How to Make a Car Dolly | Step-by-Step Guide | 8 DIY Steps

A car dolly is useful for anyone who needs to move a vehicle without driving it. In this article, we will show you how to make a car dolly step-by-step. It’s a small trailer that can be towed behind a car or truck, allowing you to transport a car or other vehicle easily. 

These are the steps that we will follow:

• Gather the materials needed to make a car dolly 
• Build the frame for the car dolly 
• Attach the tires to the car dolly 
• Attach the axles to the car dolly 
• Add the hitch to the car dolly 
• Add the brakes to the car dolly 
• Finish the car dolly 
• Test the car dolly 

How to Make a Car Dolly

Gather the Materials Needed to Make a Car Dolly

Before building your car dolly, you must gather all the necessary materials. 

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Steel tubing (2-inch x 2-inch)
• Steel plate (1/4-inch thick)
• Tires (2)
• Axles (2)
• Ball hitch
• Brake assembly (2)
• Welding machine
• Measuring tape
• Saw
• Drill
• Bolts and nuts
• Build the Frame for the Car Dolly

Build the frame for the car dolly.

The first step in making a car dolly is to build the frame. Begin by measuring and cutting the steel tubing to the appropriate length. 

You’ll need four pieces of tubing, each 4 feet long and four pieces each 2 feet long.

Once your tubing is cut to size, it’s time to start welding. Weld the four 4-foot pieces of tubing together to form a square frame. 

Then, weld the two 2-foot pieces of tubing across the center of the square frame to provide additional support.

Attach the Axles to the Car Dolly

Once the tires are in place, you must attach the axles to the car dolly. 

Measure the distance between the axles and cut two pieces of steel tubing to that length. 

Weld these pieces onto the underside of the frame and secure them in place with nuts and bolts.

Add the Hitch to the Car Dolly

Now it’s time to add the hitch to the car dolly. Measure and cut a piece of steel plate to fit on the front of the dolly. 

Weld the plate onto the frame and then attach the ball hitch.

Attach the Tires to the Car Dolly

Next, you’ll need to attach the tires to the car dolly. Place the tires on the ground with the axles running through the centers. 

Then, lift the frame onto the axles and secure them with nuts and bolts.

Add the Brakes to the Car Dolly

Adding brakes to the car dolly is an important safety feature. Begin by measuring and cutting two more pieces of steel tubing to fit underneath the frame. These will hold the brake assemblies.

Attach the brake assemblies to the steel tubing, and then weld the tubing onto the underside of the frame. 

You’ll need to run a brake line from the brake assemblies to the hitch to complete the braking system.

Finish the Car Dolly

With the main components of the car dolly assembled, it’s time to finish it up. 

Check all the nuts and bolts to ensure everything is securely in place. 

Sand any rough edges or welds to create a smooth finish. You may also want to paint the dolly to protect it from rust and corrosion.

Test the Car Dolly

Once you’ve finished building your car dolly, it’s time to test it out. Connect the dolly to your vehicle and ensure it’s securely attached. 

Test the brakes to make sure they’re functioning properly. Then, slowly drive the vehicle onto the dolly, ensuring the tires are centered on the axles. 

Once the vehicle is in place, you can tow it to your destination.

My Opinion

Making a car dolly is a fun and rewarding project that can save you time and money when transporting a vehicle. 

You can build your car dolly with a few basic materials and welding skills in just a few hours.

Keep in mind that this project requires some experience with welding and metalworking. If you’re uncomfortable with these skills, hiring a professional to build your car dolly may be best.

Overall, a car dolly can be a great addition to your tool collection, allowing you to transport vehicles easily and safely. 

By following these steps, you’ll have a reliable and sturdy car dolly that you can use for years.