolly is a device designed to transport vehicles with two of their wheels off the ground. Unlike a flatbed trailer, a car dolly only lifts the front wheels of the vehicle, making it a more cost-effective option for towing. Car dollies are ideal for transporting cars over short distances or when you need to tow a car for long distances without putting excessive wear on the vehicle.

Benefits of Renting a Car Dolly

Renting a car dolly has several advantages:

  • Affordable: Renting a car dolly is often cheaper than hiring a full-service towing company or renting a flatbed trailer.
  • Ease of Use: Car dollies are easy to use, and many rental companies provide clear instructions on how to load and secure your vehicle.
  • Space-Saving: Car dollies take up less space than full-size trailers, making them easier to store and maneuver.
  • Versatility: They can be used with most passenger cars, making them a flexible solution for car transportation.

How to Find a Car Dolly Rental Near Me

Finding a car dolly rental near you is simple and convenient. Here's how you can do it:

  • Search Online: Use search engines like Google and search for “car dolly rental near me.” This will show you nearby rental locations, including major providers like U-Haul, Budget, or local equipment rental shops.
  • Check Local Listings: Websites like BigLoads, Yelp and Craigslist can also provide listings of nearby rental services that offer car dollies.
  • Contact Rental Companies: Many rental companies have online booking options, but you can also call and ask about availability, pricing, and the specific requirements for renting a car dolly.
  • Read Reviews: It’s always helpful to check reviews before renting a car dolly to ensure the rental company provides quality equipment and customer service.

What to Look for When Renting a Car Dolly

When renting a car dolly, make sure to consider the following factors:

  • Weight Capacity: Make sure the car dolly you’re renting can handle the weight of your vehicle. Each dolly will have a weight limit, so ensure the car you intend to transport is within that limit.
  • Condition of the Dolly: Always check the condition of the car dolly before renting. Look for any signs of damage, such as bent wheels or broken straps.
  • Towing Vehicle Compatibility: Ensure that your tow vehicle can properly tow the dolly. Verify that your vehicle has the appropriate towing capacity and that the tow hitch is compatible with the car dolly.
  • Included Accessories: Make sure the rental includes all the necessary accessories, such as safety chains, straps, and loading ramps.

How to Safely Load and Tow a Car with a Dolly

Once you’ve rented your car dolly, follow these steps to ensure a safe towing experience:

  • Check the Dolly Setup: Make sure the car dolly is securely attached to your tow vehicle, with the safety chains properly fastened.
  • Load the Car: Drive the car onto the dolly, ensuring that the front tires are securely positioned on the dolly’s ramp. Once loaded, engage the parking brake and use the straps to secure the car in place.
  • Check Lights and Brakes: Ensure all lights on the dolly are functioning and the brake lights are visible. If the dolly has its own brakes, test them before hitting the road.
  • Drive Carefully: Towing a car requires extra caution. Maintain a lower speed, avoid sharp turns, and be mindful of braking distances.

Conclusion: Car Dolly Rental Near Me for Safe, Convenient Towing

Renting a car dolly is an excellent option for anyone looking to tow a vehicle without breaking the bank. Whether you’re relocating a car across the country or simply need a local towing solution, a car dolly is an affordable, safe, and effective choice. By following the steps outlined above and considering the factors when renting, you can ensure a smooth and safe towing experience. Ready to find a car dolly rental near you? Start by checking what BigLoads.com has to offer!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a car dolly and a flatbed trailer?
A car dolly lifts only the front two wheels of the towed vehicle, leaving the rear wheels on the ground. A flatbed trailer lifts the entire vehicle completely off the road. Car dollies are less expensive and easier to maneuver, but flatbeds offer more protection and work for all-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive vehicles that can't be dollied.
How do I safely load a car onto a dolly?
Drive the front tires up onto the dolly's ramp until they are fully seated, then engage the vehicle's parking brake. Secure the front tires with the provided straps, and ensure the safety chains connecting the dolly to your tow vehicle are properly fastened before driving.
What vehicles can be towed with a car dolly?
Car dollies are best suited for front-wheel drive passenger cars. All-wheel drive and four-wheel drive vehicles generally cannot be safely towed on a dolly because the rear wheels—still on the ground—are mechanically connected to the drivetrain and can cause transmission damage.
How do I find a car dolly rental near me?
Search for 'car dolly rental near me' on Google to find national providers like U-Haul and Budget, as well as local equipment rental shops. Platforms like BigLoads also list nearby options. Call ahead to confirm availability, pricing, and weight capacity before booking.
What driving adjustments do I need to make when towing a car on a dolly?
Towing with a car dolly requires reduced speeds, wider turns to avoid scraping the towed vehicle, and significantly increased following distance since stopping takes much longer. Avoid sudden lane changes or sharp maneuvers, and check your mirrors frequently.

Ready to haul?

Find the right trailer near you — or list yours and start earning.