One big problem with this type of equipment is the force necessary to
turn the trailer if it has 2 axles. You can overcome that by removing
one pair of wheels, if it doesn't have leaf springs. They are much
easier to move and one set of tires will hold the trailer up for a short
period without any problems.
Bill
Wayne wrote:
>I have a 22' travel trailer and a 20' car trailer that because of fairly
>frequent use and limited driveway space I find myself moving around
>occasionally. This would not be a problem except that I live on a vary narrow
>single lane private road that has a row of trees on the outboard side. My
>extended cab truck has a rather long wheel base. The driveway in front of my
>shop, while very wide, is also not very deep.
>
>So, I was wondering if there was some sort of "trailer jockey" unit that would
>allow easier positioning of said trailers. I thought about maybe just getting
>another short wheelbase beater vehicle for this purpose but would rather not
>take up yet more parking space for something that was going to be used 2 or 3
>times a month.
>
>Also thought about a small tractor but don't really have much other use for
>one around the place. Thought about trying to use my riding lawnmower but
>doubt it has the power, or the capacity to handle the tongue load, although
>there is very little grade involved in these movements. Maybe a battery
>powered stand up forklift but again, no other use for such a beast.
>
>Or, maybe I could make something. Ideally this would be a walk behind unit,
>easy to store when not in use and have a small foot print. Maybe electric over
>hydraulic using hydraulic wheel motors with battery power. Or small lawnmower
>engine with chain drive to the wheels. Not sure if this one would provide
>enough control though.
>
>Obviously this unit would have to take the tongue loads which are about ~700
>lbs. if I recall correctly. I suspect the car trailer actually has a higher
>tongue weight then the travel trailer. What with all the wheels and tires I
>have in the tire rack. Possibly using a large swivel caster on the bottom of
>the tongue jacks would help relieve some of this weight?
>
>Anyway, thought I'd throw that out there for your ideas.
>
>Wayne
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