Any of you ever use a 5th Wheel Dolly like this?

laknox wrote:

gkainz wrote:
as I (continue to) ponder building a mover, the bracing thing keeps coming back to me. I visualize any motorized mover walking out from under the king pin, so I keep thinking braces from the upright to the frame on each side to triangulate, and then that puts all the push/pull on the frame, rather than the upright support. But, the videos above show trailers being moved just fine without that, so maybe I'm overthinking things again.
I learned farm equipment building and repair from my grandfather, who ALWAYS applied the old german engineering logic of "hellferstout" :)

At least one of those power dollies had a tricycle arrangement...

Lyle

I had a power dolly (IIRC it was "Power Mover" but it's been around a long time) when I had a TT. The one with options of dual or single wheels.
I had the dually - found it or sale by the original owner - paid $300.

At the Pomona RV show the son of the original designer/mfgr, who owns the company now - had a booth. He offered me $800 !!.
Didn't sell - as I had good intentions of using it.

Bottom line - The electric motor and gearing was outstanding - you could pull stumps with it - but, I needed to cross about 15 feet of grass from the street to my storage (next to my house) - slight incline.
In spite of 'aggressive' tread on the tires - it couldn't get traction - even on dry grass. Also, even with the dual wheels it would take a 'list' if you weren't careful during a sharp turn (with a 20' TT !!)

Eventually sold it to my neighbor (still has it) - who uses it to move a utility trlr with quads from his back yard to the front - ALL paved.

That mover is available with an attachment for 5th wheels - but back to my original post......no bueno.

Conclusion: Save the grief and effort designing your own - buy a forklift..:W

Had I been paying closer attn to CL, the RV repair shop just down the road from me had their forklift advertised for $2K (bought a newer one) - it was *gone* immediately!..:(


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gkainz wrote:
as I (continue to) ponder building a mover, the bracing thing keeps coming back to me. I visualize any motorized mover walking out from under the king pin, so I keep thinking braces from the upright to the frame on each side to triangulate, and then that puts all the push/pull on the frame, rather than the upright support. But, the videos above show trailers being moved just fine without that, so maybe I'm overthinking things again.
I learned farm equipment building and repair from my grandfather, who ALWAYS applied the old german engineering logic of "hellferstout" :)

At least one of those power dollies had a tricycle arrangement...

Lyle

as I (continue to) ponder building a mover, the bracing thing keeps coming back to me. I visualize any motorized mover walking out from under the king pin, so I keep thinking braces from the upright to the frame on each side to triangulate, and then that puts all the push/pull on the frame, rather than the upright support. But, the videos above show trailers being moved just fine without that, so maybe I'm overthinking things again.
I learned farm equipment building and repair from my grandfather, who ALWAYS applied the old german engineering logic of "hellferstout" :)

I think I'd want a couple braces on that upright if it were me!! Not something I would use!

"Blanco1" - You have "discovered" most of the various types of "Power Movers".
Been there, done that.
Unfortunately - unless you have a light weight trailer - AND plan to move it
over *PAVED* *FLAT* ground - most are *NOT* going to cut it....until you get into the $4K-5K range like the yellow one. (talked to them in the past - they said my 2K pin weight would require the more expensive -$5K- model).

If you visit a large dealership with lots of TTs and 5ths - you will find they move 'em with a fork lift to pack 'em in "tight" on their sales lots. Many/most independent repair shops do the same to maneuver 5th wheels into their shops, etc.

You can find fork lifts in the same price range (or less) than the various models of "movers" you posted. Take a look at what is available on Craigs List.

However, be aware you want a fork lift with pneumatic tires - capable of going up "blocks" (cribbing) in front of a curb, etc.
Also, unless *you* feel competent to do so, you need someone who can check it out mechanically before you buy.
(If it breaks - you aren't going to drive it to the repair shop like you would a car or truck)

Suggest you visit one of the many forklift dealers (who have used ones available)- usually in industrial areas in - or bordering L.A. - and have a salesperson give you a demo.

BTW - one of the shops local to me welded up their own pin "attachment", but you will also see pre-fabed 5th wheel pin attachments for forklift forks advertised on CL.

Happy hunting and/or moving!!

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anyone have any pictures of a small pick up or something like that set up just because it small & easy to park the trailer?

Here's another couple of less expensive ones.

http://www.powerdolly.co/product/remote-control-dual-motor-dolly

yeah, the forklift thing has crossed my mind a few times, as well. Usually that conversation is cut short with my lovely bride saying "and just WHERE do you think you're going to store THAT? The back yard is already cluttered enough!" :D

laknox wrote:
Blanco1, a used forklift could be had for cheap. Just check around for equipment auctions around SoCal. Even a small lift will usually handle 4k lbs. Just put a cup on one fork to hold the king pin and you're set. Might even find an electric one. An LP model might be more desirable, since it'd likely be sitting a lot.

Lyle

That did cross my mind.

I wonder how cheap?
It would do much duty a few times a year move a few feet. :)

I just called another place place hoping for a lower price & they were $100.00 more!

& then I thought it would be cheaper to buy a cheap mini truck, I only need to move it about 15 feet further if my big truck can't clear it.
& maybe 30 feet or so if I don't bother starting the turn with my dually.

Then it hit me!!
I own a Ranchero!
Probably too low though.

But my Samurai that I was gonna sell might have new job?