The Park: Camping Tips & Product News — electric trailer dolly

As trailer owners, we’ve all wondered whether there is a better way to move our trailers around our properties.

Sure, the truck works for most situations. But sometimes it would be nice to have another option for maneuvering around your garage, driveway, and yard – something for those small moves and tricky spots.

What if there was a convenient tool you could keep on hand for getting trailers in and out of tight spaces? What if you didn’t need to hook your trailers up to the truck just to shuffle them around? What if you could get more precise control without a lot of extra work?

As it turns out, the trailer community has found lots of alternatives for this. A quick scan of any trailer forum (or even the comments section on our social media profiles) will reveal half a dozen – maybe more – different ways to move a trailer without the typical rear receiver hookup.

But we couldn’t help wondering: how well do they really work?

So, we’ve dug deep into discussions all across the web to hear first-hand from trailer owners just like you who have tried these other methods for themselves.

Here’s what we found:

1. Front Mount Receiver

So, technically, this method still involves using your truck (meaning tight spaces could still be challenging). But many trailer owners swear by the use of a front hitch for better control when reversing their recreational vehicles.

However, a front mount receiver eliminates several of the most common issues of backing up with a tow vehicle: difficulty steering, limited visibility, and tight maneuvers. A front hitch lets you push your trailer while looking straight at it. And, as an added bonus, this connection point provides more precise steering because the hitch is closer to the turning wheels.

Before you go out and buy a front hitch, however, there are a few things to consider.

The first is 4-wheel drive capabilities. If you’re planning to move on potentially soft, uneven, or steep terrain, you need a vehicle that can handle those conditions while pushing a trailer.

Next, think about the placement of the hitch. Can you have it mounted a little offset from the center of your vehicle? This will give you a better ability to view the side of your trailer, as well as your surroundings.

Lastly, consider the tongue weight. Front mount hitches may not have as high of a weight capacity. With all that weight resting on the front end of your vehicle, you may also find that your tires dig into the ground more and are harder to turn. Some owners of larger trailers recommend a wheeled extension for the jack to remove some of that weight.

As long as you take these three things into consideration, you should be able to make this method work for you. But, if you hope to get into a space that isn’t long enough for the truck and trailer together, then a front hitch won’t do you much good.

2. Tractor

Whether you’re looking for precision steering or a smaller vehicle to fit those tight spaces, a lawn tractor is a common choice for moving trailers.

Depending on the type of tractor you have, there are a couple of attachment options available: a receiver attached to the bucket, or a rear receiver hitch.

For a simple tow job with a small trailer, a tractor can be a good, compact alternative to your standard tow vehicle – just be sure that you have the right tires and four wheel drive.

You might be surprised to find that many trailer owners have reported that this method does not work as well as might be assumed, since the tractor needs to be heavy enough to counterbalance the trailer that it is pulling/pushing. Even if your tractor is capable of pulling the weight, you may still need to add weights onto it to maintain ballast distribution.

And, though many suggest that this method could make trickier parking spots easier to get into, you might have trouble seeing the spot properly. Your overall visibility will be reduced when driving the tractor because you are low to the ground and very close to the body of the trailer.

3. Forklift

A forklift is a piece of equipment that most people are unlikely to have lying around at home. However, in commercial and industrial contexts, this is a popular choice for moving trailers and other types of equipment. These mighty little machines are meant for hauling, and can handle quite a bit of weight. Plus, they are designed to counterbalance the front weight placed on them (as long as you don’t exceed the limit).

If you happen to have a forklift, you’ll be happy to know that there are several companies that sell trailer hitch attachments for forklifts. There are traditional receivers that can connect to the frame, as well as attachments that slide over the forks. The latter type are well-constructed metal plates or covers, often offering multiple connection points, depending on your needs.

While some would suggest that you can simply drill a hole through one fork to attach a hitch ball or pin, this is not recommended. This will damage the integrity of the fork. It could also create some unique steering challenges because the trailer will be attached to only one side of the machine.

So, if you have a fork lift, this is a great choice for moving your trailer!

Just remember, before you take your forklift out in the yard, that you need an upgrade from the standard warehouse tires, otherwise you’ll have trouble getting traction.

4. ATV

An ATV might seem like a logical option for moving your trailer – after all, there are small trailers that are specifically designed for pulling with an ATV. But, from everything we’ve seen, this is not a good idea.

An ATV is simply not designed to pull any kind of large trailer. The towing capacity on these machines is very low, and you’re more likely to end up in a permanent wheelie position than having a perfectly parked trailer.

Besides, your only brakes are the ones on the ATV itself, which makes pulling a trailer on any kind of slope inadvisable.

5. Ride-on lawn mower

Much like lawn tractors, a ride-on lawn mower might seem like a good solution for small moves, but there are few that are designed to handle the weight of a trailer. Most ride-on lawn mowers don’t have the transmission needed to supply the appropriate amount of torque. Several accounts from trailer owners state that, while a lawn mower may have helped them move their trailer, they could tell that the machine was not happy with the load.

Don’t upset your lawn mower. And don’t risk breaking it when there are other tools that can better handle the tongue weight without tipping or straining.

You may be able to get away with using your ride-on lawn mower if you only have a small pop-up trailer, but we don’t recommend that you try this at home.

6. Converted snowblower

An old snowblower is fairly easy to come by (in snowy areas), and not too costly to obtain either.

This moving method for trailers seems a bit unusual, but it may actually work. Whether you decide to attach the hitch ball on top of the auger cover (which will likely require some reinforcement), or to remove the auger attachment altogether and add a receiver to the front of your machine, you have a rather simple motorized mover to which you can attach your trailer.

It might not move very quickly or turn all that well, but it does give you a way to move your trailer by hand without having to lift all of that weight yourself.

Now, obviously, this jury-rigged machine is only as good as the base you use, the design you come up with, and the quality of the build, so the level of safety and effectiveness varies greatly from one machine to another. But, with the right modifications, you might be able to make this work.

7. Brute force

There is always the option of moving your trailers by hand. But, unless you’re going a very short distance with a very light trailer, this is probably more work than it’s worth. Most trailers do offer a handy jack wheel for these situations, but those hard little plastic wheels aren’t designed for any major moves – and they’re certainly not designed for dragging through your yard.
And don’t forget what a challenge a slope can be if you’re supporting all of the trailer’s weight yourself.

8. Trailer dolly

You know we couldn’t make a list of trailer-moving methods without discussing trailer dollies. These handy gadgets come in manual and motorized models for moving a variety of trailer types and sizes. These dollies usually go through extensive design and testing processes to ensure a safe and efficient trailer-parking experience. They are the best choice for maneuvering in tight spaces, and they don’t take up a ton of storage room.

Browse our full selection of trailer dollies to find the right one for your needs, and never worry about how you’re going to get in and out of that impossible spot with your truck again.

How many times has parking your trailer turned into a major dispute?

Picture the scene: you arrive home from your fabulous family camping trip, and all you want to do is go inside and unpack. But first, you have to park the trailer.

So, one person gets out to spot and the other begins to maneuver into place. It’s a tight fit, the angle isn’t working, and you’re having trouble communicating with one another. Before you know it, you’re stuck, you’re screaming, and everyone is ready to walk away.

“Why do we keep doing this?” you wonder. “We’d be better off if we never took this trailer out in the first place.”

We get it. Many of us trailer owners have had a hectic parking experience like this (or two, or three). From new campers to boat owners, we’ve all had trouble parking from time to time.

In fact, numerous customers have shared stories like this with us over the years. We’ve had many couples and families recount their stressful attempts to park their trailers in tight or awkward spaces, resulting in raised voices and short tempers.

Those same customers have also shared with us how much easier the parking process was after purchasing a Parkit360.

Just check out some of these reviews:

Been using my 10K Parkit360 a couple of months now and it has been great. My wife says it is worth the cost (she has been guiding me when using the truck to park the TT under a cover).

- Paul Dufford

 

Hubby and I bought this to help park our 23’ Wolf Pup in our driveway. It works like a dream and is easy enough I can even control it. Thanks for the wonderful tool... may have saved a marriage ;-)!

- Heidi Cox

This is going to make the most stressful parts of camping trips a breeze and will also lead to more domestic harmony.

- Jim Ross

 

My wife was not happy when I bought the Parkit360, she kept saying I should 'try to back the trailer in'. Well, the problem is the travel trailer is 11' wide and I would risk hitting the house! But, the Parkit360 worked perfectly and without much effort I was able to guide our trailer in with ease, and when I finished my wife said, "Now I know why you bought it and you were right!"

- Lance Corporal

Parkit360 trailer mover works great. We call it the marriage saver. Nothing more stressful than a couple parking a trailer.

- Jeff Sparkman

These real life stories inspired us to make this video, which tells the story of a couple who are new to camping and have found that parking their trailer is testing their marriage – and impacting their neighbours, too:

We love these stories because they remind us of why we created this product in the first place: Parkit360 trailer dollies don’t just help individuals tackle difficult parking situations – they also save families from a lot of undue stress!

That’s why we made the Force 5K and 10K models. They’re compact, easy to use, and capable of moving most recreational trailers (up to 5,000 and 10,000 lbs). You can store one of these units in your trailer compartment, or in the back of your vehicle, and take it along with you for maneuvering into cramped campsites as well.

Parking doesn’t have to be hard. No matter how tricky the spot, we want people to know that there is a simple solution so that they can feel empowered, confident, and less stressed. Camping should be a pleasant experience, from start to finish. You don’t want a fight over a bad parking job to ruin an otherwise enjoyable time.

Whether a family who is new to camping, or a couple who needs a more effective parking solution, an electric trailer dolly makes things better for everyone.

Don’t let the stress of parking keep you from pursuing your favourite hobbies together. Check out our full line of trailer dollies, and learn to start enjoying each other’s company again!

Airstream trailers are well known and loved because of their distinctive retro designs. They remind us of simpler times and a simple way of life: camping adventures and family road trips without the distractions of technology.

But “retro” doesn’t always mean “simple.” Sometimes there’s room to improve upon the old way of doing things. (After all, if the Airstream was the pinnacle of camping trailers, then they would never have changed the designs. Even now, they are looking for ways to make your travel experiences better than before.)

Take parking, for example. Airstreams are great for towing, but they can be somewhat challenging to park – especially in tight spots. You can try to do it the old-fashioned way, but you’ll find that an electric trailer dolly is a much simpler option. Parkit360’s electric trailer dollies are designed to make this process easier, providing Airstream owners with a convenient and efficient way to park. All you have to do is hook up the hitch, turn it on, and guide your trailer into the perfect camping spot (or parking spot). Now where was that in the “good old days”?

How to hook up an electric trailer dolly to your Airstream

Electric trailer dollies are designed to be compatible with the majority of common hitch types and will work well for any Airstream model. Most dollies (including our Force and Transformer models) will come with the appropriate 2 5/16” hitch ball and 20” high ball mount. Once connected, the dolly will provide smooth and stable control, while allowing you to see exactly how to maneuver the Airstream.

For the Bambi and Caravel models, you’ll need a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. For the larger models (Flying Cloud, International, Globetrotter, and Classic), a 10,000 lbs capacity is best. Parkit360’s Force 5K and 10K are just what you would need.

As an added bonus, Parkit360 dollies come standard with an electric brake controller. Simply plug your 7-way connector straight into the unit, and it will operate your trailer’s brakes, making it easy to move on any terrain, even with an incline.

What’s the best trailer dolly for an Airstream?

We might be a little biased, but we believe that Parkit360 trailer dollies are the ideal product for parking an Airstream. Our dollies operate best with a good weight distribution between the tongue and rest of the trailer (lots of tongue weight for traction, but not so much so that it’s hard to turn the dolly), and Airstreams are just that. You can read some of our customer reviews – including some from Airstream owners – by clicking here!

The truth is, we’re more than a little biased; we love Airstreams! And Airstreams love us.

Thanks to Jill @serendipitoustravels for these awesome photos of her Airstream, lovingly named Veronica!

Parkit360's Electric Trailer Dollies are a must-have for any Airstream trailer owner. They make parking a breeze, whether in the driveway, a crowded campground, or in the great outdoors. If you love the simple lifestyle that an Airstream provides, then you’ll want a simple parking solution as well. Parkit360 is the perfect modern parking solution for your retro trailer.

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!