What a car dolly is and when you need one
A car dolly is a two-wheeled trailer that lets you tow a vehicle with only its front wheels on the ground. The back wheels sit on the dolly bed, which means the towed car is partially lifted. You rent one when you need to move a second vehicle but don't want to use a flatbed truck, which costs more and requires more skill to operate.
Car dollies are useful when you're relocating, buying a car from out of state, or moving a non-running vehicle. They're cheaper than flatbed towing and easier to maneuver than a full car carrier. The trade-off is that the towed vehicle must be in good enough condition to roll onto the dolly under its own power or be pushed onto it—and the towing vehicle doing the pulling needs to be heavy enough to handle the weight.
Key Takeaways
- Car dollies are rented by the day or week from equipment rental shops, truck rental companies, and some auto parts stores, with daily rates typically ranging based on your location and rental company.
- You need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a credit card to rent; some companies require you to show you own or have permission to tow the vehicle being moved.
- The towing vehicle must weigh enough to safely pull the dolly and car combined, and you'll need a hitch receiver rated for the total weight.
- Most car dollies have a weight limit between 3,500 and 5,000 pounds, so you must know the weight of the car you're towing before you rent.
- Rental agreements hold you responsible for damage to the dolly and any accidents, so inspect it before leaving the lot and understand what insurance covers.
Where to rent a car dolly
The most common places to rent a car dolly are equipment rental chains like Home Depot, Sunbelt Rentals, and Herc Rentals. These companies have locations across the country and often have dollies available for same-day pickup. Truck rental companies like U-Haul, Penske, and Budget also rent car dollies, sometimes as an add-on to a truck rental or as a standalone item.
Local equipment rental shops and some auto parts stores (particularly larger locations) may also have car dollies. Prices and availability vary by location and season—moving season (May through September) often means fewer dollies available and higher daily rates. Call ahead or check online to confirm a dolly is in stock before you make the trip.
What you need to bring and show
You'll need a valid driver's license and a credit card in your name. The rental company will run a credit check and place a hold on your card for the dolly's replacement value, which typically ranges from $1,500 to $3,500 depending on the dolly's condition and age. This hold is released when you return the dolly undamaged.
Bring proof of insurance—your auto insurance policy or a declarations page showing your coverage. Some rental companies ask to see proof that you own the vehicle you're towing or have written permission from the owner. If you're towing someone else's car, bring a signed note from the owner authorizing the move. Have the vehicle's title or registration handy so you can confirm its weight and condition before signing the rental agreement.
Matching your towing vehicle to the dolly
The towing vehicle must be heavy enough to safely pull the dolly and the car combined. A general rule is that your towing vehicle should weigh at least 1.5 times the combined weight of the dolly (usually 700 to 1,200 pounds) and the car being towed. If you're towing a 3,500-pound car on a 1,000-pound dolly, your towing vehicle should weigh at least 6,750 pounds—which rules out most sedans and smaller SUVs.
Check your vehicle's owner's manual or the sticker inside the driver's door jamb for its towing capacity and the hitch receiver rating. The hitch receiver must be rated for the combined weight of the dolly and towed vehicle. If your vehicle doesn't have a hitch receiver, you'll need to have one installed before you can rent the dolly—this is not something rental companies do, and installation at a shop typically costs $200 to $500.
Weight limits and what they mean for your move
Most car dollies have a weight limit between 3,500 and 5,000 pounds. This is the maximum weight of the vehicle being towed, not including the dolly itself. Exceeding the weight limit can damage the dolly's frame and axles, and you'll be charged for repairs. Before you rent, weigh the car you're towing or look up its curb weight in the owner's manual or online.
Compact cars and most sedans fall well within the limit. Larger SUVs, trucks, and luxury vehicles may be close to or over the limit. If the car you need to move is too heavy for a standard car dolly, you'll need to rent a flatbed trailer instead, which costs more but has higher weight capacity and is safer for heavier vehicles.
Rental terms, insurance, and damage responsibility
Rental agreements typically run for one day, three days, a week, or longer. You pay for the full rental period upfront, even if you return the dolly early—most companies don't offer refunds for early returns. Late returns incur additional daily charges, sometimes at a higher rate than the standard daily fee.
The rental agreement makes you responsible for any damage to the dolly, including dents, bent frames, broken lights, and tire damage. Your personal auto insurance may or may not cover damage to a rented dolly; check your policy or call your insurer before you rent. Many rental companies offer damage waiver coverage for an additional daily fee (typically $10 to $25 per day), which limits your out-of-pocket cost if the dolly is damaged. Read the waiver terms carefully—some exclude damage from accidents caused by improper loading or exceeding the weight limit.
Inspecting the dolly before you leave the lot
Before you drive away, walk around the dolly with the rental agent and check the tires for proper inflation and visible damage, the frame for dents or cracks, the lights for function, the safety chains for rust or breaks, and the coupler (the part that connects to your hitch) for cracks or corrosion. Take photos or video of any existing damage and make sure the rental agreement notes it. If damage is already present, the company can't charge you for it later.
Test the brake lights and turn signals by connecting the dolly to your vehicle in the lot. Make sure the safety chains are in good condition and long enough to reach from your vehicle to the dolly. Ask the agent how to operate the dolly's brakes (if it has electric brakes) and confirm you understand how to load and find the towed vehicle.
Loading the car and securing it for transport
The towed car's front wheels go on the dolly bed, and the back wheels stay on the ground. Drive or push the car slowly onto the dolly, keeping it centered. Once the front wheels are on the dolly, engage the parking brake and turn off the engine. Do not leave the car in neutral—put it in Park (automatic) or in gear (manual) so it doesn't roll.
find the car to the dolly using the safety straps or chains provided. These typically attach to the frame or suspension points on the towed vehicle. Tighten them firmly so the car doesn't shift during transport. Connect the safety chains from the dolly to your towing vehicle as a backup in case the main connection fails. Check that the car's steering wheel is straight and the wheels are aligned with the dolly before you drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tow a car with a manual transmission on a car dolly?
Yes, but you must put the car in gear (not neutral) and engage the parking brake. Manual transmissions can roll if left in neutral, even on a dolly. If the car won't start or the transmission is damaged, you'll need a flatbed instead because the car cannot be safely towed with its wheels rolling.
What happens if I return the dolly late?
Late fees explore, usually calculated as a full day's rental charge for each day or partial day the dolly is overdue. Some companies charge a higher hourly rate for late returns. Check the rental agreement for the exact late fee structure before you rent.
Do I need a special driver's license to tow a car dolly?
Most states do not require a special license for towing a car dolly, but some states have rules about total vehicle weight and hitch ratings. Check your state's DMV website or call to confirm. Regardless of licensing, you're responsible for safe operation and following all traffic laws while towing.
Can I rent a car dolly one-way, or do I have to return it to the same location?
Most rental companies require you to return the dolly to the same location where you rented it. Some larger chains may offer one-way rentals for an additional fee, but this is not standard. Call the rental company to ask about their return policy before you commit to a rental.
What if the car I'm towing breaks down during transport?
You're responsible for arranging a tow truck to move both the dolly and the towed car to a repair shop or back to the rental location. This can be expensive, so consider purchasing roadside information coverage before you rent if you're towing a vehicle with known mechanical issues.