Hitching / Unhitching on a Slope

[Archicamper]

I have a severely sloping driveway where I park my camper. Any issues with hitching and unhitching an Equil-i-zer hitch other than blocking the wheels so that the camper does not roll?

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by Archicamper

I have a severely sloping driveway where I park my camper. Any issues with hitching and unhitching an Equil-i-zer hitch other than blocking the wheels so that the camper does not roll?

Bal X Chocks or equivalent on both wheels before unhooking. Make sure they are tightened securely and for added security, block in front of the tires.

[h20ski]

Originally Posted by OldCoot

Bal X Chocks or equivalent on both wheels before unhooking. Make sure they are tightened securely and for added security, block in front of the tires.

X2 Also after chocking so it doesn't roll you may have to move vehicle a little to unload hitch. I assume your backing up the driveway. You may need to allow TV to move FWD just a little to unlock hitch..

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by h20ski

X2 Also after chocking so it doesn't roll you may have to move vehicle a little to unload hitch. I assume your backing up the driveway. You may need to allow TV to move FWD just a little to unlock hitch..

Good advice, I usually shift into neutral and let everything settle and then set the emergency brake on the tv and then shift into Park.

[thebrakeman]

Originally Posted by OldCoot

Bal X Chocks or equivalent on both wheels before unhooking. Make sure they are tightened securely and for added security, block in front of the tires.

Actually, the X-chocks instructions clearly advise against engaging until after you have chocked and leveled the trailer. This isn't nearly as important on level ground as it is on an extreme slope like you are talking about.

-Back into driveway
-Chock the downhill side of both rear tires (chocks between the tires so they won't get accidently bumped)
-Vehicle in neutral, and let the trailer roll onto the chocks. This is important. If you jack up the dolly without doing this step, the trailer could suddenly roll forward off the ball a few inches, crushing your bumper and any fingers, etc between them. This could also put a lot of fore/aft-loading on the dolly-jack, which is not good. You want the trailer completely in position before you start lifting the coupler.
-Vehicle in park. Disengage WDH as usual.
-Unlock coupler and raise off of the ball. If it won't disengage (vehicle a little too far forward), raise rear of tow vehicle a good bit, then stand/bounce on bumper. If still won't disengage, reverse vehicle slightly.

When hitching back up, just remember that the weight of the trailer is on the chocks. You will need to back up a few inches to get the chocks out. Be careful not to hit your garage. (Ask me how I know....)

[Archicamper]

Thanks for all the advise. Having a 4000# trailer on a slope is a little different than a 1500# popup. My son and I would push the popup up the driveway! I am afraid that we would just get run over by the new trailer!

[thebrakeman]

Yes, I know what you mean. We went from a 3000 lbs popup to this 5000 lbs hybrid. When I changed all 4 tires (on my sloped driveway), I wasn't really sure how to jack up anything sufficiently, and not have the trailer roll, or pivot dangerously. In the end, i didn't want to risk it, and just hooked it up to the truck.