Possible problem with driveway hump

Boomerweps · 05-18-2018, 10:40 PM

In the past I had to replace my 10' cargo trailer A-frame jack with a foldup jack because it would drag as I left my drive onto the road. The road has a bit of a crown and my drive humps up slightly about 10 away from the road, making a dip where my drive and the road meets.
I drove in slow when I came in from getting the camper and nothing dragged, no probs.
We have not yet camped with the TT. I am concerned enough about the hump in my drive that I won't try pulling out with the rear rack down, especially with the spare in place hanging down. My other and bigger concern is the tank discharge pipe. There are two V metal protector pieces hanging off the frame but the one by the discharge is behind it.
Unfortunately, we live off a primary state main road that is a four lane with an added turn lane for the side road to the high school, at the top of a big hill. There is a light just past us for the school but people and large trucks really roll after dragging up that hill. So experimenting with going partway out the drive is tough. I'm looking at possibly having my wife film it, using radios, on a Sunday morning early in order to not get hit. So I have a chance to back up if there is a problem.
This is a dirt & gravel drive, likely with brick under that. If I have to, I will get out there with a pick and shovel to lessen the hump.
Anybody else dealt with this kind of possible problem, dragging their tank outlet?

rockfordroo · 05-18-2018, 11:09 PM

You might try a few 2" x 12" x 6, 8, or 10 ft boards laid in the "low spot" to raise the trailer wheels at the point where the jack would touch the driveway.

rsdata · 05-18-2018, 11:25 PM

maybe drop your tow ball 1 inch which might raise the rear 1 inch??? if it is the rear that you are worried about dragging...

Reverse_snowbird · 05-19-2018, 12:36 AM

Instead of using a pick and shovel to lower the hump.... could you bring in fill to raise the level of the driveway to lessen the hump?

Boomerweps · 05-19-2018, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rsdata

maybe drop your tow ball 1 inch which might raise the rear 1 inch??? if it is the rear that you are worried about dragging...

Yes, it is the rear I am most concerned with on the TT.
The hitch was fitted at the dealer and it rode wonderfully coming home. And dropping the ball will lower that tongue jack, too.

Boomerweps · 05-19-2018, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reverse_snowbird

Instead of using a pick and shovel to lower the hump.... could you bring in fill to raise the level of the driveway to lessen the hump?

I think the driveway hump is too close to the main road and would aggravate the down V angle where they meet. Wish I knew someone with a bulldozer available on short notice. We have reservations for Wednesday at a local CG.

itat · 05-19-2018, 08:51 AM

You said you are on a 4-lane roadway. Are you able to leave the weight distribution bars off until you have the trailer on the road and park it for long enough to install the bars? If not, your only option may be to adjust the grading of your driveway.

dblr · 05-19-2018, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itat

You said you are on a 4-lane roadway. Are you able to leave the weight distribution bars off until you have the trailer on the road and park it for long enough to install the bars? If not, your only option may be to adjust the grading of your driveway.

You beat me to it that's what I was thinking

itat · 05-19-2018, 09:25 AM

I had to do that when we parked our Roo in the driveway. Our current TT is too long to fit in our driveway but it would almost certainly bottom out if I tried to back it in for a day just to load up our stuff. We live in a quiet residential neighbourhood with smaller lots, so the closest it gets to our house is a spot about a block away because we are about 55’ long combined.

Storing the TT somewhere else is a last resort.

mtnlvr · 05-21-2018, 09:41 AM

I would recommend trying to grade the hump better. Otherwise if you get stuck you may need a tow truck to get you out. I've learned that the hard way; someone "booby trapped" a dirt road and I got stuck on a hump in an suv once. Also, twice with a long, low Jaguar. Not fun trying to get unstuck.

josheaton · 05-21-2018, 02:59 PM

Don't use the sway bars until you're out of the driveway.

Boomerweps · 05-26-2018, 11:29 AM

I did not install the load bars until after leaving the driveway. No drag on the sewer line but I'm sure it was close. I heard & felt something metal hit as I pulled out but not sure what that was.
When coming home I pulled over into the left turn only lane so I could make a WIDE right turn into my drive across two other lanes. No drag.

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