AC (plug in) verse DC (battery operated)

In general, ac motors are less expensive than dc motors.

DC dollies are good for continuous use, speed, and long distances, and if there is no ac power available.  Batteries typically last 18 to 24 months, if not kept charged.   Hitch balls can not be used on one, two, or three wheel dollies.  Hitch balls can be utilized on a four or six wheel dolly when on  flat surfaces.  Hitch balls will not work on inclines.  The dollies will either tip over or transfer traction to the casters, causing a loss of traction.

TRACTION, TRACTION, TRACTION  

Statistics from Year 2004 (846 sold)

Three (3 wheel dollies) lost traction on grass.  One 4 wheel dolly did not work on dirt on a 7 percent grade.  1 four wheel dolly and 1 six wheel dolly did not work on gravel.

Statistic from Year 2005 (754 sold so far)

2 (six wheel dollies did not work on boats on a 12 percent grade.  1  four wheel dolly did not work on a 6 percent incline on dirt.  2 six wheel dollies did not work on trailers weighing approximately 10,000 pounds on grass inclines.

2 wheel, 1/4 horse ac dollies are good for trailers up to 4,000 pounds on hard surfaces.

3 wheel, 1/4 horse ac dollies are good for 4,000 to 4,500 pound trailers on hard surfaces. 

3 wheel, 1/2 horse ac dollies are good for trailers up to 6,500 pounds on hard surfaces.  4 wheel dollies are recommended on trailers over 6,500 pounds and up to 10,000.

AC dollies seem slow, if traveling over 50 feet.  The DC5 through DC9 travel up to 60 feet per minute, depending upon load.

When are brakes required?

If you are on grades in excess of 4 percent (a 4 foot climb over 100 feet) Dollies should definitely not be used on grades exceeding 12 percent.

The bigger the Dayton ac gearmotor, the more drag in the gear box, hence greater stopping ability. The dc gearmotors we use have almost no drag or inherent braking capability.  Without brakes, you'll need to place caulks.