Using the rear hitch for repositioning?

[Dee]

Hi, We are working on finding the best spot in our yard to position our 21' for storage this winter. Positioning it with the truck is a bit tricky because of lack of turning space.
We have a hitch on the back of the trailer that we use for our bike rack.
What do you think about using that rear hitch to connect with the truck for fine tuning our positioning?

[cpaharley2008]

I think you would have better results mounting a hitch on the front of your truck and push the trailer in from the front vs the back.

[Ron in BC]

I agree. The physics of the situation are working against you. You still have a fairly heavy tongue to deal with. It'd have to have a decent swivel wheel on it to even begin considering what you want to do and the surface would have to be reasonably smooth.

It's worth a shot trying though, doesn't require any upfront expenditure to try.

Let us know what happens.

Ron

[padlin]

With only a 150 lb capacity I'd think twice about using the receiver to lift the trailer if that's the idea.

[Doug2000]

Do not use the rear receiver!

The axles are attached to the same HSS Hollow Structural Steel tubing as the hitch. The rear section (atleast on my 2020 19) is smaller square tube and welded to the main frame. Lifting by the rear could bend the frame enough to stress the fiberglass shell and cause damage.

If you have a smooth area, I would use hydraulic lift car dollies.

https://www.amazon.ca/Vehicle-Traile.../dp/B01M9D4N65

[HABBERDABBER]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

I think you would have better results mounting a hitch on the front of your truck and push the trailer in from the front vs the back.

Boaters use a front vehicle mounted hitch ball to place and retrieve their boats in sketchy ramps, especially if the rear of the vehicle has to go in deep with the normal method. It keeps the rear wheels in the dry .


I would not do it as the rear Escape hitch is good for 150lbs, and you'd be stressing areas not designed for your technique.

[gbaglo]

And I must present the view from the driver seat ( if I had a front hitch ). Behind the trailer, with about two feet to clear either side, are steel posts for the gate. Note that they cannot be seen.

[Iowa Dave]

I learned a long time ago that the best procedure for pinpoint positioning is to have a spotter who understands the capabilities of the driver and the realities of how the trailer can actually react behind the tow. Couple that with agreed upon communication references and finally if there’s any question at all, put her in park and Get Out And Look. Easy does it
Iowa Dave

[cpaharley2008]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

And I must present the view from the driver seat ( if I had a front hitch ). Behind the trailer, with about two feet to clear either side, are steel posts for the gate. Note that they cannot be seen.

Not sure what your point is Glenn, but looking straight at an item is a lot better than looking in the rear view mirror or trying to turn your head around 180 degrees, which way do you prefer?

[TTMartin]

Originally Posted by Iowa Dave

I learned a long time ago that the best procedure for pinpoint positioning is to have a spotter who understands the capabilities of the driver and the realities of how the trailer can actually react behind the tow. Couple that with agreed upon communication references and finally if there’s any question at all, put her in park and Get Out And Look. Easy does it
Iowa Dave

I agree 100%.

The advantage of the front hitch is your inputs result in almost instantaneous response from the trailer, since steering inputs are immediately transferred to the trailer's tongue.

Attachment 51297

[gbaglo]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

Not sure what your point is Glenn, but looking straight at an item is a lot better than looking in the rear view mirror or trying to turn your head around 180 degrees, which way do you prefer?

The rear view mirror is off to one side, not almost centred. I can see the side of my trailer and obstructions on that side. If I know ( and i do ) that I can back my trailer through the gate, as long as I can see one steel post I can back it through. Sitting in the driver seat, staring at the blank wall of white of the trailer, I cannot see either steel post.

[tractors1]

If you have a rear view camera on the rig, a front receiver allows you to see what the back end of the trailer sees. I marked the center of my storage space as a target and just aim for that.

[gbaglo]

Agreed. But not buying and installing a camera and a front receiver is cheaper than buying and installing them and your mirrors are already there ( or should be ).

[tractors1]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

Agreed. But not buying and installing a camera and a front receiver is cheaper than buying and installing them and your mirrors are already there ( or should be ).

True, but I also carry my generator (when needed) on the front receiver, so that serves two purposes.

[HABBERDABBER]

The OP asked about using the rear bumper receiver for backing the rig in. Now we're quibbling and parsing other techniques and equipment.



Fellows


try and stay focused.

[gbaglo]

Originally Posted by HABBERDABBER

try and stay focused.

Stay in the box?

[Iowa Dave]

Never. ADHD. Ah Don’t Have Direction
But I can back anything up, except away from a confrontation.
Iowa Dave

[tractors1]

Originally Posted by HABBERDABBER

The OP asked about using the rear bumper receiver for backing the rig in. Now we're quibbling and parsing other techniques and equipment.



Fellows


try and stay focused.

My question is if you are backing the rig in (as in going in the direction the license plate is mounted,) isn't that pulling the rig backward? That's why I brought up a rear view camera. If you are backing the rig going in the direction where the propane tanks are mounted, then the camera doesn't matter, neither does a front-mounted receiver.



I'd not chance pushing on the trailer rear hitch as the swing from the axle center to the front of the trailer will be magnified big time if you need to angle the push a bit.

[Rossue]

https://getyarn.io/yarn-clip/ea494fd...9-74e1a16719a4

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by Dee

What do you think about using that rear hitch to connect with the truck for fine tuning our positioning?

Aside from hitch capacity issues without an A-frame extended away from the trailer shell like on the front any turning will almost immediately cause the tow vehicle to hit the trailer.