Recommended Trailer Valet Trailer Dolly for Moving Loaded Trailer Up and Down Driveway Steep Grade

Question:

I contacted Trailer Valet and they said they don't recommend anything more than 10 degrees. The trailer will be around 320 pounds loaded. Do you have any other ideas?

asked by: Jonathan C

Expert Reply:

For your Yakima 66 inch Rack and Roll Trailer # Y08106, I recommend the Trailer Valet XL Trailer Dolly with Chain Drive - 2" Hitch Ball - 1,000 lbs TW # TVXL2. This tow dolly will use chain driven solid rubber tires to help you move the trailer up the incline of your driveway when loaded and is height adjustable to accommodate your needs. It also has an automatic brake that will help you as you take the trailer down the driveway to make sure the trailer doesn't run away from you. This product has a drill attachment that makes it really easy to use with a cordless drill. I've attached a couple videos to assist.

expert reply by: Jason S

click to enlarge

David W.

8/9/2020

Most or all questions are about moving heavy trailers short distances at home. I need a dolly for my 14 foot aluminum V boat and trailer, together only about 700 lbs, but which can go up and down typical concrete boat ramps. I can launch easily with my FJ Cruiser, but behind my Winnebago it's just too difficult when crowded and the RV can get into trouble when there's gravel on the concrete. I'd really appreciate a recommendation on which model dolly would work best. Thanks.

Jon G.

8/19/2020

If your boat and trailer together are only 700 lbs then you don't need a heavy duty Trailer Valet, just something smaller like the 5X # STC-V211. However, if you're concerned about using your own strength to move the trailer then you might be interested in something like the RVR3 # TVRVR3. Please note that these weight ratings were taken on level ground so if you have a fairly steep incline then the Trailer Valet options might have some struggle.

David W.

8/19/2020

@JonG The 5X #STC-V211 looks interesting. The RV could drive the trailer/boat down near to the water and turn parallel to water's edge. The V211 could then take it into the water - I assume the torque on the handle is easily managed down about 20 feet on a 15% slope. Reversing this process would keep the RV away from the gravelly edge when getting the trailer out of the water. But I imagine winding it up the ramp more than a few feet would be pretty tough. Thanks.

Jon G.

8/28/2020

As long as the gravel isn't fine (like pebbles) I think you'll be okay. Obviously any tire will have a slightly harder time on gravel as opposed to asphalt. To help make moving the trailer up the ramp a little easier you can use the drill attachment # TVDA so that you're using the power of the drill instead of cranking it by hand.

Jonathan C.

9/29/2017

I contacted Trailer Valet and they said they don't recommend anything more than 10 degrees. The trailer will be around 320 pounds loaded. Do you have any other ideas?

Jason S.

9/29/2017

You can use a winch to help raise and lower it, you will just need another set of hands to help guide the trailer. I recommend the Dutton-Lainson Worm Gear Hand Winch with Hex Drive Handle - 1,500 lbs # DL11011. This can be used with the Hand Winch Cable with Safety Hook 1/4" Diameter x 25' Long - 1,400 lbs. # DL24100. This will also allow you to use an electric drill with a socket if you so desire. For an electric winch option, I recommend the Dutton-Lainson TW4000 StrongArm Electric Marine Winch # DL25200, which includes a polyester strap and a snap hook.