dragging on steep hills

[flyfshrmn]

Thanks for all the input. I'll be inspecting the axles when I next pick up the trailer. I do have some theoretical questions regarding rollers versus dragging the frame. I fail to see the difference between transferring the load via dragging vs. a pair of installed rollers. And, in fact, the rollers cross connected to the frame would tend to spread the load over the entire rear frame, rather than concentrating it at the drag point.

I cannot correct the driveway slope. It goes from level at the pavement intersection to about a 25 foot section of 6-8 degrees with a required dip right at the end of the driveway to prevent runoff onto the pavement. The transition is longer than the trailer, so grading will not alter the transition point. The trailer frame and tank outlet drag on the pavement going up and on the driveway exiting. I am going to build a couple of ramps and try them next time up. If I can lift the rear enough by getting the tires on the ramps with the rear of the trailer on the pavement, it might alter the angles enough to prevent dragging. I will also use a maximum drop hitch and just pull the jack. It's only three bolts and will give me another 2-3 inches of drop in the front

[Bill M.]

I still think take it to Andy and have him put new axles and 16 inch wheels on it. You would get the money back if you sold it and that would make it a very nice boondocking machine if you keep it.

[flyfshrmn]

Picked up the AS in late March. Used a Six inch drop hitch w/o ez lift and cut across the slope to the pavement. Did not drag the rear, but just barely scraped the jack base on the dirt. This puts the waste line outlet on the high side of the slope and it cleared by about an inch. Have some minor repairs to do and will check the axle height again. When I checked it at pickup, it was 1/2" lower than stock specs.

The only real problem with this is it requires changing the hitch out on the road because there is no convenient pullout along the entire access road to my place.

[Wingeezer]

Originally Posted by pmclemore

patentguy, did you try the driveway without your WD bars?
Pat

That's what I was going to suggest too as I read thru this thread!

Easy enough to try if you haven't already, and may be all you need


Brian

[dwightdi]

I have been dropping my bars for 15 years whenever I back into my uphill driveway or any site that it looks to be a problem.

[WayTooCool]

So, I've already bent both skids (seriously) and wrinkled the rear quarter panels. After I stop crying, what next!!!

[4RXLA]

Sell the house and move to flatter land...


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[J. Morgan]

I got sick of dragging my donkey at every little bump in the road and I raised my trailer up 3".

This made a big difference.

[J. Morgan]

3" trailer lift.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by J. Morgan

Attachment 219019

3" trailer lift.

Replacing torsion axles that have served their purpose with new ones, can easily raise the trailer 3 inches.

Andy

[nickclifford]

what should the ground clearance be on my '72 sovereign 31'? i can check and see what the new axles would give, i have similar problem but the way my driveway slopes it wants to lift just one set of wheels about 6-8" off the ground .. new axles would probably help and then i could build a small ramp to left the rest ... determined not to waste $1200 / yr on rv storage .. + i want at home for handy access to start my repairs. + for the kids and friends to sleep in.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by nickclifford

what should the ground clearance be on my '72 sovereign 31'? i can check and see what the new axles would give, i have similar problem but the way my driveway slopes it wants to lift just one set of wheels about 6-8" off the ground .. new axles would probably help and then i could build a small ramp to left the rest ... determined not to waste $1200 / yr on rv storage .. + i want at home for handy access to start my repairs. + for the kids and friends to sleep in.

New axles will raise your trailer about 3 inches.

Andy

[nickclifford]

Originally Posted by patentguy

I have the same problem with my driveway - too steep to either back or pull her up. I first tried backing up and the guards on the bottom of the bumper dug into my driveway (asphalt). Then I tried to pull her up and the tongue dug in. So when I tried to back it out - the guards under the bumper dug into my street I did get it back onto the street, but not without leaving some divots.

I gave up and rent a spot at the local storage facility. Not my first choice, but I don't see a way (other than regrading my driveway) to get my silver swan onto my property.

Any thoughts on overcoming this without the need to redo my driveway are appreciated.

Did you ever find a solution ? I'm same boat ... kinda pissed off Never considered buying a trailer back when i bought my house ... i just spent an hr farting around with wood ramps i knocked together and still dragged back end a couple of feet .... maybe I'm super paranoid about frame & body damage, she's a fragile old bird !

[J. Morgan]

I have a 72, I raised it 3" and I don't drag much anymore.


Gradiens super tenui glacie.