Powered trailer dolly experiences ?

[ajay]

Hi Everyone,

Not even a newbee yet, ordered a 21. Very excited and cannot wait until I get it (early next year).

My driveway/parking space is very tight and I do not think it will be easy to park the 21. I will look into a front mounted hitch - but I am not optimistic. I am told I can purchase an electric or gas powered dolly to maneuver the trailer
into the space. Looking at the internet, some have commented that this could be dangerous when making tight turns with a tandem trailer.

I would sure appreciate comments, and experiences you may have had. Recommendations are most welcome.

Thank you in advance

[cpaharley2008]

here is one thread http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f9...19-a-2352.html
and another http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f8...alet-1906.html
one more http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...ter-47202.html

[ajay]

Thanks Jim.

I am curious if anyone on the forum has used the Trailer Valet. I spoke with Tammy today and she said a few Escape owners have had success with powered dollies. I am hoping some of them will read and report their experience.

Thanks Again

[donandbea]

Check out the http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f1...ight=parkit360

[cpaharley2008]

I knew I missed one, maybe they can give us a product review...

[dbailey]

I just learned recently that the Parkit360 is built not too far from here. But, $1200 is bit too much for me.

[cpaharley2008]

That is about 6 months storage fee down here!!

[Jim Bennett]

Wow, I pay $275 for a 36x24 garage I use for storage with room for 2 trailers to park beside it too.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by ajay

I will look into a front mounted hitch - but I am not optimistic.

Why? For instance, are you concerned that backing the trailer will be too difficult even with the front-mounted hitch, or that the hitch won't be able to handle the Escape, or that you won't be able to find the hitch?

[gbaglo]

I don't see how a front mount hitch helps. If the trailer was a small boat trailer and you could sorta see around it, maybe. But, you'll be staring at a large slab of white fiberglass.
At least with the rear mount, you can look in the mirrors to see what clearance you have on either side.

[ajay]

A front mount hitch enables maneuvering in tighter spaces. I cannot find a front mount for my VW Tuoareg TDI.

[hotfishtacos]

Originally Posted by ajay

Hi Everyone,

Not even a newbee yet, ordered a 21. Very excited and cannot wait until I get it (early next year).

My driveway/parking space is very tight and I do not think it will be easy to park the 21. I will look into a front mounted hitch - but I am not optimistic. I am told I can purchase an electric or gas powered dolly to maneuver the trailer
into the space. Looking at the internet, some have commented that this could be dangerous when making tight turns with a tandem trailer.

I would sure appreciate comments, and experiences you may have had. Recommendations are most welcome.

Thank you in advance

ajay, I have an Escape 19 and move it around into a tight spot on the side of my house with a trailer dolly made by Powermovers; All Wheel Drive AC Powered Trailer Dolly. If I had to do it over I would absolutely pay that much again and even more if needed. Because I have this dolly I don't have to pay storage fees. If you're getting about a one year payback or better how can you go wrong? Remember, you are going to have that trailer for a long time. Regarding maneuverability, I can spin the trailer around on its axis with no movement front or back sliding both duals while doing it. In other words, the maneuverability is unbelievable!...and all of the models I've seen on the market look good. Go for it!

[hotfishtacos]

Originally Posted by ajay

A front mount hitch enables maneuvering in tighter spaces. I cannot find a front mount for my VW Tuoareg TDI.

...only when driving forward...not when backing up.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by ajay

A front mount hitch enables maneuvering in tighter spaces. I cannot find a front mount for my VW Tuoareg TDI.

Originally Posted by hotfishtacos

...only when driving forward...not when backing up.

It does help make for tighter steering in both directions due to the steering being so close to the pivot point of the hitch. I used to do this all the time parking rows of farm machinery tightly together for my dad's John Deere dealership. Even backing out, it pulls the hitch around a real tight radius.

[ajay]

A power dolly should accomplish the same thing as a front mount hitch.

Does the double axle on a 21 make this dangerous ( a power dolly has a lot less mass than a tow vehicle when there is resistance to axle skid)

Anyone else have experience using a powered dolly?

[hotfishtacos]

Originally Posted by ajay

A power dolly should accomplish the same thing as a front mount hitch.

Does the double axle on a 21 make this dangerous ( a power dolly has a lot less mass than a tow vehicle when there is resistance to axle skid)

Anyone else have experience using a powered dolly?

Read post #12 again...my trailer is also double axle and the dolly has no problem moving it through dirt, gravel....or put a hitch on the front of your TV and tell us how it worked out..

[ajay]

I read on another forum about dangers, and I do sometimes analyze too much.

I can pave my area , however there is a 12 degree uphill grade to overcome before getting to level area when parking, and possible runaway train when readying for hitch to tow vehicle. Thanks for relating you experience. Which model did you buy - several listed on their website?

[hotfishtacos]

Originally Posted by ajay

I read on another forum about dangers, and I do sometimes analyze too much.

I can pave my area , however there is a 12 degree uphill grade to overcome before getting to level area when parking, and possible runaway train when readying for hitch to tow vehicle. Thanks for relating you experience. Which model did you buy - several listed on their website?

AC6...and you are right to worry about the 12 degree grade. Don't plan to use a dolly on a grade like that. If your TV can get it up to the top then you can unhook and use the dolly to move it around then OK. Most models have a brake control for grades but I don't use mine.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by ajay

A front mount hitch enables maneuvering in tighter spaces. I cannot find a front mount for my VW Tuoareg TDI.

Thanks for the clarification. I'm not surprised that a front-mount hitch for the Touareg is hard to find; they are common only for pickup trucks (and SUVs sharing the same chassis) with a separate frame and body. In the Touareg's European home I expect that front-mount hitches (for any vehicle) are even more rare than they are here, because people use tongue jacks with wheels and hand-push their trailers, or use "movers" which are motors built onto the trailer.

[ajay]

I think I will keep it at a storage yard or friend's warehouse. The warehouse would be ideal - indoors, somewhat climate controlled, and electric outlets available. I hope he says yes. Much safer solution, my DW needn't be concerned about the neighbors' attitude regarding the trailer from next door ( "The Trailer From the White Lagoon"!), and then I dint have to concern myself about my Bride's attitude.

Thanks to everyone for their advice.

Arny