nccamper
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1962 Forester- 1956 Shasta
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Post by nccamper on Jun 19, 2014 15:43:09 GMT -8
Not sure if this is a towing question, but does anybody have a hand tow dolly? I could use one in the yard. I've heard they're great, and I've heard they're worthless junk. I've heard one man can pull anything on level ground, and I've also heard only something the size of a Shasta Compact. Hard to know what's true. Any advice? Models you like? Hate?
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gonekayaking
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enjoying using my camper and not working on it anymore!
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1956 Shasta 1500
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Post by gonekayaking on Jun 19, 2014 15:55:40 GMT -8
I want to know the answer to this one as well.
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shastajeff
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1965 Shasta Compact - "Stu"
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Post by shastajeff on Jun 19, 2014 16:11:50 GMT -8
I got one on eBay for around 60 bucks for my Shasta Compact. It works great and is a definite back saver. I doubt it would be sturdy enough for anything bigger. I'm sure a heavier dolly would wheel around a larger camper. Seems to me there was a thread about a homemade dolly using an old lawnmower but I can't seem to find the thread.
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nccamper
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1962 Forester- 1956 Shasta
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Post by nccamper on Jun 19, 2014 16:14:15 GMT -8
I want to know the answer to this one as well. I saw a nifty gas powered one online. Cost more than our 1962 Shasta. I wonder if I could adapt my Roto Till to pull a rolling dolly? My wife says I'm nuts, but this Forum has plenty of people crazier than me. I bet somebody has tried it.
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pmaz621
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1964 Shasta Airflyte
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Post by pmaz621 on Jun 19, 2014 17:31:22 GMT -8
I have one that I use to move my 1964 Airflyte around the driveway to get it into final storage position (I have a narrow driveway and a lot of trees around). Definitely useful on flat ground, pretty useless with any incline for one person, but it's better than lifting the tongue by hand. I think it's a worthwhile tool to have if you have the space for it. My 2 cents.
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Post by bigbill on Jun 19, 2014 19:29:01 GMT -8
I built my own and I can move just about any trailer on the level part of my concrete driveway by myself, the grass is a different matter. But I wouldn't be without one it is way easier than trying to lift the tongue and pull or push. Mine has the wheels and tires from Harbor freight that they run on sale around five bucks. In the grass I use my tractor.
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Post by vikx on Jun 19, 2014 21:40:51 GMT -8
We use ours on cement all the time. A trailer can get away from you without help... I like ours, Harbor Freight special at 50 bucks or so.
Grass and gravel, not so good.
The dolly pictured above seems to high for our little trailers. Do some measurements before buying one.
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nccamper
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Post by nccamper on Jun 20, 2014 4:01:00 GMT -8
Everyone, thanks for the info.
It sounds like on level ground, paved they work really well. Ground that's not perfectly level and less than perfect surface, hook up the truck. Even with a Compact weighing only 1200 pounds.
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chametzoo
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1960 Mobile Scout
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Post by chametzoo on Aug 6, 2015 6:37:29 GMT -8
I'd like to resurrect this subject again… My task with a dolly: to turn my trailer around 180 degrees and then push it about 20 yards more or less in a straight line into its parking spot. The straight line, probably will require a few adjustments and back and forths in order to get the trailer under its new canopy; trailer 7' wide, canopy 9'. I used to do the turn around with the TV, but space was limited and required a lot of coordination with driver and "spotter". Being able to pivot 180 in a tight circle would be nice. Tongue weight on the trailer is possibly 250 to 300. No paving at all, but very compacted dirt, relatively flat. I'm looking at this model: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IAM1UEU?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_3&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DERWould love to spend less, but this one has a long handle, wide wheel base and a castor to keep things stable which may be helpful for the non paved surface. Any thoughts? Thanks!
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shellatorg
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Post by shellatorg on Aug 8, 2015 19:53:28 GMT -8
We have one that we use with our 13' 67 Frolic and it works great.
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kirkadie
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'69 Serro Scotty Hilander
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Post by kirkadie on Aug 9, 2015 4:56:41 GMT -8
I bought the one from harbor freight over a year ago. It had a variety of reviews, many negative, but the one I got has been fine. My driveway is flat, but I've towed Scotty over onto the lawn no problems, and I'm old and skinny.
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chametzoo
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Post by chametzoo on Aug 9, 2015 5:04:05 GMT -8
I bought the one from harbor freight over a year ago. It had a variety of reviews, many negative, but the one I got has been fine. My driveway is flat, but I've towed Scotty over onto the lawn no problems, and I'm old and skinny. Thanks. So you use yours on dirt too? Yours have the small extra wheel?
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RinTin
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Post by RinTin on Aug 9, 2015 5:31:27 GMT -8
I can see the little caster wheel getting hung up very easily on dirt or grass. When using these, it is very easy to balance our little trailers without it.
The bigger the tires, the easier it will roll over uneven surfaces. Mine has flat free tires and I wish they were pneumatic. The flat free tires are a little too soft for my liking. I too roll over grass and dirt.
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Dave K
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1958 Franklin Travel Trailer
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Post by Dave K on Aug 9, 2015 6:16:00 GMT -8
We have one that we use with our 13' 67 Frolic and it works great. How much does your Frolic weigh?
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kirkadie
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'69 Serro Scotty Hilander
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Post by kirkadie on Aug 9, 2015 8:28:31 GMT -8
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