Hooking up Trailer / Incline

[BTMCB]

Hey guys,

May be a stupid question but I have a 2008 Maxum 1900 SR3 that I park in the driveway ( just missed being able to store it in the garage by about a foot). Stern at the garage. Bow facing the street. (see photo below) The driveway has a slight slope toward the street. After I back the tow vehicle up to the ball I have a bit of a problem getting the coupler to fit properly over the ball and then getting the hitch lock down without forcing it. Sometimes I have to back up slightly (to get pressure off off the chocks to remove them) and then pull the boat very slowly out onto the street to get the trailer coupler seated properly over the ball. I don't like having to move the trailer an inch not properly connected. If I am on a flat surface, I know to position the coupler slightly behind the ball and then yank the trailer forward to seat it over the ball. However, I can't do that when it is in the driveway because the wheels are chocked. Any suggestions / ideas for the moron? Thanks in advance.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Hooking up Trailer / Incline

Sounds like what you are doing is fine.

 

[4JawChuck]

Re: Hooking up Trailer / Incline

I have the same problem on my driveway, I drilled a hole in one wheel chock (I remove the other one) put some rope through it and pull the chock forward slightly as I push backwards on the boat to get more slack.

Works OK for slight inclines but you might need a bar on steep inclines or to push a heavier boat backwards enough to remove the pressure on the chock.

I have always thought here is a perfect opportunity for a sliding tongue product that locks in the fully extended position for towing with a pin lock, but allows you to retract the tongue for parking...maybe I will make one when I redo my trailer, never really cared for the folding versions on the aftermarket. Wouldn't take much...two square tubes that slide inside each other with a stop bolt on the inner tube and a couple of drilled holes for launches that have short steep ramps where the trailer tongue bottoms out so you could run it short.

Maybe there is such a product out there and I have just never seen it? Sure would make hookups easier on an inclined driveway.

 

[HappierWet]

Re: Hooking up Trailer / Incline

I also park on an incline in the drive. After I have the coupler on the ball I let the truck drift forward before I remove the chocks. This way there is no interference with the latch mechanism. Only after the latch is secure do I reverse the tires away from the chocks.

 

[BTMCB]

Re: Hooking up Trailer / Incline

Thanks to both of you for your responses. I'll give each suggestion a shot this weekend.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Hooking up Trailer / Incline

a speedhitch would probably work for what you need...

http://www.truckpartsproshop.com/speedhitch_adjustable_ball_mounts.html

 

[Knightgang]

Re: Hooking up Trailer / Incline

I also park on an incline in the drive. After I have the coupler on the ball I let the truck drift forward before I remove the chocks. This way there is no interference with the latch mechanism. Only after the latch is secure do I reverse the tires away from the chocks.

a speedhitch would probably work for what you need...

http://www.truckpartsproshop.com/speedhitch_adjustable_ball_mounts.html

Both great suggestions. I would have done sug. 1. I did not even thick about hte speed hitch. SOunds like a problem solver...

 

[Jello Shot]

Re: Hooking up Trailer / Incline

My Uncle used to have the same problem with a travel trailer. He would remove the ball and hitch at the receiver, connect up to the travel trailer coupler. Then back the truck up and slide the hitch back into the receiver and pin it.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Hooking up Trailer / Incline

After I have the coupler on the ball I let the truck drift forward before I remove the chocks. This way there is no interference with the latch mechanism. Only after the latch is secure do I reverse the tires away from the chocks.

That works for me too.

 

[Rickairmedic]

Re: Hooking up Trailer / Incline

That thing wouldnt work for me . My hitch on my 02 Chebby Express 1500 is already so Low I have to lift the tongue of the trailer off the ball in order to get the jack all the way down onm the trailer .


Rick

 

[BTMCB]

Re: Hooking up Trailer / Incline

I also park on an incline in the drive. After I have the coupler on the ball I let the truck drift forward before I remove the chocks. This way there is no interference with the latch mechanism. Only after the latch is secure do I reverse the tires away from the chocks.

Maybe I am missing something here but if the coupler is on the ball, you are essentially hooked to the trailer (unlatched tho). So, how can the truck drift forward if the trailer wheels are chocked? I think I have tried that but I still have to back the tow vehicle a bit to relieve the pressue off of the chocks and remove them. And that is when I am most fearful that the coupler could come off the ball and the tongue of the trailer will go right through the back end of the tow vehicle. Hasn't happened yet but that scenario is what I am trying to avoid.

Again guys I really aprreciate ALL the suggestions. Thanks,

 

[HappierWet]

Re: Hooking up Trailer / Incline

It'll drift forward because when you back up either the transmission or the parking brake are holding you in place. The truck isn't moving very far when it coasts forward, but it's enough that it doesn't interfer with the latch.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Hooking up Trailer / Incline

rick get a rise draw bar, or turn the 2 inch drop bar over. you trailer needs to be level when towing.