levelable? 31' trailer, 9 degree downslope

j_c_c · 07-31-2009, 01:26 PM

here's the situation....

31' airstream needing to be backed down a 9 degree driveway, unhitched, then leveled to be parked for a while...read other posts but they were uphill drives, this is downhill...and wanna get wheels level too, or so I read...

trying to think of the best strategy without flattening the bottom of the driveway to make it level as that's not cheap.

was thinking wood ramps perhaps, but for 31', would the rear end clear them? maybe need to sketch that one...may need trash truck wheels on rear end

?

I read a post of dropping the hitch in a recess, but not sure how you get from tow vehichle into recess with a 31' tank?

just looking for ideas here as I know this is where to find them!

thanks!!!

at least the door is going to be close to the ground!

53flyingcloud · 07-31-2009, 01:49 PM

Simple, rent a "BOBCAT", with a front end ball..

**azflycaster** · 07-31-2009, 01:57 PM

On a 31 foot trailer the wheels are around 20 feet from the ball of the hitch. If you calculate the drop of the hitch at a 9 degree angle for 20 feet, you get a number of 3.13 feet in drop to level the trailer. I know that I could not lower my hitch that much even if I remove the jack.

Please someone double check my math, it's been a long time...

Dakota's Dad · 07-31-2009, 04:02 PM

I hate geometry.

My guess would be to back past your planned parking spot, place/secure pre-built "ramps" in place in front of wheels, pull back forward until you are on your ramps and axles are carrying the load evenly enough, then unhitch/level... the ramps could be built longer then needed to get the trailer a little higher in relation to the pitch of the drive... or basically back onto the ramps if the slopes going the other way.. cant quite tell from the description.. but backing onto a leveling ramp would help to effectivly lower the jack point, in relation to the wheels. A picture of the drive might help, but it sounds pretty steep..

**Kevin245** · 07-31-2009, 05:23 PM

I seem to recall our resident axle expert saying that trailers with more than one axle should be stored level relative to the surface the trailer is sitting on for long term storage. This is to equalize the axle loads. So if the rig is stored on a 9 degree slope, the floor should remain close to parallel to the slope. Makes sense to me, but my axles suck anyway.

Oh Andy!!!!!!!

Regards,

Kevin

Lumatic · 07-31-2009, 05:54 PM

Phew! I thought you said a 90 degree downslope.

If you are backing her down, careful you don't damage the forward stabilizer jacks or belly pan. When the trailer axles go over the "event horizon" the front of the trailer will begin to drop relative to the grade and may drag.

Depending on the surface and your TV this might be a good time to invite a few friends over. Give them wheel chocks just in case. Save the beer until the trailer is at the bottom.

On the other hand, when you back up to where the drop begins, this would be a good time to work on the bottom rear of the trailer. You may be able to stand under her. Might even need a ladder.