Chris, Author at CarCaddy

Best Way to Pull a Car: Car Dolly Vs Powered Vehicle Puller

As someone who’s spent years in the vehicle moving industry, I’ve seen countless car collectors struggle with the same dilemma: how to safely and efficiently move their prized vehicles. Whether you’re managing a classic car collection, operating a museum, or running a storage facility, choosing the right equipment can make all the difference between protecting your investment and risking costly damage.

Let me share my expertise on two popular solutions—car dollies and powered vehicle pullers—to help you make the right choice for your specific needs. I’ve watched both tools in action across hundreds of applications, and the differences are more significant than most people realize.

Two Main Methods of Pulling a Car

How Does a Car Dolly Work?

A car dolly operates as a two-wheel trailer that lifts only the front wheels of your vehicle off the ground. The rear wheels remain in contact with the road surface while you tow the car behind another vehicle, such as an RV or moving truck.

This system works well for certain applications, particularly short-distance moves with compatible vehicles. The dolly connects to your tow vehicle through a standard hitch system, and you secure the front wheels using straps or chains.

How Does a Vehicle Puller Work?

A powered vehicle puller takes a completely different approach. These motorized devices are designed specifically for moving immobilized or non-running vehicles without requiring manual labor. Our CarCaddy Vehicle Puller: The Collector’s Edition, for example, uses powered roller arms that grip the vehicle’s wheels securely, eliminating the need for straps or hooks entirely.

The operator simply positions the vehicle puller, engages the arms, and uses the electric motor to push and pull the vehicle precisely where it needs to go. Battery power provides the energy, making these units completely independent of external power sources.

Car Dolly vs Vehicle Puller: Key Differences

The fundamental difference lies in their intended purposes and capabilities. Car dollies are transportation tools designed for moving vehicles over roads between locations. Vehicle pullers are precision positioning tools built for moving cars within confined spaces.

Distance capabilities represent the most obvious distinction. Car dollies handle short distance moves across the room, while powered vehicle pullers excel at short-distance positioning within facilities and longer moves across display floors.

Vehicle compatibility varies significantly between the two options. Car dollies work with all cars, but require placing all four wheels on dollies manually then moving by hand. Powered vehicle pullers handle any vehicle type, regardless of drivetrain configuration or operational status, and utilize a powerful powered motor to pull the vehicle.

Ideal Use Cases

Car dollies shine in specific scenarios, especially if you only need to move one vehicle or do not need to move the vehicle often. Wheel dollies are often used in shops to move a vehicle a few feet.

However, for car collectors, the use cases favor powered vehicle pullers overwhelmingly. Museum exhibitions require frequent rearrangement of displays. Storage facilities need maximum space efficiency. Classic car collections often contain non-running vehicles that would be difficult to move by hand.

Pros and Cons of Each Vehicle Moving Solution

Car Dolly Advantages:

Lower initial cost
Suitable for infrequent use
Widely available for rental

Car Dolly Disadvantages:

Manual pulling of cars
Requires more than one person
Difficult backing and maneuvering
Safety concerns with manual pulling and tight spaces
No braking systems

Vehicle Puller Advantages:

Works with any vehicle type
Precise positioning capability
Eliminates manual pushing injuries
Battery-powered independence
Superior maneuverability in tight spaces

Vehicle Puller Disadvantages:

Higher initial investment
Not suitable for gravel lots or junk yards
Far too classy

CarCaddy Vehicle Puller Features and Benefits

Having developed our CarCaddy Vehicle Puller specifically for collectors, museums, and high end auto shops I can highlight several key advantages. Our powered roller arm system provides secure wheel grip without scratching or damaging expensive finishes. The compact design navigates spaces where dollies simply won’t fit.

Battery life supports full-day operation, and our customers frequently tell me they can fit 20% more vehicles in their storage facilities after switching to our system. One museum curator recently shared that they can relocate vehicles without being disruptive.

The safety benefits are equally important. Manual pushing often requires multiple staff members and risks injuries. Our powered system allows a single operator to handle moves safely and efficiently.

Make the Right Choice for Your Collection

For serious car collectors, the choice becomes clear when you consider long-term value and functionality. While car dollies serve a purpose in specific transport scenarios, powered vehicle pullers offer the precision, safety, and versatility that valuable collections demand.

Your classic cars deserve equipment designed specifically for their protection and your operational efficiency.

Order Your Powered Vehicle Puller Today and experience the difference professional-grade equipment makes in protecting your automotive investments.

The CarCaddy Vehicle Puller: A Vehicle Moving Solution Born from Real Needs

When we created the CarCaddy Vehicle Puller, we weren’t setting out to revolutionize an industry. We were simply trying to solve a problem as we watched priceless vehicles get damaged during manual handling at museums and private collections.

As someone who has spent decades working with car collectors and museum curators, I witnessed too many close calls. Beautiful vintage automobiles being pushed by hand across showroom floors, valuable classics being towed with makeshift equipment, and staff members risking injury while maneuvering heavy vehicles in tight spaces. There had to be a better way.

The Problems That Demanded Innovation

Traditional vehicle handling methods create unnecessary risks that no collector or curator should have to accept. Manual pushing requires multiple staff members and often leads to scratched paint, damaged interiors, or worse. Conventional towing equipment designed for roadside emergencies simply wasn’t built for the precision required in museums and showrooms.

The challenges became even more apparent when working with non-running vehicles. Most cars in collections don’t start regularly—they’re preserved pieces of automotive history. Yet they still need to be moved frequently for exhibitions, storage optimization, and maintenance access.

Space constraints added another layer of complexity. Museums change exhibitions regularly, sometimes bi-weekly. Car storage facilities need to maximize every square foot. Manual handling in these tight spaces increases the risk of accidents and limits how efficiently vehicles can be repositioned.

Innovative Safety Features That Make the Difference

The CarCaddy Vehicle Puller addresses these challenges through carefully engineered safety features. Our powered car mover uses precision control systems that allow a single operator to move vehicles with millimeter accuracy, eliminating the guesswork and physical strain of manual handling.

The electric drive system provides smooth, controlled movement without the emissions or noise of gas-powered alternatives. This matters tremendously in enclosed museum spaces where air quality and noise levels affect both staff comfort and visitor experience.

Speed control technology automatically limits maximum velocity when maneuvering, preventing accidents that can occur when operators lose control during tight turns. The intuitive steering system requires minimal training, allowing staff members to operate the vehicle mover safely from day one.

Real Benefits Beyond Safety

Museum curators consistently tell me they can relocate vehicles 75% faster using our powered car puller compared to manual methods. This efficiency translates directly to reduced labor costs and minimized disruption during exhibition changes.

Private collectors appreciate the space optimization benefits. When you don’t need room for multiple people to push a car, you can store vehicles closer together. Many customers report fitting 20% more vehicles in their existing spaces after implementing our system.

The precision control also protects valuable flooring. Manual pushing and conventional towing often scuff or damage museum-quality floors, requiring costly repairs and refinishing.

Proven Car Moving Solutions in Action

The Midwest Car Collection uses their CarCaddy Vehicle Puller to efficiently manage their rotating displays without disrupting visitor hours. Their staff can now reposition vehicles during brief maintenance windows rather than closing entire sections.

Hyman Ltd, a respected name in classic car sales, relies on their powered car mover to safely showcase inventory without starting engines or risking damage during demonstrations. This capability directly supports their sales process while protecting their investment.

Classic auto repair shops use our vehicle mover to safely position non-running vehicles in work bays, eliminating the physical strain on technicians and reducing the risk of workplace injuries.

Looking Forward

The vehicle handling industry continues to evolve, with increasing emphasis on worker safety and equipment precision. Museums face growing pressure to maximize exhibition space while protecting increasingly valuable collections. Private collectors demand solutions that preserve their investments while providing convenient access.

These trends validate our original vision: creating a powered vehicle pulling solution specifically designed for the unique needs of collectors and museums. We didn’t just adapt existing equipment—we built something purpose-designed for these environments.

Experience the CarCaddy Vehicle Puller Difference

If you’re managing a car collection, operating a museum, or storing vehicles in limited space, the challenges we’ve addressed probably sound familiar. Manual handling shouldn’t put your staff at risk or threaten valuable vehicles.

Our Collector’s Edition represents years of refinement based on real-world feedback from curators, collectors, and restoration professionals. It’s the solution I wish had existed when I first recognized this problem.

Explore the CarCaddy Vehicle Puller: The Collectors Edition and discover how precision engineering can transform your vehicle handling operations while protecting what matters most—your people and your vehicles.

Vehicle Movers: A Guide to Moving a Non-Running Cars

What’s the Best Way to Move a Car That Isn’t Running?

Moving a non-running car presents unique challenges that classic car collectors, museums, and auction houses face regularly. Whether you’re dealing with a rare 1967 Shelby Cobra or repositioning vehicles in a cramped showroom, the right approach can mean the difference between preserving a priceless asset and causing costly damage.

At DJ Products, we’ve spent years perfecting vehicle moving solutions for the collector community. Through our work with premier dealers like Hyman Ltd. and countless museums worldwide, we’ve learned that moving non-running cars requires more than just muscle—it demands the right tools, techniques, and understanding of what makes each situation unique.

Why Can’t You Simply Drive It?

Non-running vehicles present obvious challenges, but even cars that could potentially start shouldn’t always be driven. Classic and collectible vehicles often have:

Seized engines or transmission problems

Fuel systems that haven’t been serviced in years

Brake systems requiring inspection before operation

Irreplaceable components that shouldn’t be stressed

Insurance restrictions on driving vintage vehicles

Additionally, tight spaces in showrooms, garages, or exhibition halls make traditional driving impractical, even when the vehicle runs perfectly.

Method 1: Using Wheel Dollies

Wheel dollies lift individual wheels slightly off the ground, allowing maneuvering in tight spaces but is often a slow process requiring more than one person.

Step-by-step process:

Ensure the vehicle is in neutral with parking brake disengaged
Position dollies under each wheel, starting with the front
Use a jack to lift each corner slightly and slide dollies underneath
Lower the vehicle onto the dollies
Push or pull the vehicle slowly to its destination

This is the tried and true old school method but it lacks innovation or the safety of a modern motorized vehicle mover.

Method 2: Towing with a Tow Strap or Rope

When space allows, towing offers an efficient solution for longer distances, but can often lead to damage of fragile vehicles.

Step-by-step process:

Attach the tow strap to proper anchor points on both vehicles
Ensure the non-running car is in neutral
Establish clear communication signals between drivers
Begin towing slowly, maintaining constant tension on the strap
Plan stops in advance, as the non-running vehicle lacks power steering and brakes

Critical safety note: This method requires more than one person to be involved and is the most dangerous.

Method 3: Hiring a Professional Towing Service

Professional services become necessary when:

The vehicle must travel on public roads

Distance exceeds facility boundaries

Liability concerns outweigh DIY savings

Specialized equipment like flatbed trucks is required

Safety Precautions for Classic Vehicle Moving Methods

Vehicle moving carries inherent risks. Always:

Have multiple people involved—never attempt solo moves

Clear the path completely before beginning

Move slowly and deliberately

Use wheel chocks when stopping on inclines

Maintain constant communication between team members

The CarCaddy Collectors Edition: A Superior Vehicle Moving Solution

After years of working with collectors who struggled with traditional methods, we developed the CarCaddy Collector’s Edition—a motorized vehicle mover specifically designed for valuable vehicles.

Unlike manual dollies or risky towing, our vehicle mover offers:

Precision control: Move vehicles exactly where needed without overshooting

Solo operation: One person can safely and easily relocate a 7,000-pound vehicle

Zero risk starting: Never risk engine damage or fuel system problems

Professional appearance: Designed to look appropriate around million-dollar vehicles

Hyman Ltd., managing over 200 vehicles in their facility, chose our CarCaddy Vehicle Mover after experiencing the limitations of manual methods. As they noted in their testimonial, the precision and efficiency transformed their daily operations.

Collectors benefit from the ability to maneuver valuable cars in tight garage spaces without risking damage, while auction houses can efficiently showcase non-running vehicles to potential buyers. Museums particularly appreciate the professional appearance and quiet operation that doesn’t disrupt visitors.

With specifications including a 7,000-pound capacity, 36VDC drive system, and precision speed control, the CarCaddy handles everything from lightweight sports cars to heavy luxury vehicles. The shock-assisted platform and non-marking wheels protect both vehicle and flooring.

Making the Right Choice for Your Collection

The best method depends on your specific situation, but investing in proper equipment pays dividends in safety, efficiency, and peace of mind. Whether you choose wheel dollies for occasional moves or a motorized car mover for regular operations, the key is matching your tool to your needs.

Don’t let improper moving techniques risk your valuable collection. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your specific vehicle moving needs, and check out our testimonials page to see how other classic car collectors are using the CarCaddy CE to protect and manage their investments.