Trailer Dolly Recommendation for Moving Boat Trailer Into Garage with Bevel at the Door
Published 07/26/2018
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Question:
I recently moved into a new home. My home sits at the top of a fairly steep drive way, and all of the garage bays are at a 90 angle to the driveway. I cant back my truck up with the boat and cut it into the bay designated for the boat without going into the yard. Im married. SO yard is NOT an option. Im not a Smart Man Jenny... but I keep my truck out of the yard What I do instead, is pull in forward. I can go far enough to get the aft end of the boat past the bay for the boat. Then I simply unhook, quickly swing the boat so it is at a 70 or so to the driveway as the thought of it getting away from me keeps me awake at night. I then push it to that bay, get it aligned at a 90 to the driveway and then push it in. Therein lies the problem. The garage has a slight bevel to it. IF I get a little headway I can usually overcome the hump. If I dont, it rolls back out on me and even thought it isnt facing down the driveway, its a little disconcerting. Im in my 50s. it isnt going to get any better. Would a trailer Dolly, standard type, with pneumatic tires and hitch ball at about 15 inch or so, actually provide me with an easier go of it than pushing it on the tongue jack wheel as I do now? I have a 19 foot aluminum center console with a tee top, trolling motor, batteries in front. Whole rig is about 22-2300 Lbs. My concern about the trailer dolly is that Im pushing form handles at roughly waist level as opposed to pushing on trailer and bow and shoulder level where I can get my legs into the act. and my back - which isnt what it once was thanks the Uncle Sammy and 22 years in the Army Thanks, I appreciate any assistance. PPS. For the record, that spare tire, and spare tire holder, and those new safety cables cam from you all. Youve squared away many of my trailers over the years.
asked by: Clay G
Expert Reply:
First of all, thank you very much for your service, and thank you for providing an entertaining read.
Using a tow dolly instead of your current trailer jack will definitely help make moving your loaded boat trailer much easier. We do have options like the Rack'Em # RA20 which is a cost-effective solution but if you are already experiencing some back issues then this isn't a very viable option, plus it only has a weight capacity of 500 lbs.
Instead, something like the Trailer Valet 5X # STC-V211 would help to make moving your trailer virtually effortless. I believe this is the product you were referring to as it does have a lift of 15" and will replace your current jack. The hand crank moves the wheels so that you don't have to (literally) put your back into moving your boat trailer. To make this even easier you can use the included drill attachment and use a screw gun to turn the gears on the 5X.
The Trailer Valet 5X is a bit more pricey, but if you plan on moving your trailer in and out of the garage a lot (multiple times a year) then it is definitely worth the investment. You will have an easier time maneuvering your trailer over the hump and getting it into your garage with this product.
We do have the Trailer Valet XL as well which just connects to the hitch ball and isn't permanently installed. Part # TVXL2 comes with a 2" hitch ball while part # TVXL25 comes with a 2-5/16" hitch ball.
Attached are review videos for both products that you can check out for further comparison.
Happy to hear that we have been able to help you out with your trailers!
Product Page this Question was Asked From
- Trailer Dolly
- Manual Dolly
- 5000 lbs
- 16 Inch Tall
- 17 Inch Tall
- 18 Inch Tall
- 19 Inch Tall
- 1-7/8 Inch Ball
- RackEm
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