Tight Parking Spot for the 17B

[gbaglo]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

Why would you need mirrors when the trailer is in the front?

Because you can't see what's behind the trailer, or to the sides.
Hold your hand out at arm's length with your palm facing you. Now move your palm to four inches in front of your face. What can you see?

[msweet]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

Toyota says the 4Runner's curb-to-curb turning circle is 11.4 m (37.4 ft) in diameter, which means it can turn around a point along the set back line (5 ft from the alley) and easily not run off the far side of the alley. The trailer's wheels will track well inside of that, so even though the outside rear corner of the trailer sticks out, I'm thinking it will still clear the west fence and there's room to back in without heroic measures.

This gives me a level of comfort that I can fit the trailer into the current parking area with no problem. With some practice it sounds like it will also fit in the narrower future spot as well.

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

why not cut out a cardboard 4Runner and Escape, pin them together at the ball point, and try it out?

I had thought about that but wasn't quite sure where all the pivot points would be.

[Brian B-P]

I wondered if you can really build a garage with the doors facing the alley and only five feet of setback. This varies by location, but for an example in Edmonton if the doors face the alley the minimum setback is much larger (4.5m or 15 feet, perhaps) to allow space for a parked vehicle. Garages can be built much closer (0.6m or 2 ft) if they open to the side, but that means the rest of the property width is needed for the approach to the garage.

Michael, it looks like you're following a New Westminster rule which requires 22 feet minus the lane width; apparently they only want to ensure that vehicles have enough space to turn into the garage, not to allow parking in front of it.

[msweet]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

A final option - as a possibility for later rather than anything I think would be necessary - is a system which makes the trailer self-propelled for parking, and able to turn as tightly as you want. These are called "caravan movers" in Europe, and are uncommon here. One brand which is available here is Purple Line, and at least two Escape owners are using it, including Laura and Dirk (NW Cat Owner)

These look great! If I can't fit the trailer in after numerous attempts from either direction than I will consider this setup. The convenience and parking savings in the first year would more than cover the cost of the dolly.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

... why not cut out a cardboard 4Runner and Escape, pin them together at the ball point, and try it out?

Originally Posted by msweet

I had thought about that but wasn't quite sure where all the pivot points would be.

I already had a suitable drawing under construction - I'll send you a copy (not to scale), as a guideline in case you want to try it. I assume there's no rush at this point.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

By the way, can you really build a garage with the doors facing the alley and only five feet of setback? This varies by location, but for an example in Edmonton if the doors face the alley the minimum setback is much larger (4.5m or 15 feet, perhaps) to allow space for a parked vehicle. Garages can be built much closer (0.6m or 2 ft) if they open to the side, but that means the rest of the property width is needed for the approach to the garage.

In Calgary the minimum setback for a garage from a rear lane is 0.60m (2'). In older neighbourhoods where they have narrow alleys, the setback is increased to give you a reasonable turning radius.

We can also build garages right up to the property line, so long as the siding requires no maintenance, and nothing, not even eavetrough goes over the property line, and the wall must be fire rated. This is great, as it eliminates that skinny side yard that just collects junk.

[Donna D.]

Couldn't someone use those fancy rear view cameras y'all are having installed, when using a front receiver on the tug? Or how about a spotter using a walkie-talkie? Or phone?

[msweet]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

Michael, it looks like you're following a New Westminster rule which requires 22 feet minus the lane width; apparently they only want to ensure that vehicles have enough space to turn into the garage, not to allow parking in front of it.

That's correct. The City has confirmed the minimum setback required is 5 feet (22 feet minus 17 feet for lane allowance). I may make the garage narrower and set it further back if it provides better access for parking.

[msweet]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

I already had a suitable drawing under construction - I'll send you a copy (not to scale), as a guideline in case you want to try it. I assume there's no rush at this point.

Thanks for the offer! I drew everything to scale in CAD the other day so I just need to print it out. I will get my son to play cars with the cutouts and see if he can back the trailer in!

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

Couldn't someone use those fancy rear view cameras y'all are having installed, when using a front receiver on the tug?

The problem I see with the camera on the back of the trailer is that it doesn't show you what's happening along the sides, which is what you can see on the inside of the turn in a mirror, and what you could see on both sides with docking cameras. But yes, the one on the back helps to see when to stop backing, and confirm you're not hitting anything with the back of the trailer; I would certainly use it in combination with the side cameras or mirrors.

[Kountrykamper]

I park a 19' in a 16 X 24 garage that has a 12' door. It is a hard 90 degree turn in from our driveway. When we built the garage I was really worried it was to tight. It was a little stressful the first few times with the wife watching. Now that I know where the trailer has to be I can do it with my eyes closed. Will not really but I can do without the wife watching using just the driver side mirror because of the truck being kicked so hard. I know how much to keep it off the wall I can see and that if it's where it should be on the side I can see that there is plenty of room on the side I can't see. I lay a 4X4 on the floor so I don't back up to far. Its much easier to back it to the drivers side than the passengers side because you can also turn around and see the driver side without looking in a mirror.

[msweet]

It fit in the larger parking area with no problems on the first try. From my experience backing it in twice now I think it should also fit in the smaller future parking area as well. Thanks everyone for your help!

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[thoer]

Originally Posted by msweet

It fit in the larger parking area with no problems on the first try. From my experience backing it in twice now I think it should also fit in the smaller future parking area as well. Thanks everyone for your help!

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And each time you do it it will get easier!