Retired_nuke_ET
Carrollton Va.
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Joined: 12/20/2005
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Has anyone used or have one of these? Power Tugs Loadmaster
I have the space to put the 5er next to our shed on our property. However, I have a long thin driveway to go down (I have at best 6" on each side of the truck duals before I start going off the concrete and onto the grass, wifes rose bushes, neighbors flowers, crepe myrtles...) It ends in a 3+ car wide parking pad with a 90° right turn into the garage and ~30° dogleg to get next to the shed. I haven't tried to fit it there yet with the truck as I have to take a few scrub trees out where it's to go next to the shed first but even if I can do it with the truck it looks like ain't gonna be easy or fun.
It would be so much nicer to be able to store it on my land vice paying a monthly rental fee to some storage place. While it's not fenced off it's still a lot more secure being within 100' of the houses. I can easily get power to it. That and it's pretty much just load up, hook up and go, not drive out to it, hook up, pull it home, load up then go.
The only problem with the Loadmaster is it's $$$. It would take several years of not paying storage to recover the cost. Anybody know of any other cheaper alternatives?
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Arcamper
Fayetteville, AR
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Joined: 08/05/2007
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I would want it at home also. I would try it with your truck first and see what changes you would need to make to your driveway first. The loadwmaster has to be at least a couple grand for one big enough to move a 5er. Better to put that money in your own property than a hand truck on steroids . Two grand would buy a good bit of concrete.
* This post was
edited 07/22/08 10:53am by Arcamper *
2007 Keystone Laredo 29RL 5th
2003 Ford F-250 SD Crew Cab 4x4 6.0 Diesel
Pullrite 16k Superglide with Super Rail kit
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pmschmi
Las Vegas, Nevada
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Joined: 04/24/2005
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These look like they are more for commercial usage. How much would something like this cost? I'm guess several thousand. I'd also recommend the truck and just take your time. My drive is pretty narrow too but I've taken time to learn it and now can do it pretty well.
Paul and Barb
2004 2500HD Duramax
2005 Titanium 34E39SD
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silverfoxn
Georgia
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To answer your question, NO I haven't used one of these; but I have used something like this to tow 12,000 to 18,000 pound airplanes around. The getting started is easy; it's the stopping that will give you a problem. When towing, you will have to stay on lever (or nearly so) ground or you'll find you have a problem stopping. I would have a plan for stopping this rig in case there is a problem. Throwing a block of wood under a wheel may not work. It just may get someone's hand ran over. You may think that your trailer is safer at home but it isn't. A thief will get to it no matter where it is if they really want to steal something. As for towing with your TV; my mirrors, on my thruck, are 9 feet outside to outside. If they do not fit in the space I want the trailer to go, I don't even try. Good luck with your problem.
Jesse & Karen Norris with Kirby our chow-chow
2005 HitchHiker II LS 29.5 LKTG
2005 Dodge Ram 2500 Turbo Diesel
Martinez, Georgia
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troll3193
SouthWest, MI USA
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what about a tractor. seems like that is what most dealers use to move TTs and 5ers... They have a rig (like a piece of pipe) attached to the three point hitch to lift the 5er and move it.. Something like a ford 9n or similar size would work well...
My $.02 worth,
Bryan
2006 RAM 3500 MegaCab w/Cummins Turbo Diesel
Mopar Exhaust Brake
2004 Dutchemen 31BK
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ryoung
Indiana
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If it was me, I would use the $$$ to modify the drive access back to the shed if property lines would permit it. Too bad for the flowers or anything else you'll need to grub out.
ryoung
2004 Dodge 3500 Dually HO 6 sp 4.10, Jordan Controller
2005 SunnyBrook 31BWKS
2004 Lance Lite 915
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1995brave
San Antonio, TX
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I have seen some in the back of Motorhome or Trailer Life mag. that plugs into 120VAC, might be cheaper than 12 or 24vdc units.
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ol Bombero-JC
USA
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Joined: 06/24/2004
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I happened across the "other brand" (used) when I had a small TT.
Figured I couldn't go wrong - due to the price - so why not give it a try!
120V AC - great motor, geared to move mountains, dual wheels - now sells for about $1200.
Well - as already noted -
1. They are best utilized on *very* level ground.
2. The wheels will lose traction if you have to go over anything slippery
(like grass).
3. Braking can be a problem. The model I had, has a provision to use the
trailer brakes (add-on option) - which I didn't have.
So my little bit of incline created a BIG problem, LOL!
Note: All this valuable experience was gained with a 20 ft TT !!
Can't even imagine an attempt with my 5th wheel.
Sold it to my neighbor for what I paid - he moves a utility trailer with his ATVs (quads) on board.
He's happy - it works fine for that.
A lot of (small, pleasure) boat yards use them to park
the stock close together & end to end, etc.
Bottom line - use your tow vehicle!
JC
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