Suggestions for Turning Trailer Around in Tight Driveway
#31
My old driveway pictured.
I only widened/fanned-out the upper/left side of the driveway as seen in this pic; and I could back in my 37' Active Thunder with an old F350 DRW with front leaf springs (no turning radius); in one shot with the perfect approach-one correction maximum.
Leave the widened section as gravel, so the trailer can pivot easily. I always told my ex if the driveway was ever paved, we were keeping the last 20 feet of it as gravel anyhow for that reason, and so snowplows didn't tear it up.
We even backed 18 wheelers into the driveway without hitting the grass a few times.
I only widened/fanned-out the upper/left side of the driveway as seen in this pic; and I could back in my 37' Active Thunder with an old F350 DRW with front leaf springs (no turning radius); in one shot with the perfect approach-one correction maximum.
Leave the widened section as gravel, so the trailer can pivot easily. I always told my ex if the driveway was ever paved, we were keeping the last 20 feet of it as gravel anyhow for that reason, and so snowplows didn't tear it up.
We even backed 18 wheelers into the driveway without hitting the grass a few times.
Last edited by Sydwayz; 10-02-2023 at 06:58 AM.
#32
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Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,458
Likes: 388
What abt a trailer mounted pump/tank and spray nozzles under the fenders to wet tires when needed? Could mix in soap or whatever to some water. Have a button in the truck to control it. Could use anywhere. Gas stations, congested boat ramps, etc.
I also have a front hitch. Awesome for putting trailers in a tight spots, especially short trailers.
I also have a front hitch. Awesome for putting trailers in a tight spots, especially short trailers.
#33
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Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: 2302 Parklake Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30345, USA
It sounds like you're dealing with a challenging situation when it comes to maneuvering your trailer, and I can understand the frustration it must be causing. Breaking a spring hanger and wearing down your tires more quickly is definitely a concern.
You've explored several options like the Trailer Valet Wheel Dollies and even thought about a remote-controlled 12k unit. It's clear you're committed to finding a solution.
Considering the size and weight of your boat and trailer, it might be worth consulting with a professional trailer modification specialist. They may be able to recommend custom solutions or modifications to your existing equipment to make the maneuvering process easier and safer.
Additionally, reaching out to other boating enthusiasts or forums specific to boat trailers might yield valuable insights and recommendations from people who've faced similar challenges. They may have suggestions or product recommendations that could work for your specific setup.
Remember, safety is paramount, so whatever solution you explore, make sure it's not only effective but also safe for you, your equipment, and anyone else in the vicinity. Good luck with finding the right solution, and I hope you can enjoy hassle-free trailer maneuvering soon!
You've explored several options like the Trailer Valet Wheel Dollies and even thought about a remote-controlled 12k unit. It's clear you're committed to finding a solution.
Considering the size and weight of your boat and trailer, it might be worth consulting with a professional trailer modification specialist. They may be able to recommend custom solutions or modifications to your existing equipment to make the maneuvering process easier and safer.
Additionally, reaching out to other boating enthusiasts or forums specific to boat trailers might yield valuable insights and recommendations from people who've faced similar challenges. They may have suggestions or product recommendations that could work for your specific setup.
Remember, safety is paramount, so whatever solution you explore, make sure it's not only effective but also safe for you, your equipment, and anyone else in the vicinity. Good luck with finding the right solution, and I hope you can enjoy hassle-free trailer maneuvering soon!
#35
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,359
Likes: 180
From: Indianapolis, IN/ Punta Gorda, FL
I have a similar issue. My storage condo has 51' between yellow concrete protector pylings (or whatever they are called). When I first bought the storage units, there was no second building across from it and there was about 55' of paved lot, plus I could cheat and go in the grass a bit. My door is 12' wide and the boat's beam is 10'11" so barely 6" of room on either side. My trailer is 38ft, gen Y hitch is a foot, and truck is 22' so total length of 61'. Fortunately I keep the boat on a lift at a marina in the summer, so when I trailer it to other areas I only have to deal with putting the empty trailer back away. That's easy. What sucks, and what is extremely hard on wheel bearings, is backing the boat for winter storage. In fact, I'll be doing this tomorrow. I like the idea of wetting the ground with soapy water to help with this. Not sure how much it will help, the pavement isn't the smoothest. Open to any other suggestions.












#36
I have a similar issue. My storage condo has 51' between yellow concrete protector pylings (or whatever they are called). When I first bought the storage units, there was no second building across from it and there was about 55' of paved lot, plus I could cheat and go in the grass a bit. My door is 12' wide and the boat's beam is 10'11" so barely 6" of room on either side. My trailer is 38ft, gen Y hitch is a foot, and truck is 22' so total length of 61'. Fortunately I keep the boat on a lift at a marina in the summer, so when I trailer it to other areas I only have to deal with putting the empty trailer back away. That's easy. What sucks, and what is extremely hard on wheel bearings, is backing the boat for winter storage. In fact, I'll be doing this tomorrow. I like the idea of wetting the ground with soapy water to help with this. Not sure how much it will help, the pavement isn't the smoothest. Open to any other suggestions.
2) A front mounted hitch would definitely help.
3) Definitely do the soapy water; it will help. And/or WD40 on the trailer tires. You can buy WD40 by the pourable gallon at Napa and other places.
4) I would jack the tire pressure on the trailer way up, maybe even 10 lbs. or so past cold tire pressure (knowing that they go up that high when towing). That will reduce your contact patch on the ground.
5) IF your axles are far enough over-rated for the load, you COULD consider removing the two rear tires from the boat trailer just to make the turn, which will allow it to pivot in a little smaller radius. BUT that's not going to be good for the bearings.
#37
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,359
Likes: 180
From: Indianapolis, IN/ Punta Gorda, FL
1) See if anyone has a forklift.
2) A front mounted hitch would definitely help.
3) Definitely do the soapy water; it will help. And/or WD40 on the trailer tires. You can buy WD40 by the pourable gallon at Napa and other places.
4) I would jack the tire pressure on the trailer way up, maybe even 10 lbs. or so past cold tire pressure (knowing that they go up that high when towing). That will reduce your contact patch on the ground.
5) IF your axles are far enough over-rated for the load, you COULD consider removing the two rear tires from the boat trailer just to make the turn, which will allow it to pivot in a little smaller radius. BUT that's not going to be good for the bearings.
2) A front mounted hitch would definitely help.
3) Definitely do the soapy water; it will help. And/or WD40 on the trailer tires. You can buy WD40 by the pourable gallon at Napa and other places.
4) I would jack the tire pressure on the trailer way up, maybe even 10 lbs. or so past cold tire pressure (knowing that they go up that high when towing). That will reduce your contact patch on the ground.
5) IF your axles are far enough over-rated for the load, you COULD consider removing the two rear tires from the boat trailer just to make the turn, which will allow it to pivot in a little smaller radius. BUT that's not going to be good for the bearings.
#38
Don't put all the weight on the hitch then. Put the tongue jack foot down on heavy duty wheel/tire dolly. Or swap out your the tongue jack foot to wheels:
#39
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,237
Likes: 110
From: Oakville,ON
https://parkit360.ca/products/transformer
This might work for you if you can come to terms with the price.
This might work for you if you can come to terms with the price.
#40
https://parkit360.ca/products/transformer
This might work for you if you can come to terms with the price.
This might work for you if you can come to terms with the price.



