Howdy Folks. I have a 22' International ccd, 2003. I need a recomendation for a electric trailer dolly. My ccd needs to be moved straight, forward and or backward 25'. The site is concret, the site is leval. Need the dolly because the trailer site is not big enought for the TV and the trailer and I'm to old to pull it all with a bicycle like the old AS picture! Any recomdations? The trailer hitch will be a Draw Tite brand if that is of some help. The Power Caster brand, model PC-2 looks like it might work. Thanks folks, Jim
Yes, I got the PC-2. I am getting better at moving the AS around with it, but it would not work real well if the AS was NOT on leval ground, concret driveway. Be sure the tire is inflated all the way to the recomended leval other wise you will be in trouble trying to get it to move the AS. Moving the AS with it is not a chore I look forward to, but its only when hitching and unhiching it, pretty much just backward and forward, not any real turning. The cost of the PC-2 out ways the cost of having to pay to have the AS in storage, and not just in my backyard where it can also double as a spare guest bedroom a few times per year, have fun with your AS. Jim
Yes, I got the PC-2. I am getting better at moving the AS around with it, but it would not work real well if the AS was NOT on leval ground, concret driveway. Be sure the tire is inflated all the way to the recomended leval other wise you will be in trouble trying to get it to move the AS. Moving the AS with it is not a chore I look forward to, but its only when hitching and unhiching it, pretty much just backward and forward, not any real turning. The cost of the PC-2 out ways the cost of having to pay to have the AS in storage, and not just in my backyard where it can also double as a spare guest bedroom a few times per year, have fun with your AS. Jim
Our experience has been exactly the same as Jim's, except we have used our PC-2 very successfully for several years to turn the trailer around in addition to backing it through a very tight slot. The tire is high pressure, so it needs to be re-inflated every time the PC-2 is used. We use the adapter (from Power Caster) for our Hensley hitch.
Do not even think about using the PC-2 on a sloping driveway! We have a couple of spots with a slight slope and my wife stands by with chocks just in case.
Yes, I got the PC-2. I am getting better at moving the AS around with it, but it would not work real well if the AS was NOT on leval ground, concret driveway. Be sure the tire is inflated all the way to the recomended leval other wise you will be in trouble trying to get it to move the AS. Moving the AS with it is not a chore I look forward to, but its only when hitching and unhiching it, pretty much just backward and forward, not any real turning. The cost of the PC-2 out ways the cost of having to pay to have the AS in storage, and not just in my backyard where it can also double as a spare guest bedroom a few times per year, have fun with your AS. Jim
Electric trailer dollies, are extremely dangerous, except for a single axle trailer.
With a multi-axle trailer, should you decide to make even the slightest turn, the tire side forces will scoot the trailer and you sideways, faster than you can count to one.
I'd go to the heavier PC-3 (duel wheel) for the 23'. I have a pc-2 for my 18 ft boat and love it. The PC-3 also has provisions for using the electric brakes. A huge back and heart saver for me!
Marc
Just a quick note to give you my feedback. We live right in the center of Los Angeles and our lots are very small. I have a driveway gate that is very narrow and it's impossible to drive the AS through it into the backyard.
I got a Powermover AC-5 because the company is within a short drive from here. It works great for me and I'd be lost without it! I have a small new AS that runs only about 3,000 lbs. I back into the driveway up a slight curb apron because it's easier for me. I think the grade, even though it's only curb height, is still pretty steep for electric power movers. Otherwise my lot is flat.
After I'm in the driveway, I unhitch and hook up the AC-5. It has three tires and it grips very well, even on the grass strip in the driveway. The only problem I had was with losing traction in some decomposed granite I have in the backyard portion of the driveway. To remedy this, I got 8 concrete patio block and buried them in the ground right in the path of the wheels. Now everything works great! We just got back yesterday from Sequoia National Park and it took me about 30 minutes to get the AS parked from start to finish.
The AC-5 is rated for 4,000- 4,500 lbs. It has a braking system that hooks up to your AS battery and it uses your trailer brakes. It also comes with an on-board 100 ft. cord which is handy.
Anyway, it was a little bit of an investment but it sure has paid off from a hassle standpoint. I don't have to rent storage space and I use the AS as an extra room in the backyard.
If you have a double axle trailer only consider the PC3. I have a PC1 but broke the rim moving our 25 Safare. The side pressure us too great. Also pay the extra for the electric break switch. The breaks really help on very mild slops. Do not try anything very steep. Also you need paved surfaces. It does not work in gravel.
I use the PC3 all the time now. It does require significant effort to turn the dolly but sliding the trailer wheels is required a bit. I also have the hensley adapter which works well.
My son and I just returned home to the San Francisco bay area from Los Angeles with our newly purchased 2005 28-foot Safari from Southwest Coaches in Irvine. Just south of Irvine is San Clemente, CA where Power Movers Inc is located.
After completing the deal at Southwest, we drove to Power Movers, and Brady demonstrated the AC-8 we had ordered by phone. The trailer weight is 5800 to 6000 lbs, depending upon tank levels, and the tongue weight is 880-lbs (dry). We were able to turn around the trailer in a tight space. The stress on the sidewalls of the trailer tires is incredible. We would turn about 30 degrees, or so, before we had to relieve the stress by moving back and forth.
Once home, we were able to move the trailer around pretty easily with the AC-8, even for the first time and even. We did get some AC-8 tire spin when leveling the trailer with stacked 2x4's. It would climb one fine, but not two. Staggering the boards is my next step tomorrow. I have a floor jack that can work too.
Anyway, thanks for the message list, as it gave me confidence to go ahead with the purchase.
I have a 1973 31ft Airstream that I have to put in to an extremely tight space. I was thinking of buying a powercaster electric mover to help do the job. I found a used PC-2. Would that do the job? The trailer has a hitch weight of 490lbs and total weigth of 5035 lbs.
I have a 1973 31ft Airstream that I have to put in to an extremely tight space. I was thinking of buying a powercaster electric mover to help do the job. I found a used PC-2. Would that do the job? The trailer has a hitch weight of 490lbs and total weigth of 5035 lbs.
A trailer dolly is great, "for a single axle trailer."
When you try that with a tandem, it will flip you before your can blink an eye.
more than likely, you will also be injured by it.
Install a front hitch on your tow vehicle. Now you have the power and visibilty to see where your going.
Some owners install the front hitch, offset to the right side of the TV, for even greater visibility.
i think he'll tell you that when turning, the tires drag sideways and will try to return the nose of the trailer to the direction it came from. applying something to let the tires slide, like sand might help or make it slippery when you need traction in that area. a few layers of cardboard will work too. waxed boxes (produce) work best :-)
__________________
Ricky give life. kidney & pancreas transplant 9/9/06
Ingrid - my unofficial '"World's Oldest Airstreamer"
January 1909 - October 2008 R.I.P.
I agree with the front receiver hitch on your tow vehicle. It is amazing the control you have when backing it up. Think airplane towmotor--it is amazing
Quick Links
Linear Mode
