Should I buy the Carrier 13K or the Transformer 15K?

Remote control trailer parking? Yes, please!

So you’re considering a wireless remote control trailer dolly, but now the question is: which one should you get—the Carrier 13K or the Transformer 15K?

That’s a simple question if you have a Fifth Wheel or Gooseneck trailer you need to move (only the Transformer has adapter options for those). But, for ball-mounted trailers, there are more factors to consider.

Common Operating Features

Regardless of which dolly you ultimately choose to go with, you will have the full suite of premium Parkit360 features working for you to make parking as safe and convenient as possible.

Smart Brake Controller

This feature sets Parkit360 electric trailer dollies apart from all others on the market, making parking safer and stress-free.

Using the built-in plug, connect your trailer’s 7-way brake cord to the trailer dolly so that your trailer’s brakes operate automatically with the dolly controls. Brakes and brake lights will be activated as long as the dolly is on and no controls are being pressed. When you release the controls, the brakes and lights will reactivate. If you’re moving a boat trailer, this will instead lock out the surge brakes to let you move the trailer in reverse.

Variable-Speed Controls

All of our Wireless Remote Trailer Dollies are operated by a Wireless Joystick Controller. This Controller features variable-speed joysticks AND two speed mode buttons for the ultimate control and precision when parking. Set your maximum speed to high for faster, straightforward parking jobs, then switch to low speed for more complicated maneuvers.

Overload Protection

In addition to circuit breakers to protect the motors and Smart Brake Controller, both the Carrier and Transformer have built-in Overload Protection. This protects the electronics from high power draw in case of exceeding the maximum weight capacity, operating on a steep incline, or power surges.

This important safety feature keeps the batteries and Smart Brake Controller active while releasing the control switch and stopping the dolly’s motors. That way, you never have to worry about your trailer rolling away if something goes wrong because the dolly and trailer brakes will activate automatically.

The Differences (for ball-mounted trailers)

Both the Transformer 15K and the Carrier 13K have a lot to offer, so choosing the right one is all about determining your use case. What will best suit your needs?

Here are the key differences to consider to help you decide:

Weight Capacity

How much does your trailer weigh? Consider the largest trailer you need to move and what it weighs when loaded up. The Transformer 15K, when used for ball-mounted trailers, has a maximum weight capacity of 10,000 lbs. For trailers above this (up to 13,000 lbs), the Carrier 13K is the model of choice.

Convenience

When it comes to connecting your trailer to the dolly, there is nothing simpler than the Carrier 13K’s Drop & Go Adapter. Simply drive your dolly underneath the coupler, set your connection height, and lower your trailer onto the ball mount. If you need to move multiple trailers or want to save time when hooking up your trailer, then the Carrier is for you.

On the other hand, the Transformer 15K uses our proprietary ball mount connection with Stablelock technology. It even comes with a Thrust Washer with a removable puzzle piece to fit couplers with a lip or drop-down shape. However, this connection method does involve tightening the adapter on the trailer coupler before connecting to the dolly, which is a more involved process.

Size

Because these trailer dollies are designed to move such large trailers, space is an important consideration for storage purposes. While both dollies are large in their own respects, the Carrier has a uniquely low profile that lets it fit beneath most trailer frames.

Driving Conditions

In most cases, the Transformer and Carrier are equals in conquering various terrain types. Both of these large electric trailer dollies are capable of handling packed gravel, asphalt, and firm dirt and grass. Both can handle small lips and curbs. The difference is in how they handle rough terrain.

The Carrier 13K is better suited to terrains with lots of bumps, dips, and curbs. The 6-wheel unit has a staggered wheel design to help it move over uneven surfaces with ease.

Let’s break that all down in a quick comparison chart:

	Carrier 13K	Transformer 15K
Weight Capacity	13,000 lbs	10,000 lbs
Connection Style	Drop & Go	Ball Mount with Tightening Wrench
Size	Large, but low profile	Large
Driving Conditions	Asphalt Packed Gravel Firm dirt & grass Uneven terrain	Asphalt Packed Gravel Form dirt & grass Level surfaces, small curbs

 

Now that you understand the differences between these two powerful wireless trailer movers, you can make the most informed decision about which unit is right for you. Need advice or more information to make your decision? Speak to our Sales Team.