OT - Question about moving RV Trailer with dolly

rockinbach · Since 11 Apr 2010 52 Posts Vancouver, WA

Looking for advice and feel there have to people on this site with RV trailer experience. We just bought an RV Trailer that has a GVWR of 3800lbs. The grand hope is this will get me out kiting more! I plan to park it in my backyard. Since it's a tight spot we're anticipating a huge challenge using our vehicle to back it in. I'm looking into dolly's to help us park it. The alley is asphalt and our parking pad is concrete. And it's pretty much flat.

Given those parameters, is it even possible to push the RV travel trailer weighing 3000 - 4000lb manually if you're using a three wheel dolly like this one? http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200512627_200512627

Blazeheliski · Since 30 Mar 2011 659 Posts Mosier Addicted

Reading the reviews of that particular product - it looks like it works ok for stuff up to 3000lbs - but stuff 3700lbs and higher it failed or was very difficult. Might need to go with another option.

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

I got one of these - struggles up a ramp but might work great on the flat

http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Jack/Trailer-Valet/STC-V211.html?feed=npn&gclid=CJeWsPPfwMsCFU1rfgodNkEMbQ

Freeride Kiter · Mon Mar 14, 16 10:36 am

What is your tow vehicle?

blancoh2o · Since 15 Mar 2005 1154 Posts Oregon Phishy

How much tongue weight is does your trailer have? It looks like they make one for up to 1000lbs. My guess is your tongue weight is less than 500lbs but I would get the heavier duty one.
The problem will be moving the trailer but there are solutions.......

1. Do you have a good anchor point to attach a come-along or other hand powered winch?

2. If so, wrap your rear axle or other bomb proof part of the chases with a tug strap and have someone pull the trailer with the winch as you guide it back with your hitch dolly.

3. Go slow and guide it back right into place.

4. Reverse the process on the way out and use your tow vehicle as the anchor point. attach your tug strap around the tongue.

I have seen some pretty elaborate systems to do the same thing you are describing and they worked well. Your situation sounds a lot easier because you have flat ground and a relatively light trailer. I hope this helps.

rockinbach · Since 11 Apr 2010 52 Posts Vancouver, WA

Thanks for the responses. This is all really helpful.

I'm towing the trailer with a Toyota V6 Highlander that is rated to tow up to 5000lbs. The tongue weight of the RV travel trailer is 300lbs.

blancoh2o · Since 15 Mar 2005 1154 Posts Oregon Phishy

You should be good to go. Watch your weight though. It's easy to overload your trailer and vehicle with gear, water, LP and people.

Bettyboarder · Mon Mar 14, 16 2:04 pm

We just got one of these to move our boat around in our warehouse. It by the same company Gman was talking about the only nice part is it doesn't have to be hooked to your trailer. It might be over kill for your needs check it out though

https://www.trailervalet.com/shop/trailer-valet-xl

blancoh2o · Since 15 Mar 2005 1154 Posts Oregon Phishy

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

I just used trailer valet to move our boat... worked awesome!

I had previously used dolly and it would be fine for single axle trailer but for tandem the tires bind really bad when trying to pivot the trailer.

Trailer Valet lets you fine tune the process and put the trailer exactly where you want. Thumb's Up

Freeride Kiter · Wed Mar 16, 16 3:02 pm

If you're sure you can't maneuver it safely with your tow vehicle then the Valet is a great way to go. I live in a 34' travel trailer and tow it all the time with an F250 - it gets sketchy sometimes trying to back in to places because of the combined length.

Don't go with a cheap knock off - if it fails; especially on any incline the damage to person and property could be severe.

JeffT · Since 07 Jul 2012 238 Posts Deep Southern Portland Stoked

If you may be able to back it in with your vehicle, but don't feel comfortable due to a visibility issue and tight spacing, consider getting one or more backup cameras. This will be very welcome accessory to your RV experience. They can be used while driving to check for traffic when changing lanes and helping you back in to your RV site when you don't have help.
http://www.tadibrothers.com/products/categoryproducts/backupsystems

Wanna-Go · Since 14 Sep 2009 95 Posts Central, Wa

Get a hitch for the front of your vehicle. The you don't have to back it in.

deminimis · Since 15 Jul 2014 328 Posts On the Rocks Obsessed

Wheel dollies might work for you. Ordering some when I order some other parts for our buggy in a week or so. Asphalt will be tricky alone. Concrete will be okay. Always easier with two people. http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Auto-Dolly-M998002-Heavy-Duty-Wheel-Dollies-Set-4,2628.html?sku=91081108&utm_medium=CSEGoogle&utm_source=CSE&utm_campaign=CSEGOOGLE&catargetid=530009170000152854&cadevice=m&gclid=CK2ZsZyU38sCFU1bfgod33EOWQ

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