Does anyone know what is the most efficient tool to use when moving an Airstream trailer in tight spaces (without a vehicle)? I have to move mine constantly and I sure would like to find something like a dolly that will help with a '60 Pacer and a '69Caravel.
See if you can get a copy of "trade-a-plane", or similar publication.
Several companies manufacture small one wheel "mules" designed to move small aircraft. Models are made with both battery packs and small gasoline engines.
The "mules" look similar to a garden tiller. I believe they could be adapted to use a small ball for trailer spotting.
Depending on your requirements, a small lawn tractor might even be used.
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Dennis
"Suck it up, spend the bucks, do it right the first time."
After I got my Airstream I wanted a dolly to call my own. I found an electric one that was a powermover, I think. It was used and I got it cheap.
Brought it home, hooked the dolly to the tongue and voila, I was like a cartoon character pulling and hauling on it to keep the trailer from rolling into the street.
My tongue weight is around 600lbs and the electric motor was no where near big enough to move it. The ones that are for sale that are hand operated will definately not do the job. I expect that the cost for one that will should be in the $900 to $1100 range.
If you have to move on other than perfectly flat terrain, then the bigger the better.
Good luck.
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Vic Smith
WBCCI #6782
31' 78 Airstream Excella 500
2001 Ford Excursion V-10
Reese hitch and dual cam sway control
I gave up on this whole power mover thing after investigating the issues with 600lb tongue weights and dual axles. It's amazing how hard it is to turn tight with dual axles. Most dolly type devices apparently do not work well with heavy trailers. ( see startrekker's post)
I went and bought a used, cheap fork lift. ( $ 800.00 delivered)
Put a reveiver on one of the forks, slide in my receiver bar, and off it goes.
There are very small forklifts available, most of them shorter than the width of the trailer. Mine has a 2500lb capacity, which is overkill for the trailer, but i also use it in my warehouse, now that i have it.
It is also a very handy tool to get to the roof of the Airstream, etc.
They come in electric, propane, or gasoline power.
It takes some getting used to, but mine maneuvers the Airstream very easily.
I can now pull out the trailer in one minute, and put it back in two. just drive up, pick up the tongue, and drive away, then drop the tongue when it's back in place.
The Powercaster website shows one model that connects to the electric brake system on the coach. I would think this would be a must on any but the most level surface. Sure, you could tie a cord to the breakaway switch, but that would only be good for an emergency, not for control.
While looking at these dollys, I was thinking: 1- Another thing that you have to plug in, charge, store, etc. 2- They are not cheap!
I was thinking that the dolly would be used to manuever a trailer a few feet to position it for storing, i.e. to get it as close to a wall as possible.
Has anyone thought about building one of these from scratch using a couple of old tires, some 2x6's or 2x8's. and then mount a ball to the top, and so on. It may not be pretty, but as long as it does the job...
Jonathan
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I'm out of my mind right now, but will be returning shortly......
....I might add that this would probably be practicle for a lighter trailer like a bambi or vintage unit. I have not had the oportunity to actually try move one of these, but 3700# must be no picnic to move...
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I'm out of my mind right now, but will be returning shortly......
As an owner of a Powercaster, I must say - "IT ROCKS!!" It's been such the lifesaver for me and my boat. I wrote about and posted pictures about mine in the past. Search "Powercaster" in the forums. I've also had just a wheeled dolly, it'd be fine for a flat location, and a light trailer. But again, the powercaster is great for my inclined driveway.
marc
Hello:
We have a power mover and it works great. The only problem is that we cannot use it with our Hensley hitch (or better to say that we do not know how to use it YET!!!). Otherwise it moves our 27' AS with no problem up a steep driveway. Ours is Power Mover A6.
Cheers
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