Trailer mover / dolly

[DaKing]

My trailer collection keeps growing. I have 5 trailers now and plan on getting at least 3 more.

Currently, when all of them are at my primary lot, I park them in a line. The longer ones are parked on "pull-throughs", simple pull in and out. I have just added an RV to my collection, and due to limited yard size, it needs to also use a pull-through spot. Basically, parking all these trailers is getting difficult. I know, " First World Problems" As of now, the RV is blocking access to my prime mover trailer.

I don't want to make pulling a trailer a hassle. That is, I don't want to debate calling a tow truck over the hassle of hooking up a flatbed trailer. So retrieving and parking the trailers needs to be quick n simple.

I'm toying with the idea of building a powered trailer dolly. With a shorter yard moving "device" or truck, I can better fit the trailers in tighter spots. ( I am thinking of using my small jeep as a yard truck). Thinking of using a riding lawnmower OR building something using those parts.


Meat of this post:

Want a powered dolly. I'm looking for real-world people that use powered dollies. The yard is flat with minor dips & humps, hard dirt or gravel. Heavest trailer ~#8000 empty.

Looking for ideas and experiences with this.

Thanks!

 

[seville009]

Just google “power trailer mover” - many already out there if you’re looking to just buy something

 

[aczlan]

How much pin weight does the heaviest trailer have?

Aaron Z

 

[snymat68]

You need one of these!
Volkswagen Beetle With A Trailer Hitch On Top Of It - YouTube

 

[newbury]

M<snip>
I'm toying with the idea of building a powered trailer dolly. With a shorter yard moving "device" or truck, I can better fit the trailers in tighter spots. ( I am thinking of using my small jeep as a yard truck). Thinking of using a riding lawnmower OR building something using those parts.


Meat of this post:

Want a powered dolly. I'm looking for real-world people that use powered dollies. The yard is flat with minor dips & humps, hard dirt or gravel. Heavest trailer ~#8000 empty.

Looking for ideas and experiences with this.

Thanks!

How much pin weight does the heaviest trailer have?

Aaron Z

With an 8,000 lb empty trailer pulling across "hard dirt or gravel" I'd want to be able to pull 1,200 lbs of tongue weight at least.
Even a heavy duty Trailer Valet may be strained.
I'd suggest a low end used SCUT w/ 3 point hitch.
I use my B7610

 

[jwstewar]

I use a "trailer mover" on the 3-point hitch of my little New Holland. It will move all of the trailers around except for our camper. It has too much tongue weight for it. It moved our old camper with ease. I can put a trailer about any where, biggest issue is I can't see behind it since I don't have mirrors.

 

[Diggin It]

I'd be looking at an older garden tractor with a heavy duty transmission intended for ground engaging equipment to modify as a tug with hitches front and rear.

 

[Fallon]

With an 8,000 lb empty trailer pulling across "hard dirt or gravel" I'd want to be able to pull 1,200 lbs of tongue weight at least.
Even a heavy duty Trailer Valet may be strained.
I'd suggest a low end used SCUT w/ 3 point hitch.
I use my B7610

Ya, that sounds about right. May need some front ballast with a SCUT but it should do it fine. The advantage of a 3pt is you can just lift the tongue with the 3pt & not mess with the jack. The problem with a 3pt is you can roll the tractor in some situations. Going slow on level ground shouldn't run into any of those situations though.

 

[Topzide]

I like the idea of a garden tractor with front and rear hitches. I'd set it up with a caster wheel under hitches to handle tongue weight. This way there is the shortest wheelbase for maneuverability. Other thought would be to look for a two-wheel tractor to modify. Good luck in your search.

 

[fidowanttobe]

OLD garden TRACTOR. Pal long ago had a Sears suburban tractor with a power steering pump added on to run a loader and 3 point. Cement rear rims and chains, amazed what he did with that thing. I have the same tractor although not modified to pull a one bottom plow for tree planting. 3 speed with a high/low box, I have pulled and pushed dead cars around no problem. Steering might be a bi!(% with a hitch on front tho. YouTube may help also.