Backing across low gutter to sloping driveway?

[mcman56]

I planning on getting a light short (19 foot or so) travel trailer and will need to store in in a side yard. The street has a crown, a standard low suburban gutter and then a narrow driveway that slopes up. The truck is a 2002 Silverado 1500 with tow package. How can I figure out it the hitch will drag before buying a trailer? Would some trailers be better than others? I prefer the simplicity of a ball hitch but are 5th wheels any better at this?

[mcman56]

Does this look like it would be a problem?

[2edgesword]

WayneAt63044 wrote:
How about a couple of boards placed in the street gutter to reduce the severity of the swale and level out the entrance to the driveway. That would help the rear of the trailer as it enters the driveway and the back axle of the tow vehicle being raised by the board(s) would keep the hitch from dragging.

This was one of the things I was considering if I had a recurring problem.

[oldmattb]

Put a spotting hitch on the front of the truck and push it into place. It is a lot easier to maneuver and see, and because there is less overhang in the front, it is unlikely to bottom out.

http://www.etrailer.com/fmr-2002_Chevrolet_Silverado.htm

Matt B

[WayneAt63044]

How about a couple of boards placed in the street gutter to reduce the severity of the swale and level out the entrance to the driveway. That would help the rear of the trailer as it enters the driveway and the back axle of the tow vehicle being raised by the board(s) would keep the hitch from dragging.

[mrkoje]

Maybe you could do something like this if it drags:

http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/26822833.cfm

[2edgesword]

I can't answer the question with numbers but I have a similar situation towing my 23" trailer with a 2007 Chevy Silverado.

I back in to my driveway that has a pretty steep slope and the street in front of the driveway is crowd with a low gutter at the start of the driveway. The only time I've scrapped anything was when I disconnected the WDH before backing in. Removing the WDG allow the front end of the trailer to dip and scrap the driveway. Since then I leave the WDH connected until I get up the driveway and haven't had the problem.