All,I'm afraid I will have to be a little vague due to the fact that I don't know the rise of the hill, but my question pertains to any advice for backing a trailer down a hill.My wife and I planned on building a cabin on our land up north, but due to various circumstances, we've decided on buying a camper to park on the land. Unfortunately, our land is very hilly and we really only have one flat area to park the camper.The flat spot is off the road, but down a hill. The hill probably stretches 40-50 feet and is probably 15 feet lower than the road. The hill is also grass / dirt (sometimes a little muddy, so we are waiting for a dry stretch).The camper is a 21' Excel Hull and weighs between 3250-3500 lbs. Our vehicle is a 2006 Jeep Liberty--it has 4 wheel drive, hi and lo.I'm a bit skeptical about backing the trailer down the hill, especially as there is little room for error. The bottom of the hill has a flat spot about 25-30 feet wide (where we will park the camper), but behind that spot is a creek. I'm terrified of the brakes locking up and parking the camper in the creek. We cannot drive straight down the hill because there would be no room for turn around for the Jeep.It's probable that I haven't provided enough info for a solid answer, but anything would help (such as a simple NO! don't be stupid! or any tips)My dad is a professional truck driver so he is going to back the camper down, but, as I said, I don't want to slide backward and mess up my vehicle / land in the creek.Thanks! Apologies for the vagueness.

when the trailer would be parked on the parking spot would the tow vehicle still be on the hill? Have you driven the jeep up and down the hill and does it take 4x4 to get back up it?

not with a liberty, get some one with a small bull dozer clean things up a bit ,and let him put it down there. couple bucks ,but better than a huge wrecker to pull all of it back up the hill.

I would be more concerned with getting out of there when the time comes.

Thanks.In regards to bulldozing on the site--I cannot do any construction / excavating within 75 feet of the stream due to shoreline protections. That was my first thought as well.The tow vehicle would be on flat ground with the trailer. To back the trailer down it would have to be at an angle--it wouldn't be a straight back. The steepest part of the hill is at the top and it gets considerably less steep about 15 feet down.I'm thinking I might have to consider another option.

The Liberty is a small rig meaning it doesn't have much weight to control the trailer or get traction for going up or down hill. And, it probably has all-season tires on it that are worthless traction wise for getting off of the pavement and trying to pull something.Bill

Backing a Camper down a dirt / grass hill | Good Sam Community

41 Replies

schlep1967
Nomad
May 05, 2017
Go for it ........ But set up the video camera first! Might as well get a lot of hits on youtube!
horton333
Explorer
May 05, 2017
Crabbypatty wrote:
...You need a longer wheel base. .....

What does wheel base have to do with traction?
Crabbypatty
Explorer
May 05, 2017
I own a liberty & a wrangler and I wouldnt do it unless I was tethered to someones winch.

While camping in the white mountains, our site was a little down hill off the road. Perhaps a 4 or 5 ft drop. Getting in was easy but I couldnt get out, just spinning tires. I was towing with a 3/4 ton Suburban. Put it in 4 low first gear and we did it but barely as the ground was gravel and slightly damp. You wont. The Liberty is to light and though it has a good 4wd, its to short. You need a longer wheel base.

So before you have a big problem, hire someone to do it with a bigger rig and or have a tow truck cable you down and out.
Naio
Explorer II
May 05, 2017
Yeah, the reason that spot by the creek is flat is that it has flooded there in the past.

Coolmom42 had it right on the nose.

I am glad you have another spot in mind, even if you have to clear it.
dewey02
Explorer II
May 05, 2017
I will second those who've commented on being fairly close to that creek with no way to get your trailer out. I'm in northern Minnesota and just a couple years ago we had a torrential rain that caused HUGE damage to every waterway around. Dams gave way, bridges gave way, culverts washed out, rivers and streams of all sizes greatly overflowed their banks.

I would agree with your other option of clearing a flat spot with a dozer somewhere more elevated and away from that creek.
Terryallan
Explorer II
May 05, 2017
Ivylog wrote:
Put it in 4 low and once you have backed the trailer over the edge put the tranny in low and use the gas pedal to control your decent.

Front end will still slide when you touch the brakes. even in 4x4, they are not locked together
Ivylog
Explorer III
May 05, 2017
Put it in 4 low and once you have backed the trailer over the edge put the tranny in low and use the gas pedal to control your decent.
Terryallan
Explorer II
May 05, 2017
Ok. Here is a quick course on backing down a hill that is gravel, or grass. It really does work. because if you don't do it this way, The front tires will lock every time you hit the brakes, and you will not be able to turn the TV. Ask me how I know. It was happening to me at a CG when the CG owner told me what to do.

Set your parking brake (which uses the rear wheels) to a medium hard setting, Don't lock the wheels but set it pretty tight. That will prevent your front wheels from locking as you won't have to use the brakes so heavily. Then you will have full control as you back down the hill.

Here was our conversation, as I slid backwards down the hill. He said. set your parking brake and you will get your front end back. It really works.
Hannibal
Explorer
May 04, 2017
Wet grass is about the slickest substance I know of. Even dry grass turns wet when you drag a vehicle across it. I fully appreciate your concern. If in doubt, don't do it.
midnightsadie
Explorer II
May 04, 2017
love your area wis ,used to fish teel lake every summer. in the hayward area. small dozer and you,ll be ok.

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Backing a Camper down a dirt / grass hill

41 Replies

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