Trailer Mover?
I had an electric wheelchair fall into my lap and was thinking about converting it into an electric trailer mover. Does anyone have any experience or ideas how I'd go about this?
Forum Discussion
- You can also find power dollys for moving aircraft in and out of hangers, some of them are decades old and pretty cheap.
I would be surprised if the wheelchair worked but it sounds like a fun project. Lawn tractor is a better idea and easier to modify. - I have a Power Mover AC10 that I use to move my boat into my garage. It has made my life so much better. I have had it for a few years now. My boat is around 6000lbs and I have to push it up a slight grade up my driveway. I would say that the wheel chair mod could work for a popup on a perfectly flat surface for a little distance. I will tell you, having more wheels will be what you need the most. Also, any type of grade or trying to turn it with that mod will tip the wheel chair over. There is a large amount of force needed when turning a trailer of any weight. Same with trying to get the trailer to move initially - you will most likely spin the tires on whatever surface you are on. My AC10 was made to move 8800lbs and it slips on my driveway and the torque is huge when turning the trailer. Lastly, I would say it will be even harder to get the amount of weight you will need to keep the wheel chair mod using a ball mount. The power mover I have uses a solid attachment and it is mounted as far back on the frame as you can get it - to put more weight on the mover.
http://www.powerdolly.co/products/ac-dollies/ - Gear reduction and a cordless drill:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnAVL1VN4-M
Be certain to video the maiden voyage. I think you can do it, but just in case, make the video. - Give us updates, got to wonder if it will have enough torque.
I have a ParkIt 360 in Sac if you want to see it for any ideas. - Not nearly enough traction at the wheels and not nearly large enough a motor. Check out "trailer tugs" and you will see the difference.
- Okay, I found my blueprint for a starting point.
- Well, depends on motor rating, drive reduction, incline, headwind, blah, blah :)
- Yep, I looked my model up and after stripping it down, I'd probably be in the 330 - 350 range. That will pretty close to my tongue weight. I guess the question would be how much push power will it have at that weight?
- Most wheelchairs are rated under 300lbs however there are some for big folks rated up to 1000lbs.
Super_Dave wrote:
The chair should have a GCWR!! LOL
You have any guesses what the limitations would be?
