Driveway - How steep is too steep for a 2016 Flying Could 25 RB?

[Bassmantweed]

I was wondering what is the maximum slope that I can enter and exit with this trailer? I am heading to a family camp in VT and there is a driveway that goes off the main road into the back yard. I will measure the angle before I try to go down it but want to know what is the maximum I should attempt without bottoming out.

Thank you

[SeeMore]

Bottoming out is caused by too rapid a transition to a change in slope (either up or down). The steepness / down angle limit is governed by tire traction. As long as the change in slope is sufficiently gentle, you are only concerned by traction because dirt and grass slopes are a much bigger issue than asphalt/concrete.

I frequently park my trailer down a very steep concrete driveway that drops 45 feet over 120' length.

[mikeinca]

As already mentioned, it's the transition that is the determining factor in bottoming out; that and the amount of trailer that overhangs the rear wheels.

We have a steep driveway but the real problem was that the transition from street to driveway was too abrupt. With our 30' Classic I had to build portable ramps to raise the wheels and help bridge the transition so that the skids didn't gouge the asphalt. That was a real PITA. Eventually, I had the driveway redone which greatly eased the situation although it was still close with the Classic and my approach angle had to be pretty precise to avoid scraping.

Our current 25' Globetrotter has less overhang than the 30 footer so there is no longer an issue. The fact that your AS is also a 25' should make things easier. If you still think it's going to be close, bring along some 3-4' 2x6 boards that you can slip under the wheels to raise the trailer a bit at the crucial moment.

With regard to the slope itself, if it's really steep consider shifting into low range if you have a 4x4. You'll have more precise throttle control and it will overall be easier on the drivetrain.

[Bassmantweed]

Originally Posted by mikeinca

If you still think it's going to be close, bring along some 3-4' 2x6 boards that you can slip under the wheels to raise the trailer a bit at the crucial moment.

Thanks this is a GREAT idea.

The driveway was fine when i was pulling my 23' center console so i think should be fine.

Thank you both.

[uraljohn]

I have a pretty steep driveway and a sizeable swale where it meets the street. We have a 2019 FC 25 RBT. I installed the Dexter Lift Kit on it raising it just under 3". No problem with steep driveway or any other gas station or campground spot. This is an inexpensive upgrade and did not effect handling.

[civeng99]

The difference in grades is going to be your primary issue. Especially if they break in different directions.

Why I like a shorter single axle rig. Have a good friend with a 34’ Avion. Even getting gas with that thing is an adventure.

Look at a few lifted units too to see if you like the look. They look strange to me.

[K3ors]

Similar circumstances on steep angle. The city completely redid the sidewalk and in the process it was raised several inches. The curb is about 18” away from the sidewalk and street a few inches lower than curb.
My 19’ Bambie was dragging her butt mostly on the black/grey water outlet valve. No matter how slowly I tried she’d drag.
Built some 2X6 X 3’ ramps with a 2X4 crossways so would sit on curb.
Still have to creep out but doesn’t drag her butt now.

[2015 25 FB]

The dexter axle lift and 245/75 16s took this issue away first on my 25 FB and the 30 classic.

I am sure you can drag it but it would have to be a crazy steep driveway. Go sloooowwww if it is

[Fungus]

Originally Posted by uraljohn

I have a pretty steep driveway and a sizeable swale where it meets the street. We have a 2019 FC 25 RBT. I installed the Dexter Lift Kit on it raising it just under 3". No problem with steep driveway or any other gas station or campground spot. This is an inexpensive upgrade and did not effect handling.

+1 On Dexter lift. It will help. Do you have the 3" lift installed?

Another thing you can do is adjust the WD bars, if you have them. Disengage WD to drop the tongue which lifts the tail (it's a lever).

If the problem is the entry point of the driveway, can you approach the entry at an angle? First time I parked mine in the driveway, I removed the rear stabilizers which were about to drag (I was going to paint them, anyway) and laid down two layers of 2x6. After the Dexter lift installation and stabilizers re-installed, I still approach the entry and at an angle. Room to spare and no need for stabilizer removal or 2x6.

The lift is a relatively easy upgrade if you are moderately handy with tools.

[PatLee]

uraljohn - when you add a 3" lift, do you need to adjust the hitch height for hooking up?

[uraljohn]

Originally Posted by PatLee

uraljohn - when you add a 3" lift, do you need to adjust the hitch height for hooking up?

I added the lift to our 2019 FC 25 RBT the day I picked it up at dealer. I just used our old setup for our 2017 23D to pickup at dealer. Towed it directly to a lot close to my house that I got permission to use to install the lift. Then I completely readjusted my Equalizer hitch to match the new AS. Did not even attempt to go up my driveway without first installing lift. Clears very nicely.

Took myself and a helper about 8 hours to install lift. Took my time. Measured and marked everything very carefully. I also watch a couple of videos on installing lift. If your handy with a wrench it is doable. Made a couple of wrenches to get at the nuts in tight spots. You can weld tabs on the nuts to make life easier.

[Vitaver]

Lift kit keeps my GT27 from hitting the pavement as I back up my steep driveway.

[2015 25 FB]

This is the 3” with 245/75s - It is up enough where hitting ….is possible - but you will really know you better be going slow I have not hit a paved surface yet with this driving carefully.