Hello everybody. Well I got my 1 ton truck and want to do a fifth wheel, but the layout of my driveway is the house on one side and a cedar fence on the other, and a slight curve at the back of the house to then open space. The clearance is doable but very tight to try and back up a fifth wheel and try to turn the front of the truck while backing it up. I could pull it out very easy, but I have to back it in. It would be much easier with a tractor with a front end loader with a ball on it, but I thought I would toss you folks the question if any of you know of a good powerful tug (gas or electric) that would have the power to back a fiver up a slight grade that I have on my driveway. I could go to a trailer and put a ball on the front of the truck, but I really want a fiver. Thanks to all

Thank you sfp. One of those is sure to work for me. Much appreciated

I've been eyeballing our airplane mover for our Bonanza as a starting concept, but still have to figure out a plan to carry the pin weight. I also want to transfer the push/pull force to the trailer frame, instead of it all being in the vertical (maybe that doesn't matter.). Finally, I really would like to overcome the force the user in the posted youtube video had to apply to turn the dolly.Other than that, no problem! :)

gkainz wrote:I've been eyeballing our airplane mover for our Bonanza as a starting concept, but still have to figure out a plan to carry the pin weight. I also want to transfer the push/pull force to the trailer frame, instead of it all being in the vertical (maybe that doesn't matter.). Finally, I really would like to overcome the force the user in the posted youtube video had to apply to turn the dolly.Other than that, no problem! :)We had an aircraft tug for our Baron, and it was =nice=. :-) Were it me, I think I'd make some braces that would push against the landing legs, just under bottom of the "box". Either that, or do something similar to the front of the main frame. Going to need to be something light and =stiff=, though. Now, if you could =pull= it...ON EDIT: After watching the video all the way through, it occurred to me that braces could be used from the base of the vertical post to some unused bolt holes on the pin box. Might relieve some of the stress on the pin itself.Further... I did see a small tug once that had 2 motors and each one was capable of separate control, including "throttle". Made steering real easy. IIRC, that particular one also had a way to lock the wheels together so if a motor went out, you could still get traction to both.Lyle

I have to go around a curved driveway to get to the backyard in my place too, but I have enough space down by my shop that I can pull in forward and then turn it around and pull it forward back out. Probably a dumb question but is that an option at your place? It's really nice to be able to go forward around the house in both directions.

Need advice on moving a fifth wheel without a truck

ol_Bombero-JC
Explorer
Sep 01, 2016
SoCalDesertRider wrote:
An old forklift can do it. Can find them used on Craigslist often.

The above is the best solution - but not the small wheel variety.

Beware of trailer mover "pitfalls" before you buy!

UNLESS you have pretty much flat (preferably paved) level ground "all the way" - the various trailer movers won't work - or - the high end varieties are way, way too expensive. (You can get a nice fork lift for less).

Most/many dealers use fork lifts to move 5th wheels - visit one that uses that method and have a chat - ask questions.

BTW - if a fork lift is "ugly" on your property - simply cover it.

~
SoCalDesertRid1
Explorer
Sep 01, 2016
gkainz wrote:
T18skyguy wrote:
WeBeFulltimers wrote:
Not trying to be a wise guy but if you want to own a fifth wheel and enjoy the experience you really need to learn to back up. You stated it is "doable" so learn to do it.

Doable if I want to spend all day while the truck overheats in reverse. Some transmissions do not run the oil through the cooler in reverse. Also doable if I want to damage the truck.
I use 4x4 low to back up the driveway with my '97 auto ... my '07 6 speed doesn't have the overheat issue but it still is nice to slowly crawl up the driveway in 4 low.
X 2

I use 4-Low with hubs unlocked often when maneuvering at slow speed on steep driveways, etc.
gkainz
Explorer
Sep 01, 2016
T18skyguy wrote:
WeBeFulltimers wrote:
Not trying to be a wise guy but if you want to own a fifth wheel and enjoy the experience you really need to learn to back up. You stated it is "doable" so learn to do it.

Doable if I want to spend all day while the truck overheats in reverse. Some transmissions do not run the oil through the cooler in reverse. Also doable if I want to damage the truck.

I use 4x4 low to back up the driveway with my '97 auto ... my '07 6 speed doesn't have the overheat issue but it still is nice to slowly crawl up the driveway in 4 low.
laknox
Nomad
Sep 01, 2016
gkainz wrote:
(snipped)

I miss living on the farm!

You got =that= right, brother!

Lyle
T18skyguy
Explorer
Sep 01, 2016
WeBeFulltimers wrote:
Not trying to be a wise guy but if you want to own a fifth wheel and enjoy the experience you really need to learn to back up. You stated it is "doable" so learn to do it.

Doable if I want to spend all day while the truck overheats in reverse. Some transmissions do not run the oil through the cooler in reverse. Also doable if I want to damage the truck.
gkainz
Explorer
Aug 31, 2016
In my case, it is not "doable" at all. Backing up my driveway to the curve around the back of the house puts my truck squarely in the middle of my gate. I could expand the driveway wider, but not without considerable cost. I can pull in forward, but then have to turn around onto the lawn - again, not a good solution.

So, I looked at the parkit360 a few years ago - too cheap to pay $5-6k iirc. Haven't had the time to really noodle out building a power dolly.

I need a forklift in my back yard, because my lovely wife needs another "piece of junk to make the neighbors mad" to prod me about.

I miss living on the farm!
WeBeFulltimers
Explorer
Aug 31, 2016
Not trying to be a wise guy but if you want to own a fifth wheel and enjoy the experience you really need to learn to back up. You stated it is "doable" so learn to do it.
SoCalDesertRid1
Explorer
Aug 30, 2016
An old forklift can do it. Can find them used on Craigslist often.
Diesel_Camper
Explorer
Aug 30, 2016
The Parkit 360 would be a way easier method. My dolly in the video above was designed for bumper pulls and I adapted it to our 5er. The main wheels are on a solid axle and it is difficult to turn. A two motor unit would turn much easier.
T18skyguy
Explorer
Aug 30, 2016
Thank you Ida not a dumb question at all, in fact have been thinking about that. I may have to take out a tree, some fencing and part of a wall, but in my gut I just don't think I can make enough room. An RV salesman told me that he's seen some folks do some pretty radical things; remodel the house, buy the neighbors property. If they want it bad enough they'll do just about anything.

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Need advice on moving a fifth wheel without a truck

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