I was the old guy sitting across from you, sleeping in the chair…
A couple thoughts after reading the comments:
On the tow dolly, you can pick them up around here (if you watch Craigslist) for 3 or $400 pretty regularly. Check the bearings, make sure you’ve got good tires, and make sure you’ve got a spare. Use it, then paint it with - wait for it - rustoleum, and sell it for what you paid for it or more.
On using them, I’ve only used them a couple times, but we used to use them at work regularly. If we had long halls, it’s my understanding the guys always let about 2/3 of the air out of the tires. That way the strap gripped, but you still had enough air to roll it on and off.
Also, I used to tow a Volkswagen beetle with a tow bar, and the front wheels would always want to jump back-and-forth, I never figured out why. I would center them up, and then use a ratchet strap to hold the steering wheel in the center, and never had the problem again. Even if your steering wheel is off, you can center up the wheels, pretty much, and then tie off the steering wheel to the bottom of the seat or something, can’t you?
None of this is criticism in anyway, just information.
Next, Jim, let me know where I can send some tent money. I talked to
@ericbphoto when I got there, but I was exhausted, and then I forgot to follow up. Just let me know.
Back to the tow dolly, I’ve done the same thing with car trailers too. Buy one cheap, check the bearings and tires to make sure it’s safe, get a “R&B“ spare or two, use it, paint it, and sell it for a profit. It takes a little work, but when I look at the fits you had with your tires, the torn fender, the stress, etc., if you buy one, fix it, paint it and sell it, it’s less stress and more successful perhaps. But remember this is from guy who is mostly retired, doesn’t have to work a day job anymore.