Using a Tug to park your 5er?

[markm]

Anyone use a tug to park their trailer? I have been looking at Parkit 360, it has 15K GVWR and 2200 lb tongue limit. Not heavy enough to accomadate next 5er. Next option is TrailerCaddy, which has a model to handle over 16K trailer wt and 3000 lb tongue wt.H

[laknox]

Isaac-1 wrote:
We use something similar to move trailers around on the family cattle ranch, though for a 5th wheel you would likely need to incorporate a 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter into the mix or build something similar with a 5th wheel receiver.

Simple. Take the ball off and build a "cup" to hold the king pin and bolt it in place of the ball; just be sure the cup isn't too deep or you'll destroy your lube plate. This is what every RV dealer does, just bolt the cup to one fork on a lift. Personally, I'd use the loader rather than the 3-point. This way you can watch the trailer much easier than when reversing. Also, forward gears are usually lower range than reverse gears, so slow maneuvering is a lot easier.

With a heavier trailer, though, you'll need to watch the pin weight on the 3-pt and be sure you don't overload the rear end, both in capacity or have the =front= come off the ground. Been there, done that on =both=!

Lyle

[gkainz]

I posted a similar query a while back *ok - probably "years" back ... and the 3 options were ParkIt, PwerCastor or home built ... I haven't done any of the above yet, but still would like to do some kind of home built with ATV to move, or battery powered. I want to move mine across the back yard (paved driveway, but sharp turn with a gate right where the truck needs to make the turn).

[Ralph_Cramden]

markm wrote:
Sidecarflip: Could you post a picture of that homemade dolly? I have a 2305 subcompact diesel JD tractor with 3-point hitch. I was thinking there might be someway to use the tractor and a dolly. Would be a lot cheaper than TrailerCaddy.
Thanks

Sorry Big D......couldnt resist this one

[ol_Bombero-JC]

Try a search - this has been on here before. Not too often, but "before".
Maybe search older than last 12 months.
A Google search will also yield other forums with info.

The various commercial dollys (that are capable) are very expensive, as you may have already seen. Others, like the "Parkit 360" may *not* be capable of moving 5th wheel trailers except on completely flat ground.

If you have a tractor, you are fortunate! - (IMO) look into options to use it.

I don't have that option - and after lots (and lots) of research, the most cost
effective (least expensive and most "capable") way to move a 5th is with a used fork lift.
Most dealers and service facilities use a fork lift with a 5th wheel pin attachment (receiver plate)on the forks.
The attachment is either "self-fabricated" (cheap!) - or, there are commercial ones available for around $200-$300.

Check Craigslist for used forklifts -and- the attachments.
Note: You *don't* want the 'small wheel' fork lifts normally used inside warehouses, etc..

Good luck finding the right "mover"!.. :C

~

[Isaac-1]

We use something similar to move trailers around on the family cattle ranch, though for a 5th wheel you would likely need to incorporate a 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter into the mix or build something similar with a 5th wheel receiver.

[Home_Skillet]

LINK 3 point hitch

[markm]

Sidecarflip: Could you post a picture of that homemade dolly? I have a 2305 subcompact diesel JD tractor with 3-point hitch. I was thinking there might be someway to use the tractor and a dolly. Would be a lot cheaper than TrailerCaddy.
Thanks

[SidecarFlip]

I use my quad with a home made dolly and / or one of the farm tractors with a rear mount 3 point carrier on it. Not spotting a 5'er but a loaded goose neck tri axle trailer, typically loaded with hay and grossing around 20K pounds.