Electric Trailer Mover by Power Caster

[ToddW]

Does anyone have experience with this device or similar products. I may need something like this to position my boat on the side of the house.

Model PC-3 POWER CASTER
Designed for heavy travel trailers
1,800 lb. tongue capacity
1/2 horsepower electric motor
800 in.-lbs. of torque @ 30 RPM
(120 volts, 8.3 amps)
Weight 94 lbs. (boxed shipping weight approx. 115 lbs.)
Comes with:
Dual 4-ply nylon tires
Heavy-duty pregreased needle
bearings with heat-treated
hardened inner race bushings
Built-in brake switch/wiring
to connect to your trailer's
electric brake system
6-foot service cord
Electrical Requirements:

Standard house current (120 volts AC)
Price $1050.00
http://www.powercaster.com/products.html

[vonwolske]

I am considering buying a golf cart. I have a call in to the manufacturer on how much traction force they can generate. I will fill you in tomorrow.

Golf carts typically have a 36 volt dc motor rated for 53 amps. This is a series wound motor and has lots of torque at low speeds so it should be good for the task.

I fugure I will have to beef up the suspension to handle the tongue weight. Details later.

At least I can run around on it in the yard.

[ToddW]

Keep me posted on the golf cart.

Anyone else use something similar to this?

I have a Powercaster, What do you want to know?

[ToddW]

HavasuCat,
Would you recommend it? What size/weight boat do you use it for?

I have a PC 2, which is the same as the one above except it only has one tire. The PC 3 has a higher tounge rating, other than that they have the same motor. I have used it on my boat which is 5000-6000# on the trailer. It works well as far as moving the boat, but I don't have electric brakes on the trailer so unless you are on flat ground it is a little dangerous.

If you have electric brakes on your trailer that would be the ticket. Onother thing to think about is what it attaches to on the trailer. The last two trailers that I had built i sent them the metal piece that the PC attaches to and they welded it on the trailer for me. If you already have an existing trailer you can get an attachment that bolts onto the front of the trailer about 1'-2' back from the ball mount.

The PC is definitely a quality piece of equipment, and they are friendly to deal with. I just talked to them and they said they would take my PC 2 in on a trade for a PC 3 if I get a heavier boat (which might be soon). As far as a golf cart is concerned the PC will push/pull alot more weight. I know a golf cart will not push my boat up my drieveway, but my PC will. I hope this answered some of your questions.

[ToddW]

HavasuCat,
Thanks for the information. Just what I needed.

We ordered a 37 foot boat about 10,000 on the trailer. With a triple axle trailer I wonder if I can do one axle electric and the others surge.

Todd,

I looked at Pacific Trailer yesterday that had electric over hydraulic, it was a cool set up. I would see if you could get a setup like that. I wanted Extreme to use an electric system on the trailer that I have now, but they would not do it. They told me that they only use surge brakes. Good luck.

[vonwolske]

No answer from the golf cart mfgr yet.
Certianly, if you have an incline, things can get away from you in a hurry without brakes. It all depends on the slope of the driveway and the weight of the boat. My application will be on level ground.

I plan to buy a Case #1840 skid steer 54 hp, and 5500 lbs for moving stuff around the house anyway (like beer cans) but I don't really need it. Just another toy. Also, all my friends will want to use it and they will have to suck up to me. That ought to be worth a few thousand a year anyway, huh?

On the golf cart, my father-in-law pulls his 560 AeroCommander (4,600 - 6,700 lbs) out of the hanger with his gas powered cart. The surrounding concrete is flat.