moving trailer with manual trailer dolly

[jamie beers]

Hi, apparently 2 foot-itis is kicking in. I'm considering a 19' model, but I'm not sure I could drive it into my backyard from my alley. I decided I could possibly use a trailer dolly, but I don't know how realistic it would be to move a 2500 lb trailer, or a tandem axle trailer. Anyone move their trailer with a dolly? Ground is solid, with a slight, slight incline. Thanks!

[donandbea]

That slight, slight incline may feel like Mt. Everest! We us a Parkit360.

[jamie beers]

thanks a lot for the reply. I've looked at their website, they seem pretty slick.

The Ridgeline is one of the vehicles I'm looking at. How do you like it? I think I read that you're not supposed to attach an equalizer hitch to the Ridgeline, how does it tow? thanks.

[Dave Walter]

The 19' is actually quite maneuverable, so you may be surprised at what can be done while backing up. What do you see as the issue for getting into your yard? Is it making the corner from the alley into your yard, some curvy path that you must back up in your yard, or something else.

[jamie beers]

Hi, Thanks for the reply Dave W.

I just have a standard alley, the tt parking spot is at right angles, 16' wide. The issue comes from me just eyeballing my alley space, then imagining an almost 20' trailer plus a tow vehicle trying to back into my backyard, then trying to visualize how far the tv will swing towards the neighbours across the alley.

Terribly unscientific, really. I know a 20' trailer will fit in my backyard, it's just the "swinging" of the tv that may be problematic. So, I'm just thinking ahead, just in case. I've also heard that a front mounted hitch is extremely useful for the final bit of parking in tight spots.

Thanks!

[Catchlight]

Jamie, thanks for encouraging me to add my related questions to this discussion. I'll take care not to hijack it.

We have an Escape 19 on order, and have just one place on our lot to park it. This will require backing down the fairly straight driveway, steering the rear of the trailer onto a 10' x 22' gravel pad next to the driveway, then unhooking and somehow pivoting the front of the trailer about 30 degrees until it is clear of the driveway and parallel to a hedge.

If pivoting the trailer on gravel is too tough, I can put down precast concrete pavers in the crucial spots.

We're new to towing, and wonder how doable the pivot move is. The Parkit360 looks up to the task, but a powered device might be overkill for the number of times we would use it. Does anyone have experience with the Trailer Valet? http://www.trailervalet.com/shop/tra...trailer-dolly/

I'm also wondering if the 19's tandem axles will make pivoting it difficult.

Thanks for any suggestions on this.

[donandbea]

Tows like a dream - with no equalizer. The Ridgeline is also a very comfortable vehicle to travel in.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by Catchlight

I'm also wondering if the 19's tandem axles will make pivoting it difficult.

Yes, but...

Originally Posted by Catchlight

If pivoting the trailer on gravel is too tough, I can put down precast concrete pavers in the crucial spots.

Although gravel makes rolling more difficult, it should also make pivoting easier as it allows the tires to slip sideways.

[MyronL]

The addition of a swivel wheel to the tongue jack might make pivoting easier. I just got mine the other day, thanks to Sandia Fran and Dave.

[FMLNM]

Glad to see it put to use! You now have a 'hybrid' trailer - mostly Escape and part Scamp (swivel wheel came from our 2010 Scamp 16')!!
Enjoy!

[exploring/carolina]

Use a Harbor Freight manual trailer dolly with 1 7/8" ball & pneumatic tires to move a 1900lb boat & 1500lb TT on concrete. Both are single axle, set up for 2" ball, and the dolly handles both easily on a slight grade. Have not tried moving either off of concrete. It was a good $50 investment.

[jamie beers]

Great, thanks for the info! j

[NorTexCamper]

Check out my earlier post - http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f1...t360-2432.html

We have a Parkit360 and use it on a concrete drive with a slight grade… works fantastic. Expensive for the number of times we use it per year, but it's the only way we could maneuver the trailer into our pad site.

Hope you do do well with whatever solution you use.

RB

[PAB4]

Thinking of a 19 foot Escape. Will it me necessary to use a weight distribution towing with my 6 cyl AT Prerunner?
Thanks for any help

[cpaharley2008]

Depends if your tow vehicle remains level after hooking up. If not then I'd recommend the Andersen w/d anti-sway hitch. I used one to tow my Escape 19 with my FJ Cruiser, sold the Escape and hitch and ordered a new 21' Escape, ordered another Andersen to use with the FJC.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by PAB4

Thinking of a 19 foot Escape. Will it me necessary to use a weight distribution towing with my 6 cyl AT Prerunner?
Thanks for any help

Welcome, Paul!

You might want to start a new topic describing this specific proposed combination, as people who have the answers are more likely to notice it, than buried in this topic about moving trailers with a dolly.