Dollies and jinkers are auxiliary trailers that share the load between prime mover and main trailer, keeping axle groups within mass limits on heavy moves.
What a dolly does
A jeep dolly sits between the prime mover and the trailer, adding an extra axle group that shares the drawbar load. A jinker is a rear auxiliary trailer that extends the deck and adds axles at the back. Both let us move heavier loads while keeping each axle group within legal mass limits — essential for OSOM moves that still need to respect bridge and pavement ratings.
Jeep dolly vs jinker — the difference
A jeep dolly couples between the prime mover and the trailer and adds a front axle group that shares the drawbar load — it lets a heavy float carry more without overloading the prime mover's drive axles. A jinker is a rear auxiliary trailer that extends the deck and adds axles at the back, supporting long overhang and spreading rear mass. Many heavy moves use both.
When we add one
We add a dolly or jinker when the load would otherwise overload the main trailer's axles, when rear overhang needs support, or when a long, heavy item needs a more stable platform. It's standard on platform float work for transformers and mining modules and on heavy low-loader moves for large excavators.
Combination length and swept path
Adding a dolly or jinker lengthens the combination, which changes swept path at every intersection and roundabout. We re-check the turning paths on the Gateway and Logan Motorway interchanges and the entries to the Port of Brisbane and western mine roads whenever the combination changes — a dolly that solves an axle problem can create a turning problem.
OSOM and bridge ratings
On OSOM moves the dolly or jinker isn't just about capacity — it's about keeping each axle group within the bridge and pavement ratings on the route. We balance the load across the combination so no single axle group exceeds the structure that gates the move. That's the difference between a permit that's issued and one that's refused.
Permit impact
Adding a dolly or jinker changes the combination length, which affects swept path, turning at intersections and the access permit conditions. We re-check the route — particularly tight roundabouts on the Gateway and Logan Motorway interchanges and site access at the Port of Brisbane — whenever the combination changes.
Part of the kit, not a standalone
Dollies and jinkers aren't hired on their own; they're part of how we engineer a heavy move. When you request a quote we'll tell you whether your load needs one and factor it into your free quote.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a jeep dolly and a jinker?
A jeep dolly sits between the prime mover and the trailer, sharing the drawbar load. A jinker is a rear auxiliary trailer that extends the deck and adds axles at the back. Both spread load across more axles.
When does a move need a dolly or jinker?
When the load would overload the main trailer's axles, when rear overhang needs support, or when a long heavy item needs a more stable platform. It's standard on platform float work for transformers and mining modules and on heavy low-loader moves for large excavators.
Does adding a dolly change the permit?
Yes — it changes the combination length, which affects swept path, turning and access permit conditions. We re-check the route, particularly tight roundabouts on the Gateway and Logan interchanges and Port of Brisbane site access, whenever the combination changes.
Can I hire a dolly or jinker on its own?
No — they're auxiliary trailers that are part of how we engineer a heavy move, not a standalone hire. When you request a quote we'll tell you whether your load needs one and factor it in.
How do I get a quote?
Send the load weight and dimensions and the pickup-to-delivery route. We'll plan the full combination — main trailer plus any dolly or jinker — permits and escort, and give you a free quote. Call 0489 953 607 or use the quote form.
Specifications are indicative only and not a guarantee of any particular unit's capacity. Final trailer selection is assessed per load.
Plan your move on a dollies & jinkers
Tell us the load, the dimensions and the pickup-to-delivery route. We'll confirm whether a dollies & jinkers is the right trailer, plan the permit and pilot, and give you a free quote.