Meet The New Lineup

Parkit360’s Force Lineup of Electric Trailer Dollies just got better.

Check out the stars of the new Force Lineup:

Force Base

Coming in at just $1,800 this dolly is powered by your own on-board battery. Try mounting a Group 24 12V Battery and Battery Box to the dolly, or connect to your Trailer’s battery with the optional 80” Cable (sold separately). This model moves up to 5,000lbs GVWR and 900lbs on the tongue. View in store

Force 5K

For an extra $200, the Force 5K Electric Trailer Dolly gets you the same muscle (5,000lb GVWR/900lb Tongue weight) as the Base, but with a U1 Battery Kit! This upgraded model includes a built-in battery charger, and a Smart Brake Controller that operates the brakes on your trailer for safety on slopes! View in store

Force 10K

⭐ Best Seller ⭐

The Force 10K Electric Trailer Dolly packs a serious punch in a small package. Move up to 10,000lbs GVWR and 900lbs of Tongue Weight, with a dolly you can pack in the trunk of your car! With included brake controller, battery kit, and battery charger, this is your fully-loaded, ready-to-go parking wizard. View in store

The Force models are Parkit360’s longest running line of trailer dollies helping thousands of people save the parking headaches and one-shot their trailers into those tight spots.

Some have even deemed them “marriage-savers”, so a new trailer dolly could be the reason you can finally take this picture frame off of your wall:

Moving your boat trailer can be a pain. And I mean that literally.

You’ve likely experienced pain and fatigue after pulling your boat up your driveway, maneuvering it into the garage, or trying to get it into your yard. Does your back hurt afterwards, even from moving it a shorter distance on hard, level ground?

Dragging a 1000+ lbs boat on top of a trailer (that weighs another few hundred pounds) puts a lot of strain on your muscles. Strain that your body is not meant to handle.

And if you have a boat so big and heavy that you’d need the Hulk to help you push it, then you’re probably familiar with the struggle of trying to carefully maneuver the trailer with a vehicle only to find that you can’t get it to go quite where you want it.

This is why many boaters opt to purchase trailer dollies.

A boat trailer dolly can lighten your load

There are several different types of trailer dollies, but they all function in the same basic way by lifting the tongue of the trailer and providing a handle or another method of steering.

If you have ever tried to move your boat trailer by dragging it along on the jack wheel, you will know that the small, hard plastic wheel is not the optimal choice for steering your boat.

A trailer dolly gives you a ball mount that attaches to the hitch, placing the tongue weight onto better wheels with good tires (usually two wheels, rather than one). These provide much better grip. And they aren’t prone to wearing flat on one side, the way the plastic wheels do.

But better tires aren’t the only advantage.

When it comes to hand-pulled trailer dollies, the long handle creates a lever, lessening the amount of force required to move your boat. This maximizes efficiency by allowing you to use less effort to move your boat over the same distances.

Trailer dollies simplify steering

Maneuvering your boat is also a lot easier with a trailer dolly.

Have you ever been frustrated in your attempts to back your boat into a garage or narrow laneway while a spotter shouts directions at you? (Or tried to do it without the spotter and ended up hitting something?) Certain parking jobs require a lot of precision – precision that a vehicle just can’t give you.

The handle setup on a dolly allows you to have a lot more control when it comes to steering. You can make more micro adjustments with a dolly than you can with a motorized vehicle.

Plus, it helps you to see the situation more clearly, instead of through mirrors and car windows.

If you park your boat in a garage or another small space that is awkward for a vehicle, then a trailer dolly can help you move in and out of that spot much more easily. They also let you park your boat in spaces that vehicles could simply never access, providing anti-theft protection.

Electric dollies require even less effort

An electric dolly is more of an investment, but many people find it a worthwhile purchase because of how easy it is to use.

Those who move their boat frequently and over longer distances, who own multiple trailers, or who suffer from chronic pain, might select an electric trailer dolly instead of a manual dolly.

Unlike hand-pulled dollies, electric trailer dollies require no force on the part of the individual. All you have to do to move your boat with an electric dolly is switch on the motor to get the wheels moving, and steer. Some larger models even offer a remote control, so you can walk around and assess your parking job as you steer.

Selecting the right boat trailer dolly

When deciding on which trailer dolly is right for moving your boat, make sure you know the total weight of your boat and trailer, as well as the tongue weight. Dollies are all made with different capacities, so you need make sure that the one you buy can carry the load safely.

You will also want to consider the hitch attachment options to make sure it is compatible.

For a more in-depth understanding of your trailer dolly needs and options, be sure to check out our how-to guide on deciding which trailer dolly is right for you.

And once you know what requirements to look for, it all comes down to personal preference.

Liked this article? Read more on our Blog: The Park: Camping Tips and Product News

 
Parking your trailer in a tight spot? Move up to 15,000 lbs with a Parkit360 Electric Trailer Dolly. Get simple, precise parking for boats, RV's and more!

As a trailer dolly manufacturer, we regularly receive comments from people asking, “Why don’t you just learn to back up a truck?”

While we understand that a trailer dolly is a tool that some people won’t want to use or don’t see a need for, we believe that there are many good reasons to invest in one (even if you’re the best at backing up trailers).

That is why we wholeheartedly say, “No, trailer dollies are not just for people who can’t back up a trailer properly.”

In fact, those who park their trailers using a dolly might actually be parking smarter.

Why would someone get a trailer dolly, then?

As long as you know what you’re doing, backing up a trailer works just fine. But there are things that a trailer dolly can do that a truck simply can’t.

1. Parking with a trailer dolly is easier

Whether you’re the kind of driver who gets out every three seconds to do a full reconnaissance, or an expert backer-upper, parking with a trailer dolly can save you a lot of time and stress.

Even veterans of trailer parking can be bested by impossible spots. This video is a great example of the kind of situation we’re talking about. There is no way you could back that trailer in using a truck without taking out a wall. (But if you’d like to prove us wrong, you’re welcome to try it.)

2. You can create your own security measures

Think about that impossible parking spot. Now imagine what would happen if someone attempted to steal your trailer from that spot. It wouldn’t work, would it?

When you park a trailer or boat using a dolly, you can make your own anti-theft system. If you live in a high-crime area, this is actually a regular usage of trailer dollies.

You might be “the guy who didn’t need a trailer dolly,” but you might also end up as “the guy whose camping trip just got cancelled.”

3. Avoid annoying accidents

Almost 20% of accidents are parking related. And, while you might be great at parking, you can’t guarantee that everyone around you (and your trailer) is too.

Some people choose to invest in a trailer dolly as a means of getting their trailer off the street and stored safely out of harm’s way.

4. No more arguments with your spotter

When you park your trailer using a trailer dolly, there is no need for yelling and arguing as you try to communicate with your spotter.

If you have a trailer, then you can probably recall at least one incident in which someone insisted on helping you back up, even though you assured them that you had everything under control. You’ve probably heard the panicked yells of a spotter who was afraid that you were about to hit something (even though you knew you were fine). Maybe you’ve dealt with someone who repeatedly told you to “keep going” until you heard the unmistakable sound of the trailer hitting your eavestrough.

Our customers often tell us that the tension and conflict caused by backing up a trailer was no longer an issue once they started using a trailer dolly. That’s because, with a dolly, you don’t need a spotter.

Dollies don’t just make parking easier. They also make coming home from a trip easier. Isn’t that something we all want?

Trailer dollies make parking better for everyone

It’s time to stop making excuses about why other people might need a trailer dolly but you certainly don’t. There are lots of good reasons to get a trailer dolly aside from your parking skills.

All kidding aside, you may not choose to invest in a trailer dolly for yourself, and that’s fine. We just want to defend the integrity of our customers by saying: park smarter, not harder.

For first-timers, hauling a trailer can be overwhelming... but if you put time and effort in to learning how, it can be a very valuable skill.

Driving with a trailer is much cheaper than hiring a van, and it means you can move furniture or heavy equipment easily. Take a look at our tailor-towing tips before you plan your next journey!

1. Check your Vehicle's Weight Capacity.
   See your owner’s manual for information about how much weight your vehicle can tow. Large trucks can tow considerably more weight, but make sure you don’t overload your vehicle. This can make it difficult to maneuver, which can result in a crash. 
   
   
2. Check your Hitch Connection.
   Make sure that the trailer is properly attached to your vehicle before hitting the road!
   
   
3. Be Mindful of your Cargo.
   The bigger the trailer, the more adjustments you’ll need to make as a driver. A small utility trailer might be hardly noticeable, but hauling a boat or large RV will require some of your attention and driving skills.
   
   
4. Use a Route Planner.
   Apps such as Route4Me help you plan routes that are RV and trailer friendly.
   
   
5. Take it Slow.
   Speeding up your vehicle will take much longer when you’re towing a trailer. Remember to keep below the speed limit to ensure you don’t end up crashing.
   
   
6. Keep your Distance.
   Allow ample space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you when driving a trailer. The extra weight will make it more difficult to slow down or stop.
   
   
7. Remember to take wider turns.
   With a trailer, your vehicle may be close to double its regular length, so you will have to take turns significantly wider to avoid hitting other cars, curbs, or driving off of the road.
   
   
8. Avoid steering too tightly.
   Reversing while pulling a trailer is a skill that takes a fair bit of practice to hone - if you turn too sharp the trailer will jackknife, or turn sharply in one direction.
   
   
9. Park far away from buildings and other vehicles.
   Parking may be difficult to begin with. Small parking lots may be almost impossible to use when hauling a trailer. If you do manage to maneuver your trailer into a parking space - or across several parking spaces - make sure that you have plenty of room to exit the lot. It is often advisable to park in a remote part of a parking lot where there are fewer surrounding vehicles.
   
   
10. Never underestimate the difficulty of pulling a trailer.
    You should practice driving your trailer in and out of your driveway and navigating quiet back roads before trying to haul a trailer in heavy traffic

Whether you have a lot of experience hauling large vehicles or if you’re planning your first family trip with a travel trailer, towing safely is something to take very seriously. However, by following these 10 pieces of advice, your first trailer trip is bound to go smoothly.

 
Parking your trailer in a tight spot? Move up to 15,000 lbs with a Parkit360 Electric Trailer Dolly. Get simple, precise parking for boats, RV's and more!

Understanding the specific situations in which you'll use your trailer dolly is key. 

Choosing a trailer dolly based on great reviews is not enough if the product can't do what you need it to.

As with any big purchase, understanding a new market and finding a high-quality product that you can rely on can be daunting. You want to be sure that the dolly you buy is the right choice for your trailer and your circumstance.

Below is a list of the most important factors to consider to help you decide which trailer dolly is the right one for you.

3 things to consider when choosing a trailer dolly

The three main points to consider are: the size and weight of your trailer, the hitch-connection, and all potential scenarios in which you will need to use the dolly.

Size: How much weight can it take?

The first thing that you will need to consider is the tongue weight and the gross weight of your trailer. Trailer dollies come in a whole range of sizes and weight capacities.

For manual trailer dollies, such as the MaxxHaul 70225, the maximum capacity is generally around 600 lbs gross weight. These are a great choice if you only plan to use them for smaller towing jobs on hard, level ground.

Once you begin to exceed that weight limit, however, you will want to consider motorized dollies.

Motorized trailer dollies can carry a heavier load and prevent pain and injury. If you want to work less and move more, an electric trailer dolly is a great option.

For trailers weighing up to 5,000 lbs., these are a couple of the top motorized dollies currently available:

• Parkit360’s Force ISC 5k: an electric trailer dolly with up to 900 lbs. tongue weight capacity
• Trailer Valet 5X: a compact motorized trailer dolly for easy maneuvering
• Mophorn Trailer Jockey Wheel: a single-wheel electric-powered jockey wheel

For more heavy-duty moving requirements between 5,000 to 12,000 lbs.:

• Parkit360’s Force ISC 10k: the same size as the base model, but twice as powerful
• Trailer Valet XL Pro: Trailer Valet’s most powerful model with a capacity of 12,000 lbs
• Safer Wholesale 10,000lb Trailer Dolly: a four-wheel, heavy-duty motorized trailer dolly

If you want to move a trailer that is much heavier than 12,000 lbs, you will find very few consumer-grade options available. Aside from Parkit360’s Transformer 15k, there are not many trailer dollies on the consumer market that can move that much weight. Luckily, this powerful, remote-controlled machine has options for fifth wheel and gooseneck trailers, making it adaptable for use on numerous large trailer models.

If you need something heavier still, you will want to look at the industrial dollies from DJ Products.

When deciding on what weight capacity you need for your trailer dolly, think about what you may end up needing to move in the future. You might only have a small trailer now, but is there a possibility you might upgrade later? Or perhaps you will have to help a neighbour move their much larger trailer someday. Whatever the case may be, make sure that your dolly has the power and capability to get the job done.

Hitch: Is the hitch-connection compatible?

The next thing you need to know is whether the trailer you are interested in is compatible with your trailer hitch. It may seem like an odd question, but some hitches pair better with certain dollies than others.

Rear receiver hitches are the most common and easiest to use with trailer dollies, for example. Some dollies may have options to add an adapter for a certain hitch, which you need to know if your trailer uses a less common type.

The other thing to pay attention to for hitch connection is what hitch ball size the dolly uses (if it uses a ball-mount). Double-check that the ball size matches the hitch for your trailer so that you can properly secure it on the dolly.

Use case: What do you need it to do?

Where and how you plan to use the trailer dolly is the final thing you need to consider.

Trailer dollies today come with a variety of features and functions for all different situations. To help determine which trailer dolly is right for your use case, ask yourself these questions:

Some motorized trailer dollies use a cord, and plugging it in may not always be convenient or possible. If you plan to use the dolly for jobs where you cannot plug it into a power source, then you will want either a manual or battery-powered model.

Not all dollies are designed for off-road operations. Some are only good on smooth, solid ground – trying to use them on grass is simply a nightmare. You need a trailer dolly that can keep traction on whatever terrain you will be moving on.

If there is a possibility that you will need to move your trailer on bumpy or inclined ground, make sure you choose a dolly with brakes. You will also want to ensure that your dolly can get enough speed and power to pull the trailer over any bumps. Electric dollies often move at too slow a speed to be able to lift a large load over a big bump.

Making the Final Decision on Your Trailer Dolly Selection

Now that you know what to look for in a trailer dolly, you'll be able to narrow your choices down to a few selections.

But how do you determine which one is the best one for you?

First, look at what the warranty is like. This may depend on personal preference, but a product that comes with a good warranty is always a safe choice.

Second, think about whether you might want something with a wireless control. Believe it or not, that is an option, and it could make parking your trailer a breeze.

Lastly, take a look at customer reviews. Knowing what kind of experience other people have had with a company or a particular product can never hurt the decision process. In fact, it can tell you a lot about how much of a risk you might be taking in choosing a specific trailer dolly.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to what you feel will improve your trailer parking experience the most. Take your time to do some research and consider what you need, and you'll be happy you did.

You should never take the security of your RV for granted.

Even if you think your lock is completely secure, dozens of YouTube videos exist to prove you wrong, showing that even the most complex locks can be picked with mere plastic straws and pencils.

RVs can be susceptible to break-ins, as they have many entry points aside from the main door, like windows and sunroofs. 

To make matters more serious, the older your trailer is, the easier it may be to gain access to it because manufacturers use the same locks and keys for many different models. This means there’s a chance that a person with one of these keys could open your doors without much hassle. 

RV theft is the last thing any camper wants to deal with during the middle of a well earned vacation. And, even with comprehensive insurance, a replacement vehicle sometimes just isn’t the same. That’s why it might be time to up your protection levels and renew the security system on your doors and the RVs hitch. 

However, it’s hard to determine which is the best product out there to make sure your RV and its contents are safe. Here’s a list of the best locks on the market.

What makes an RV lock effective?

While this may sound alarming, the truth is no security system is 100% foolproof. With enough expertise and time on their hands, anyone could open most locks on the market. However, the right product makes it so that anyone who may want to break into or tow your RV away thinks twice before acting.

• Size, so it fits your trailer correctly.
• Color, which is essential not only for aesthetics but to call less attention to the lock.
• The model, as there are many lock variations, some safer than others.
• The brand. Like with any other product, the brand makes a difference in terms of its quality.

The best locks for RVs

Coupler locks

Proven Industries Model 2516

This model is covered with stainless steel and designed to deter the use of prying bars, a common method to break into these locks. It incorporates a lockpicking resistant puck lock that can be upgraded from aluminum to stainless steel. While this model would deter most robbers, it does come at a high price tag.

AmpLock BRP 2

This model boasts a million key combinations, meaning it’s highly unlikely for anyone to have an exact copy of your coupler lock. Aside from that, the lock is resistant to drills, another method commonly used by criminals to break even the most complex locks. It partially covers most of the coupler assembly in a way that protects it from prying bars but leaves a part of the structure exposed, which could be a security hazard.

Ft. Knox Coupler Lock

There are many ways to tow a trailer, but goosenecks and bumper trailers tend to be the most popular options. This lock is perfect for a gooseneck trailer as it covers the entire assembly coupled with a heavy-duty puck lock. It’s quite heavy to manipulate given its dimensions, but this would also deter anyone looking to pry it open. 

Door locks/puck locks

The War-Lok

To deter anyone from simply drilling into your lock, it’s important to look for hardened steel locks like this one. Note that this is not a drill proof model, but it would take a considerable amount of time and effort for anyone to even try. The locking mechanism itself is composed of a nine-disc core, and anyone looking to lock pick it would need a specialized tool to do so.

Proven Industries Puck Lock Model 400-SS

This lock has gone over significant model design changes to make it drill proof, including a hardened steel cover perfect for withstanding brute force attacks. The whole locking mechanism now faces away from the front, meaning that even if a dedicated enough criminal drills it, they wouldn’t be able to access it. 

Padlock locksmith series 

This series of locks and cases are mainly used for heavy-duty machines like construction trucks, and for good reason. They cover most of the assembly while being extremely effective against force attacks. The only downside is that they may not fit every single model.

Extra security tips

RVs are incredibly easy to break into, from windows to faulty locks. Beyond using a good quality lock, common sense will always prevail, and it’s essential to constantly be aware of many other factors outside the equipment you use. Here’s a list of extra precautions you should take to keep your trailer secure:

• Always cover the windows
• Be smart about where you park
• Park tongue-first using an electric trailer dolly
• Keep valuables out of sight
• Camp around other people
• Get a motion sensor light
• Get a safe to store your valuables

Security is an important part of your outdoor trips, but the better the products and precautions you have are, the more you can focus on enjoying your adventures on the road.

For more information about our outdoor-related products and camping tips, please visit our blog.

 
Parking your trailer in a tight spot? Move up to 15,000 lbs with a Parkit360 Electric Trailer Dolly. Get simple, precise parking for boats, RV's and more!

For people seeking a peaceful escape from today’s busy world...

Now is the perfect time to invest in an RV trailer and venture into the great outdoors. Just hook an RV trailer to your SUV and enjoy the ride — easy enough, right?

Well, not quite. While acquiring an RV is not as straightforward as many people think, there’s no need to worry, as this guide will prepare you for your RV trailer’s essentials. There are many variables like price, size, features, and much more than a first-time buyer may not have considered. Without further ado, here’s what you should consider before choosing the motorhome of your dreams.

Terminology: Speak Like an RV Pro

If this is your first time sorting through an RV listing, we've got you covered. If things are looking more complicated than they should, here’s a small glossary of the most important terms you'll need to keep in mind to make reading through those listings as easy as hitting the open road.

• Pop-up trailer: These models are the pinnacle of portable, affordable and easy-to-tow RVs. They can fold and collapse with ease, saving space both while traveling and when in storage.

• Travel trailers: These usually comes to mind when you think of the traditional RV. They’re the most popular models on the market, and they come with many different price tags depending on the features they incorporate. These are probably the most widely available trailers you’ll find on major listings.

• Fifth-wheel: Usually grouped and confused with travel trailers, fifth-wheels tend to have much more space than other RVs. Their defining characteristic is that they’re designed to be towed with a mechanism called a fifth-wheel hitch.

• Toy hauler: Here’s where the lines blur a little bit. Toy haulers can technically be either fifth wheels, pop-up, or travel trailers, with the main difference being that they have a ramp door in the back. They’re designed to offer easy access to the trailer, but aside from that, their operation is almost identical to their counterparts.

Evaluate your needs 

You may already have an idea in your mind about the type of RV you want to acquire. However, it’s time to set realistic expectations and explore your needs.

You should consider size first and foremost; there’s no need to acquire the biggest fifth wheeler on the market if you’re traveling by yourself. Also, where are you going to park it? Size should not only be determined by the number of people that could use the trailer, but also by how much storage space you’ll need.

There’s a difference between the features that you need versus the add-ons you want. More often than not, RV-ers can make do without certain items that will impact the price but not their experiences. For example, do you need an integrated grill if you can bring a separate one?

Budget 

After determining the type of RV that would suit you, it’s time to explore budgets concerning new or used RVs, and their pros and cons. Trailers are not as expensive as motorhomes. However, they are not cheap by any means.

You may be tempted to go for a used model because of the price, and sometimes used is the better option. However, if you’re inexperienced, upkeep and inspection could become a hassle. Your biggest priority when acquiring a used RV should be its reliability and condition. Please consider that trailers require extensive maintenance to stay in top condition, especially if they’re used.

For used models, be sure to check the roof sealant, gutter railing, and rear cap sealant. Any crack could lead to moisture damage and have an impact on the power generators. Consider paying for an RV mechanic to come with you and inspect your favorite offers. This could save you from costly repairs in the future.

There are many different types of trailers designed to fit your travel lifestyle. While the list of things to consider before buying sounds extensive, with a little bit of planning and time, you can find a model perfectly suited to your next outdoor adventure. For more information about our outdoor-related products and camping tips, please visit our blog.

 
Parking your trailer in a tight spot? Move up to 15,000 lbs with a Parkit360 Electric Trailer Dolly. Get simple, precise parking for boats, RV's and more!

While some people think that setting up a trailer is as simple as ABC, there is actually a lot more that goes into it.

In fact, there are several trailer hitch types that all have their pluses and minuses. It can be difficult to find the right one for your particular needs. To help you out, here is a list of the eight best hitches out there. 

Of course, not every hitch is compatible with a trailer dolly, so we’ve given each hitch type a score between one and three to indicate trailer mover compatibility:

Trailer Dolly Compatibility:

   1. Recommended

    2. Limited (only select trailer dollies will be compatible)

    3. Not Recommended

Without further ado, here is a short guide to the eight main types of trailer hitches.

Rear Receiver (1. Recommended)

The rear receiver hitch is by far the most common type of hitch – especially for use with trailer dollies. In fact, some trucks already come with a rear receiver hitch, so you can potentially skip the extra step of shopping for a hitch if that’s the case.

In terms of size, rear receiver hitches can range from class one to five (class 1 hitches are for lighter loads and Class 5s are for serious-business capacities). 

Fifth-wheel (2. Limited)

Fifth-wheel hitches, which are only compatible with pickup trucks, are a heavy-duty type of hitch that mount directly onto the truck bed right over or just ahead of the rear axle. They are less common than rear receivers because they aren’t as compatible with trailer dollies. 

These hitches, which can hold up to 24,000 pounds, should be used to haul large campers, travel trailers, car haulers, or any other heavy application.

Gooseneck (2. Limited)

Gooseneck hitches are very similar to fifth-wheel hitches. Like fifth-wheel hitches, they are also designed for use with pickup trucks, and they both mount in the same location over or just ahead of the rear axle. And just like fifth-wheel hitches, not all of them are compatible with trailer dollies, so be aware of your specific dolly specifications before purchasing.

Gooseneck hitches generally allow for even more weight than fifth-wheel hitches – up to a massive 30,000 pounds. Furthermore, these hitches are typically less intrusive than fifth-wheel hitches and are designed to allow you to enjoy full use of the truck bed while you aren’t towing something.

Common uses for gooseneck hitches are livestock trailers, flatbreads, or other large commercial trailers. 

Andersen (2. Limited)

Andersen specializes in making high-quality gooseneck and fifth-wheel hitches. These specific hitches, which are compatible with select trailer dollies, are some of the most innovative hitches out there, and you can rest assured that you’ll get only the highest quality if you make a purchase.

Pintle (2. Limited)

Pintle hitches are most commonly used for heavy-duty towing. This type of hitch isn’t compatible with all trailer dollies as well, so be careful before purchasing it.

Pintle hitches are good because the way they are built allows for a greater range of motion, making them good for use on rough terrain. 

Atwood (1. Recommended)

Atwood hitches are perfect for use with trailer dollies. Atwood is a large “ranch and home” company, so these trailers are designed for hauling large loads in an agricultural setting. 

Bulldog (2. Limited)

Bulldog hitches are a type of hitch that don’t often work with trailer dollies. Fortunately, these versatile and flexible hitches can attach to any trailer, and can be used on a trailer dolly with the right adjustments and adapters in place.

Bulldog hitches are especially good for heavy-duty towing – so horse and livestock, cargo, and construction trailers work perfectly with this type of hitch.

If you’re towing something that weighs over 5,000 pounds, it’s hard to go wrong with the bulldog hitch.

Hensley (3. Not Recommended)

Hensley hitches are a specific type of fifth-wheel hitch that are generally not recommended for use with trailer dollies. 

Specifically, Hensley hitches work to reduce trailer sway, which is the cause of most trailer road accidents. By transferring the trailer pivot point to the rear axle of the tow vehicle, the hitch creates a solid unit along the trailer while still allowing the tow vehicle to turn with ease. 

There are other types of hitches out there of course, but these are the main ones for those using trailer dollies. Just remember, before you go out and buy one, make sure that it’s compatible with whatever you want to do with it.

While many people think owning a boat is a life of luxury that affords you the time to live a high life on the open seas, there are actually a lot more things that go into boat owning than what first meets the eye.

To help you along the way, here are nine tips that will help you get a better feel for life on the water and maximize your boating experience 🛥️

Safety first

The first thing to do is to make sure you have all the required safety equipment on hand. The US government mandates that you have certain safety items on board at all times and failure to keep them on board at all times can result in a fine.

These items include life jackets, distress signals, a fire extinguisher, and some sort of horn, bell, or whistle. Before you head out on your local lake, double-check to make sure you have all of these readily available.

Another important thing to note is that bigger boats may need other items in addition to these ones. To be sure you’re under regulation you should check with the authorities or your local marina.

Practice makes perfect

Speaking of safety, it’s essential you actually know how to drive the boat in order to mitigate the risk of danger when on the water. Unsafe boat drivers are dangerous not only to themselves but to everyone around them.

For practice, check with your local boat club and see if there’s anyone willing to give you proper training – there usually are people willing to do so. Another option is to take a boating course to get certification. As with anything, the more you practice, the more skilled you’ll get.

Become acquainted with your boating tech

There are many devices and gadgets that come along with boats and it’s important that you know the functionalities of each of them to get the best out of your boating experience.

Some devices include things that aid you with fishing, navigation, safety, and more. These include GPS receivers, depth sounders, voyage data recorders, and pilot cards. Some of these are more advanced, but all of them will help you enjoy a much safer and more enjoyable boating experience.

Safety equipment includes waterproof torches, marine radios, and sound signals. You’ll hopefully rarely have to use them, but it’s important you know how to so if the time comes, you can react quickly.

Boat maintenance is crucial

There’s no getting around the fact that owning a boat can sometimes feel like a chore with constant cleaning needed after every trip. But this is an essential part of owning a boat: Make sure you do them often so you don’t experience rapid deterioration.

As with any chore, it helps to think of a large task as many small, easy activities. It will help make the job go quicker and give you a sense of accomplishment. 

You can drive a car, but can you drive a car with a boat attached?

It’s not just a plug and play experience to attach a trailer to the end of your vehicle and hit the open road. Hauling massive weight for long periods of time is a skill that takes time to truly learn.

You need to get used to the feeling of having a boat behind you – learn how it moves when you turn, and most importantly, learn how to back it up and park. This will take practice.

If you don’t have much room on your own property, try to find an empty lot where you can practice turning and parking.

Don’t rush, take it slow

While it may be tempting to rush headfirst into boating, taking it easy is a much better option. Slow and steady wins the race, after all.

Backing a boat to launch for the first time can be stressful, and if restless other boaters are giving you a hard time, don’t listen to them. They were all in your shoes at one point in time and should understand that it’s a process. 

The same goes for everything – driving your trailer on the road, driving your boat in the water, and everything in between. Go slow at first and ignore any naysayers out there who try to persuade you to be more reckless.

Learn from your mistakes

We’re all humans, so we all make mistakes. If you’ve followed the above steps, you’ve learned to mitigate the effects of your mistakes. 

Equally important: learn from other people’s mistakes. If someone performs a dangerous maneuver and almost hits your vessel, remember it and make sure you don’t make the same mistake.

Be like an open book and take advice when given

Just as you need to learn from your mistakes, you also should learn from others around you. There are plenty of seasoned sailors out there just waiting to help you out at first. 

Don’t ignore their advice and use it to become a better boater. You’ll thank them in the long run.

Relax and enjoy your new boat

This may seem like a cop-out, but after an entire article of rules and regulations, it’s prudent that we tell you to thoroughly enjoy every aspect of your boat life. 

Take your friends or family to that remote beach you could never get to, go hunt for barracuda, or enjoy water sports that you could never do before. Boating should be enjoyable, and if you don’t treat it that way, then you’re missing out on all the fun!

Buying a boat is a major purchase for anyone. And with any big purchase, it also comes with responsibilities that you’ll have to abide by in order to maximize your experience. But if you listen to these nine tips, you’ll be sure to make the most out of your boat ownership.

Have you ever tried to back your trailer into your garage?

If so, you surely know the near-endless cycle of backing in, getting it wrong or bumping into a wall, and finally driving forward – rinsed and repeated for longer than we would sometimes like to admit.

But what if I told you that you could back your trailer in on the very first try? Enter the electric trailer dolly.

Electric trailer dollies are the perfect tool for anyone with a trailer, making difficulties parking trailers a thing of the past. But beyond helping back up a trailer, electric trailer dollies can help boat or RV owners in many other ways. 

Here are four reasons thousands are choosing these products as parking aids. 

Fitting your trailer into a tight spot

Anyone who’s come back from a long trip and tried to fit their boat into a garage or backyard will understand the serious need for some parking help. All you want to do is relax after your camping adventure, but first, you have to fit your heavy-duty trailer into its tiny little resting place in your garage. This process can be taxing, to say the least.

The traditional way of having a spotter sending signals or yelling at the driver is simply inefficient – no matter how good the driver/spotter team may be. Even the most experienced will take at least a few tries before they get their trailer parked. With an electric trailer dolly, you can fit your trailer into its parking spot on the first try!

And that’s not all: Many people think electric trailer dollies are just for parking and backing up when they can’t seem to do it with a truck, but they can also help people put trailers in places that are actually impossible to do with a standard truck and trailer. Find the perfect little corner to set your trailer down and marvel at the amount of free space you have!

Additionally, using a trailer dolly is also is a good way to keep your boat, RV, or trailer looking fresh. Your chances of accidentally hitting walls, curbs, or other obstacles are much lower because of increased control using the dolly. 

Saving money on storage

Beyond helping with the taxing parking process, electric trailer dollies can also greatly decrease expensive costs related to storage. Storage fees can sometimes reach thousands of dollars per year – certainly not something you budgeted for when thinking about purchasing your brand new boat. 

But many people who pay for storage only think they don’t have room to park a trailer. Because electric trailer dollies allow you to fit your trailer nearly anywhere, expensive storage fees are a thing of the past.

Instead, you can keep your trailer or boat in or near your own home, not only saving money but also being highly convenient for you as you can take it out and about anytime you want.

For example, what if spring comes early and you decide to take your boat out to the lake. If it’s stuck at storage, you’re not able to access it immediately, costing you an extra trip to go retrieve it. 

Use as an anti-theft mechanism

Boats and RVs are highly valuable commodities and their protection is paramount. 

So where do electric trailer dollies fit in here?

Because they allow you to pull your trailer in tongue-first, they act as an anti-theft device, making it hard for potential thieves to make a quick getaway. Because it’s facing the house, someone can't just come and hook up their truck to it and drive away.

Of course, don’t rely solely on this as a safety measure – it should be viewed as an additional rather than an end-all solution. Depending on your own specific scenario, other safety measures are recommended.

Durability 

The last benefit is perhaps the most important: durability. No one likes making a sizable investment only for it to deteriorate shortly after.

Luckily, electric trailer dollies are very durable and tend to last a long time before needing replacement. High-quality dollies, which of course cost a bit more, are worth it because they will go longer before needing replacement. 

In terms of cost, lower-end manual dollies can cost anywhere from $3 to $500, while premium solutions will put you back $600 to $5,000.

However, as with anything, you need to take care of it, lest it start to wear down. Make sure to lubricate it regularly to make sure it stays fresh. If you fail to do so, you may need to repair it. Time and effort are key to longevity.

Electric trailer dollies offer a simple solution to boat, RV, and other trailer owners everywhere. If you’re still parking your trailer by traditional means, maybe it’s time to invest in an electric trailer dolly – it’s the best way to get smart about trailer usage and storage in 2020.

 
Parking your trailer in a tight spot? Move up to 15,000 lbs with a Parkit360 Electric Trailer Dolly. Get simple, precise parking for boats, RV's and more!

While we’re primarily known for moving RV trailers and boats, our wide range of adapters allow us to park almost anything! 

Coming up on our 11th anniversary, we’ve seen a variety of use cases for our trailer dollies over the years. With 14,000 happy customers and counting, they continue to inspire us to develop new parking solutions for a wide variety of industrial applications.

Here are just a few of their parking success stories.

Industrial Facilities

One of our long-time customers needed to move parts of their assembly line on a daily basis. Moving large parts with limited factory floor space proved to be a challenge for them.

They needed a compact, self-powered solution that could work within a confined area. With a few minor tweaks to our Force trailer dolly, we were able to develop a customized solution that met their parking needs.

Airports & Hangars

Some airports are now using our trailer dollies on the tarmac! By attaching a hitch to their cargo loaders and staircases, they are able to move them in and out of place quickly as planes land. A few customers are actually using our trailer dollies to park their small aircraft!

Not all situations require a customized solution though. We have some standard Adapters that can help you get connected and set up quickly, without any modifications!

Pintle Hitch

A lesser-known use case is for pintle-hitch trailers. A lot of industrial and military customers tell us they’ve “been looking for this forever!”. With our Pintle Hitch Adapter, you simply line up your trailer’s hitch with the dolly and thread our adapter bolt into it. This can be done in a matter of seconds with a drill if you’re in a hurry.

Telescopic Hitch Adapter

Our Telescopic Frame Adapter is a non-invasive solution that bolts around the frame of your trailer. Just adjust the height of the telescoping pipe, lower it into our trailer dolly and go! For boats, we recommend attaching this adapter to the Y section of the trailer frame. This universal adapter can be used on a wide variety of trailers!

No matter the application, we can work with you to develop a safe, customized solution that will get your product where it needs to go!

Of course, our weight limits still apply and will vary depending on the hitch type: Ball Mount, Kingpin, Pintle, Gooseneck etc.. We have 3 Trailer Dolly models:

• Force ISC 5K
  5,000 lbs gross weight / 900lbs tongue weight
• Force ISC 10K
  10,000 lbs gross weight / 900lbs tongue weight
• Transformer 15K
  Maximum 15,000 lbs gross weight / 2,200lbs tongue weight

Have a specific use case that would benefit from a customized solution? Speak with one of our technicians today!

Contact Us >

We are staying open to ensure manufactured parts and supplies are being delivered to the right people during this difficult time.

As such, we are doing everything we can to keep our employees, their families and our customers safe by following all Government and WHO recommendations and regulations.

We are limiting working hours, staying home whenever possible, and enforcing the new building measures below:

Low Contact Assembly

To keep our employees and customers safe, each Trailer Dolly is now assembled and packaged by one person. All of our employees practice social distancing during this process to limit contact.

Clean Workplace Practices

Our employees are washing their hands frequently, sanitizing their work stations, and wearing gloves when necessary to prevent any possible contamination.

Dolly Sanitation

All handles, buttons and high contact surfaces on our Trailer Dollies will be sanitized before shipping. Please stay safe! Do your part by washing your hands before and after using your Trailer Dolly.

Keep your loved ones safe by staying home.

Your pets will sure love you for it! If you have any questions about our process, please Contact Us. We're here for you. We are available weekdays from 10am - 6pm EST.

All the best. Stay Healthy!

The Parkit360° Team