Best Trailer Dollies
Nothing beats the thrill of hitching up your trailer for an outdoorsy getaway. However, parking that trailer at your destination or back in the garage can be difficult. This goes for all types of trailers: You could have boat trailers, utility trailers, horse trailers, or perhaps a cargo trailer, but parking them is usually a chore. This is where having a trailer dolly can come in handy.
Parking your trailer involves precise movement to fit into a tight space. To make matters more difficult, some of those spaces can also be curved. Such parking jobs require tricky maneuvers due to the length of your trailer. One wrong move, and you could be looking at damage to your vehicle, trailer, garage space, or all three.
A trailer dolly is a small device that attaches to your trailers and allows you to safely, conveniently, and accurately position your trailer. These dollies can be manual or powered, and they have a variety of uses and prices.
Top Picks for the Best Trailer Dollies
We’ve compiled a list of the best dollies on the market according to various categories where they shine:
- Best Overall: Trailer Valet 5X
- Best Budget: MaxxHaul 70225
- Best Self-Motorized: Trailer Valet RVR9
- Best Manual: Tow Tuff Adjustable Trailer Dolly with Caster
- Most User-Friendly: Trailer Valet XL
Best Overall
Trailer Valet 5X Trailer Dolly
$475 at Trailer Valet
The Trailer Valet 5X is our pick for the best overall trailer dolly. The 5X fits all trailer types up to 5,000 pounds and has a maximum tongue weight of 500 pounds.
But what makes the 5X completely unique is the drill-power function. Rather than rely on hand cranking or electric batteries, Trailer Valet went in a different, altogether better direction: the compact drill. Users can swap out the hand crank with a separately sold drill adapter and move their boat with virtually any 20-24V drill. A tool that every trailer owner already likely has is the means to move their boat quickly and accurately.
The 5X has two gear speeds, allowing you to go either slow when you need complete precision or quick when you just want to get the trailer across the driveway to the car. Its high-strength steel construction and corrosion-resistant exterior make it ideal for boating, giving you peace of mind that the unit won’t get rusty as soon as you get to the water.
The final feature that impressed us was the automatic safety brake. As soon as the handle of the 5X is let go, the brake engages. This provides further assurance that in case of a loss of control, you won’t find your trailer at the bottom of a hill (or the marina). While undoubtedly a useful invention, this might throw new users into a loop when they let go of the handle while still moving the unit with a drill. Protip: don’t do it.
Key Specs
- Product Dimensions – 8 × 26 × 17 inches
- Trailer Weight – Up to 5,000 lbs
- Tongue Weight – Up to 500 lbs
- Item Weight – 51 lbs
- Safety brakes – Automatic
- Mounting bracket – requires 8 inches of clearance
- Style – Tongue Jack and Trailer Dolly combo
Pros
- Drill power combines the benefits of both manual and electric dollies
- Up to 300 hours of corrosion resistance
- Automatic safety brake system
- Solid rubber tires
- High and low drive gears
Cons
- It is pricey
- Not suitable for rough terrain
Best Budget
MaxxHaul 70225
$94.99 on Amazon
The MaxxHaul 70225 is a basic, manual, two-wheeled dolly with no casters and height adjustability. It has a maximum capacity of 600lbs, which is suitable for small-sized trailers.
This rugged mover is also powder-coated and made with heavy-duty steel. From the looks is, we wouldn’t be afraid to take it to the water. Movement is easy, and we appreciated the cushioned handle grip and the fixed ball hitch. As a no-frills budget option, the MaxxHaul 70225 is a good pick.
Key Specs
- Product Dimensions – 42.01 × 14.02 × 5.98 inches
- Item Weight – 28 lbs
- Trailer Weight – Up to 600 lbs
- 1-7/8 inch Solid Forged Chrome Polished Hitch Ball
- Tire Type – 12-inch Pneumatic tires
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Strong and durable material construction
- Long handle with cushioned grip
Cons
- Not suitable for heavy-duty trailers
- Negative customer reviews on defective tires after the expiry of their warranty
Best Self-Motorized
Trailer Valet RVR9
$4,620.00 at Trailer Valet
With the RVR line of self-motorized trailer dollies, Trailer Valet takes the movement of your trailer to another level. The Trailer Valet RVR9 is one of the largest and most powerful of the RVR series, perfect for heavy-duty work.
The RVR is as close as we have to one of those futuristic robot butlers -. It moves, hitches, and maneuvers trailers with minimal human input. You don’t even need to touch it – just set it in the right direction with the included remote, lower the trailer coupler onto the RVR ball tower, and move the entire assembly wherever you need. On especially hot or cold days, as you’re moving your trailer from the relative comfort of your shelter from the elements, you will appreciate the remote control ability.
Taking a look at its features, the RVR boasts a max tow weight of 9,000lbs (max 900 lbs tongue weight). At that weight level, the RVR can move many of the larger single-axle trailers. Dual axle trailers are notoriously difficult to pivot without a dedicated wheel dolly, but the RVR can help in that department too.
Additional features
Unlike most dollies that have wheels, the Trailer Valet RVR9 employs the use of caterpillar treads. The 2-inch rubber treads provide improved tractions on different surface types.
The Trailer Valet RVR9 comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. On a full charge, the battery has a runtime of 30 minutes. There is also a battery indicator that displays the battery status. As a battery-saving feature, the RVR shuts down after several minutes of inactivity.
All of those technical specifications come together in one head-turning sleek package. With its polished aluminum chassis, wide treads, and ball tower, the RVR9 looks like it was recently requisitioned from a military surplus depot. While outside of its remote control feature, you can get much of the same functionality in lower-priced trailer dollies, none of which are going to elicit wows and gape-mouthed envy like the RVR.
As with any one-of-a-kind innovation, the RVR isn’t cheap. But if you are looking for a unique mover that will turn heads as well as trailers, it should be at the top of your list.
Key Specs
- Product Dimensions – 22 × 18 × 12 inches
- Item Weight – 85lbs
- Trailer Weight – Up to 9,000lbs
- Tongue Weight – Up to 900lbs
- Trailer Type – Self-Motorized
- Battery life – up to 30 minutes of towing time
- Includes 2-inch and 2-5/16-inch hitch balls
Pros
- It can accommodate weights of up to 9,000 lbs
- Battery runtime of 30 minutes
- Allows a 40 feet remote operation
- Four planetary gear motors for movement of single and double axle trailers.
Cons
- More expensive than other basic dollies
- Your neighbors will keep asking to take pictures/videos.
Best Manual
Tow Tuff Adjustable Trailer Dolly with Caster
$199 on Amazon
The Tower Tuff is a simple manual dolly. You can count on its durability and effectiveness at moving your trailer accurately. Looking at its features, it comes with two 12-inch semi-pneumatic tires. You also get an 8-inch swivel caster for easy maneuverability in tight spaces and corners.
Its solid steel frame and powder-coated finish give it a strong layer of corrosion protection. You can adjust the Tow Tuff’s height between 16.5 and 22.5 inches. Moreover, you get a 40-inch handle for additional leverage.
A maximum load capacity of 800 lbs means it’s suited to small trailers, but its sturdiness makes it a great pick. Although customer reviews mention its difficulty moving on gravel, on concrete, and asphalt, it performs relatively well.
Key Specs
- Product Dimensions – 42 × 6 × 15 inches
- Item Weight – 44.2 lbs
- Trailer Weight – Up to 800 lbs
- 40-inch handle
- 1-7/8 inch Solid Forged Chrome Polished Hitch Ball
- Tire Type – 12-inch semi-pneumatic tires
- 8-inch swivel caster
Pros
- Adjustable height
- One-year warranty
- Easy maneuverability with swivel caster
- 40-inch handle adds leverage
Cons
- Suitable only for small-sized trailers
- Customer reviews mention tire pressure problems
- Difficult to maneuver on gravel or grass
Most User-Friendly
Trailer Valet XL
$790 at Trailer Valet
The Trailer Valet XL Trailer Dolly is our pick for the most user-friendly dolly for heavy trailers. Billed as the “big brother” of the 5X, it works best on trailers 5,000 to 10,000 lbs in weight. Resist the temptation to buy the XL for lighter trailers: the tongue weight on them may not be enough to form a secure link; use the 5X for smaller loads.
As with the other Trailer Valet products, you can operate the dolly manually or automatically. For manual operation, there is a hand crank that comes in the package. To power up the unit, you can use a 20-24V drill and the included Drill Adapter.
The XL comes standard with a hitch ball mount. A bracket mount option is available but brings the max towing weight capacity down to 8,000 lbs. If you do go with the ball mount option, you can select a 2” or a 2 5/16” size. Like its little brother, the XL has deep tread tires for improved surface traction and a dead man’s brake. Essentially, this is a heavy-duty upgrade to the Trailer Valet 5X and an all-around solid solution to moving and parking RV and boating trailers.
Key Specs
- Product Dimensions – 29 × 11 × 11 inches
- Item Weight – 54 lbs
- Trailer Weight – Up to 10,000 lbs
- Tongue Weight – Up to 1000 lbs
- Tire Type – Solid Rubber Tires
- Connection Type – 2-inch and 2-5/16-inch hitch balls, or an XL Mount Bracket
Pros
- Ideal for heavier trailer
- Automatic safety brakes
- Solid no-flat rubber tires
- Versatile mode of operation
Cons
- It is pricey
- Works best only on flat, paved roads
Other great Trailer Dolly options
Trailer Valet RVR5
$4,045.00 at Trailer Valet
A smaller RVR from Trailer Valet, the RVR5, is pretty similar to the RVR9 in function and features. The major difference between the two self-motorized dollies is their load capacity. The RVR5 allows a maximum load of 5,500 lbs, compared to 9,000 lbs on the RVR9.
Key Specs
- Product Dimensions – 9 × 20 × 21 inches
- Item Weight – 85lbs
- Trailer Weight – Up to 5,500 lbs
- Tongue Weight – Up to 550 lbs
- Trailer Type – Self-Motorized
- Battery life – up to 30 minutes of runtime
- Includes 2-inch and 2-5/16-inch hitch balls
Pros
- It can accommodate weights of up to 5,500 lbs
- Battery runtime of 30 minutes
- Allows a 40 feet remote operation
- Four planetary gear motors for movement of single and double axle trailers
Cons
- It is pricey
Extreme Max 5001.5766 Trailer Dolly
$94.28 on Amazon
The Extreme Max 5001.57566 falls among our picks for the best budget dollies. For $94.28, you receive a rugged trailer dolly with a durable frame and wheels, capable pneumatic tires, and a long 47-in. handle that helps to make pushing and pulling easier. Its compact size helps the maneuverability of your trailers. But note that it only handles up to 600 lbs of weight.
The Extreme Max dolly proves its worth due to its low price, sturdiness, and features.
Key Specs
- Product Dimensions – 38 × 15.75 × 5.25 inches
- Item Weight – 23.78 lbs
- Tongue Weight – Up to 600 lbs
- 1-7/8 inch Solid Forged Chrome Polished Hitch Ball
- Tire Type – 10 × 3.5 inch Pneumatic tires
- Handle – 47.25 inches
Pros
- Works well on hard, dry, level surfaces
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Limited weight capacity
- Lack of height-adjustability
Tow Tuff TMD-1000C Adjustable Trailer Dolly
$337.63 on Amazon
One significant benefit of dollies is the ease of movement of your trailers, and with Tow Tuff TMD-1000C, you won’t even break a sweat. The Tow Tuff TMD-1000C is one of the best manual dollies on the market. Tow Tuff brought out their best tools for the production of this device.
This device’s three-wheel design enhances your trailer’s movement and adds stability even at a load of 1000lbs. A ten-inch swivel caster makes steering easier and serves as the third wheel. Also, its two 12-inch flat-free tires are made of solid rubber construction and roll without difficulty on most terrains. They also have reliable impact absorption and traction.
Another good feature is its versatility. Compatibility with different trailer sizes comes easily with an adjustable height of 21-33 inches. It also works with a 2-inch coupler or larger to accommodate a wide range of sizes.
Moreover, it comes with solid-steel frame construction and a powder-coat finish. This exterior blend gives it corrosion protection and durability. The machine’s build allows the accommodation of heavy trailers up to their maximum weight limit with relative ease.
You don’t have to worry about its installation as it’s easy to assemble. The installation takes about five minutes. Every part needed to couple this dolly is available, and you only have to tighten a few screws.
Key Specs
- Product Dimensions – 45.3 × 7.5 × 18.5 inches
- Item Weight – 64lbs
- Tongue Weight – Up to 1000lbs
- 40-inch Handle
- 1-7/8 inch Solid Forged Chrome Polished Hitch Ball
- Tire Type – 16-inch flat-free tires
- 10 inches swivel caster
- Adjustable Height – Yes
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Swivel caster aids maneuverability
- Adjustable height increases suitability for trailer variety.
Cons
- Requires large storage space
Parkit360 B2 Electric Trailer Dolly
$2039 on Amazon
Our bonus pick is the Parkit360 Electric Trailer Dolly. Parkit360 boasts many features that make parking easier. According to reviews, it functions as a heavy-duty dolly, as it firmly pulls, parks, and secures your trailer.
The electric trailer weighs almost 100 pounds and pulls a maximum load of 5,000 lbs. It also boasts a tongue weight of 900lbs. It is capable of fitting most trailer types without much difficulty.
What makes the Parkit360 B2 electric is its 1.7HP-motor that boasts a 4-6% incline. This impressive motor on the dolly is capable of different applications. It works on several surfaces, including grass, gravel, and asphalt. Despite its high-powered motor, it has a compact size that suits the maneuverability of tight or curved spots.
The Parkit360 comes with a sealed battery for protection against harsh weather elements. The battery’s placement is at the side. This low-profile design improves space efficiency. It also has a built-in charge and a 6-inch power cord.
The most impressive feature of the Parkit360 B2 Electric Trailer Dolly is its intelligent speed control. This feature makes the dolly capable of precision parking in tight and curved spots. You can set the speed depending on how fast you want to get things done.
You get multiple hitch options with Parkit360 Stableblock technology. It includes a 20-inch ball mount adapter, a tightening bar, and two hitch balls. This feature allows a safe and secure connection to your trailer’s ball hitch.
The Parkit360 B2 is a sturdy and compact dolly. However, its narrow wheels are a disadvantage. The dolly is at risk of flipping over on an inclined terrain with its small wheels.
Key Specs
- Product Dimensions – 30 × 15 × 55 inches
- Item Weight – 100lbs
- Trailer Weight – Up to 5000lbs
- Tongue Weight – Up to 900lbs
- Trailer Type – Electric
- Tire Type – 4-inch regular traction
- Battery – 1.7 HP electric Motor and 12-volt battery
- Includes 2-inch and 2-5/16-inch hitch balls
Pros
- Its compact size allows for comfortable storage
- Hitch connects easily
- Sealed battery for protection from weather conditions
- Intelligent speed control for accurate parking
Cons
- It is pricey
- Narrow wheels
Conclusion
Getting the perfect trailer dolly isn’t a difficult task. After considering your budget and trailer size, select the dolly that fits your needs without difficulty. For example, if you need to maneuver tight spaces, you’ll want a dolly to accommodate that need.
Trailer Valet stands out on our list as the best producer of dollies. The RVR Series and XL Series both prove Trailer Valet’s standard. Head over to Trailer Valet and buy a trailer dolly today!
FAQs
Do you need a self-motorized trailer dolly?
If you don’t like bending over to adjust and set your dolly, then a self-motorized dolly is perfect for you. Trailer Valet’s RVR Series has the best self-motorized trailer dollies on the market.
Can you move a trailer manually?
You can move it with your hands, but you must consider several factors. The first factor is the weight of your trailer. If your trailer is quite heavy, moving it by hand is dangerous. You could end up damaging it or, worse, injuring yourself. Despite having another individual to help you move your trailer, you could both end up damaging the trailer. The best solution to moving your trailer is a dolly.
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