Are Lights and Supplemental Braking System Required on Vehicle Being Towed on Roadmaster Tow Dolly

Question:

Do I need to have lights and brakes on the car being towed with a tow dolly?

asked by: Edgar G

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Roadmaster Tow Dolly with Electric Brakes # RM-2050-1 that you referenced provides brakes and lights while towing a vehicle on the dolly. The tow vehicle will need a brake controller and need to be wired for electric brakes to control the brakes on the dolly. To use the electric brake function, the 4-Way flat connector on the dolly will need to be changed out for a 6-Way connector, # PK11604, or a 7-Way connector, # PK12706, with the new connector wired by function to match your tow vehicle.

When using this tow dolly, you will also want to use additional lights on the rear of your vehicle, like the Optronics Heavy Duty Magnetic Tow Lights # TL21RK. This is to ensure that the light signal can be seen by other vehicles on each side of the towed vehicle.

If a dolly would not have the needed lights and braking system, you would want to check local towing laws in order to add the necessary components to comply with the law. Lights and a supplemental braking system may be needed for the towed vehicle if they are not provided by the dolly.

expert reply by: Victoria B