Sharp Turns With Trailer

[5thFish]

Hi All,

I've had my boat for about 6 months now and most of that time I've had it in the water (marina). I recently trailered it and have been storing it in a storage lot. I'm still getting adjusted to the trailering thing and have a question...

My Storage space itself is a back-in space, not a pull-through. Due to the angle of the space and the lot design, I have to back the boat into the space by turning it a full 90 degree angle, almost, maybe 80-85 degrees. During the parking process the truck and trailer form a relatively sharp angle so that I can look out my drivers side window and clearly see the two port side trailer wheels (it's a dual axel trailer). I've noticed that, due to the torque on the wheels during sharp turns, the forward wheel tips outward and the rear wheel tips inward.... A lot! I'ld guess the total deflection from the top of the forward wheel to the top of the rear wheel is 2-3 inches. Accompanied with some popping and creaking it appears the axels are going to break.

My question then... Is this normal? Are trailers designed for this?

 

[109jb]

Re: Sharp Turns With Trailer

Perfectly normal for a tandem axle trailer. That is also why it is so important to use trailer tires on a tandem axle trailer. They tires have stiffer sidewalls and the tread actually has less traction and the tire can scrub easier. Once you get it in to position, move the trailer forward and aft a little to allow the tires to relax and you will be fine.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Sharp Turns With Trailer

suggest putting a hitch on the front of the truck will make life much easier.

 

[Backyardhockey]

Re: Sharp Turns With Trailer

Yep. I go through the same sharp reverse turn. I even have a wall in front (when I'm done; just off the drivers side when starting to back up) of me to deal with. My buddies pickup is too long to use because of this wall. Noises and funky looking tire are normal. The good news...after you do it a couple of dozen times you will be the trailer king!

 

[fdmsiv]

Re: Sharp Turns With Trailer

I went out and got a trailer dolly from Harbor Freight for about $50. This thing is great, saves time, frustration, and my back. I was able to move my trailer into some tight spots (hurricane preparation).

 

[rndn]

Re: Sharp Turns With Trailer

Any movement with mine around the driveway involves my garden tractor with a hitch. It is so much easier than trying to do it with a truck.

 

[109jb]

Re: Sharp Turns With Trailer

He's at a storage facility, so garden tractor is out. I'd also like to see someone move a loaded tandem axle trailer with a trailer dolly.

 

[redfury]

Re: Sharp Turns With Trailer

He's at a storage facility, so garden tractor is out. I'd also like to see someone move a loaded tandem axle trailer with a trailer dolly.

I can actually move my tandem axle trailer in my back yard with half my boat on it by hand...you just have to understand how the trailer works. By hand, you are not going to make many tight turns with it.

 

[mdunn]

Re: Sharp Turns With Trailer

I've thought about getting one of those except my drive slopes into the garage and that makes me nervous.

I gotta ask this. "Half of Boat"

I can actually move my tandem axle trailer in my back yard with half my boat on it by hand...you just have to understand how the trailer works. By hand, you are not going to make many tight turns with it.

 

[reelfishin]

Re: Sharp Turns With Trailer

I have the same situation in my back yard, I have to back in then make a 90 degree turn behind the house and again another 90 degree turn in the opposite direction to park the boat. I have the option of using a garden tractor and do most of the time but if the driveway is clear, I can get the truck to do the job the whole way. I did go and find a slightly longer hitch, one that allows the trailer to turn beyond the 90 degree point without the trailer jack hitting the trucks bumper. I also can only make the turn with my smaller truck, the full sized van just won't clear the turn both ways.

The tires flex and dig the yard up and every trip means fixing the grass and more tire scuff marks on the driveway. My trailer is about 22' from the hitch to the rear axle, so it's quite a turn to make. I find that the longer trailers are easier to back and do less ground damage too.