Car dollies are an essential tool for moving and positioning vehicles in garages and workshops. Choosing the right dollies depends on factors like vehicle weight, tire size, and ease of movement. Here’s how to pick the best car dollies for your needs.

1. Consider the Weight Capacity

The first thing to check is the weight capacity of the dollies. Standard-duty dollies work well for most cars, but if you’re dealing with heavier vehicles like trucks or SUVs, opt for heavy-duty or specialty dollies with higher weight ratings.

  • Standard Dollies (Set of 4 with 4 Casters Each): Support up to 6,000 lbs total (1,500 lbs per dolly).
  • Heavy-Duty Dollies (Set of 4 with 4 Casters Each): Support up to 10,000 lbs total (2,500 lbs per dolly).
  • Dually Dollies (Set of 4 with 8 Casters Each): Support up to 24,000 lbs total (6,000 lbs per dolly), designed for dual-wheel trucks and large vehicles requiring extra support.

Always choose a dolly rated for your vehicle’s total weight divided by four (one dolly per wheel). If your budget allows, upgrading to heavy-duty dollies is highly recommended because of the extra ball bearings on the wheel shaft, making rolling significantly easier. You are much better off having dollies that are overrated for your vehicle's weight.

2. Select the Right Size Based on Tire Tread Width

Car dollies come in different sizes to accommodate various tire widths. Choosing the right size ensures your tires sit securely on the dolly and don’t overhang.

  • 8" x 16" Dollies: Suitable for smaller vehicles with narrower tires.
  • 12" x 16" Dollies: Ideal for most standard cars and sedans with medium-width tires.
  • 16" x 16" Dollies: Best for larger vehicles with wide tires, such as trucks and SUVs.

To choose the correct size, measure your tire’s tread width and ensure the dolly’s width is greater than or equal to this measurement.

3. Choose High-Quality Casters for Smooth Movement

The quality of the casters affects how easily the car moves on the dollies. Upgrading to heavy-duty casters with additional ball bearings makes rolling significantly easier.

  • Standard Casters: Swivel but may not have ball bearings in the wheel, making movement harder.
  • Heavy-Duty Casters: Feature ball bearings for smoother rolling and better maneuverability.

If you’ll be moving the car frequently, investing in better casters is worth it.

4. Look for Durable Materials

The basic design of a dolly is simple—it's a sturdy platform with casters. However, the real difference in performance comes from the design and quality of the casters. High-quality casters with ball bearings make rolling much easier, while poorly designed casters can make even a lightweight vehicle difficult to move.

Dollies made from thick, high-quality steel last longer and provide better stability. While a solid frame is important, the casters are the true deciding factor in how well the dolly performs. Investing in better casters ensures smooth movement and easier maneuverability.

5. Additional Features to Consider

Some car dollies come with extra features that enhance usability:

  • Brakes: Keep the vehicle securely in place when not in motion.
  • Attachments: Various add-ons can enhance the functionality of your dollies, including:
    • Stack and Move Tires: Helps organize and transport tire stacks efficiently.
    • Seat Post Attachment: Converts a dolly into a rolling seat for working on vehicles.
    • Trailer Jack Attachment: Allows easy positioning and movement of trailers.
    • Engine Attachment: Provides support for moving an engine while working in a shop.
    • Other Specialized Attachments: Various options exist to customize your dolly setup.
  • Hydraulic Lift Dollies: Allow you to lift the car onto the dollies without using a separate jack. However, these are not designed for long-term vehicle storage and should only be used for temporary positioning.
  • Steel-Plated Caster Wheel Dollies: Designed for both moving and long-term vehicle storage, providing durability and stability.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right car dollies ensures effortless vehicle movement and safe storage. Measure your tire tread width, consider your vehicle’s weight, and invest in high-quality casters for the best results. Check out our full selection of car dollies to find the perfect fit for your garage!