Trailer Valet XL
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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9462
Printed Date: 29 Apr 2024 at 3:08pm
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Topic: Trailer Valet XL
Posted By: rawest50
Subject: Trailer Valet XL
Date Posted: 14 Mar 2017 at 1:29pm
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Anybody use the Trailer Valet to maneuver your R Pod into tight spaces or make hookups easier? ------------- 2017.5 RPod 179 2017 Jeep Unlimited Wrangler 2017 Chevy Colorado Z71 Off Road Crew Cab 2 Weiner dogs Great wife puts up with my BS ❤️ Thoroughbred Racing. 
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Replies:
Posted By: GLBCamper
Date Posted: 14 Mar 2017 at 4:48pm
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Yes! The parking next to my house required making an "S" curve on backup and it's a very narrow spot. So I sprung for the Trailer Valet XL and as long as you have a hard surface to roll on, you can put your trailer wherever you want it. Mine is within 8" of my eave. It's a bit awkward to bend over and crank while looking where you are going so it's easier with two people. But as long as you are pretty level and use the brake feature it's not going to get away from you, so I go back a bit and stop and look, adjust, and go back a bit more, etc. They are spendy, but far less then paying for off site storage! ------------- Old: 2014 177 HRE 2015 Tacoma V6 4x4 Double Cab New: 2016 EVO ATS 200rd 2016 F150 4x4 Sport |
Posted By: GLBCamper
Date Posted: 14 Mar 2017 at 4:55pm
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I do want to add that it is a bit of a chore to connect and it is HEAVY so not something you would necessarily take with you regularly. ------------- Old: 2014 177 HRE 2015 Tacoma V6 4x4 Double Cab New: 2016 EVO ATS 200rd 2016 F150 4x4 Sport |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 14 Mar 2017 at 5:12pm
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It looks like Northern Tool has something similar: http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200596726_200596726 - Tow Tuff I've also seen it on Walmart.com for $217.83 plus shipping. Since it looks like it would stay attached, it would be move convenient to use than the Trailer Valet XL, which is not attached. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 14 Mar 2017 at 5:12pm
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etrailer has a good price on them, Northern Tool has one called Tow Tuff, that has got mixed reviews. They are good for those of you that have hardball, those of us with gravel driveways will have to tough it out:) I agree it would be something you use in a storage space or in your driveway. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: marwayne
Date Posted: 14 Mar 2017 at 5:30pm
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I opted for this, cost 500$, but saves me 80 to 100 dollars
per month by being able to store at home.
https://postimg.org/image/scsbnct6h/">  https://postimage.org/ - photo host ------------- If you want something done right, do it yourself. 2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd. |
Posted By: rawest50
Date Posted: 14 Mar 2017 at 7:21pm
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You can remove the jack or fold it. It is not heavy. ------------- 2017.5 RPod 179 2017 Jeep Unlimited Wrangler 2017 Chevy Colorado Z71 Off Road Crew Cab 2 Weiner dogs Great wife puts up with my BS ❤️ Thoroughbred Racing.
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Posted By: rawest50
Date Posted: 14 Mar 2017 at 7:26pm
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I sent them an email. Seems spinning tires on grass if the trailer load is light on the Valet. I can lay down plywood if needed. ------------- 2017.5 RPod 179 2017 Jeep Unlimited Wrangler 2017 Chevy Colorado Z71 Off Road Crew Cab 2 Weiner dogs Great wife puts up with my BS ❤️ Thoroughbred Racing.
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Posted By: rawest50
Date Posted: 14 Mar 2017 at 7:27pm
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I hate to ask the cost of the final solution? Looks definitely like it can handle to job on and off pavement. ------------- 2017.5 RPod 179 2017 Jeep Unlimited Wrangler 2017 Chevy Colorado Z71 Off Road Crew Cab 2 Weiner dogs Great wife puts up with my BS ❤️ Thoroughbred Racing.
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Posted By: rawest50
Date Posted: 14 Mar 2017 at 9:36pm
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Manfacturer on the unit shown? I like it. ------------- 2017.5 RPod 179 2017 Jeep Unlimited Wrangler 2017 Chevy Colorado Z71 Off Road Crew Cab 2 Weiner dogs Great wife puts up with my BS ❤️ Thoroughbred Racing.
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Posted By: rawest50
Date Posted: 15 Mar 2017 at 8:36pm
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Bought the Trailer Valet 5X V211 Tongue Jack Dolly. Took measurements and it will fit my 179. Tank and battery location were my concerns. Let you know how it works out. Too old to learn how to backup. 😂 ------------- 2017.5 RPod 179 2017 Jeep Unlimited Wrangler 2017 Chevy Colorado Z71 Off Road Crew Cab 2 Weiner dogs Great wife puts up with my BS ❤️ Thoroughbred Racing.
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Posted By: rawest50
Date Posted: 22 Mar 2017 at 6:55pm
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For a rookie backing up the Valet with the battery drill & adapter work as advertised. Love it. My next adventure is on the grass. Clean pavement. Need a little load in the front of the trailer. Worked great. ------------- 2017.5 RPod 179 2017 Jeep Unlimited Wrangler 2017 Chevy Colorado Z71 Off Road Crew Cab 2 Weiner dogs Great wife puts up with my BS ❤️ Thoroughbred Racing.
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Posted By: GLBCamper
Date Posted: 22 Mar 2017 at 9:40pm
May I ask what kind of drill you used? I tried with my regular cordless Ryobi drill and it didn't even attempt to move. It's not like I'm straining to use the hand crank so I figured it was lack of torque. ------------- Old: 2014 177 HRE 2015 Tacoma V6 4x4 Double Cab New: 2016 EVO ATS 200rd 2016 F150 4x4 Sport |
Posted By: rawest50
Date Posted: 23 Mar 2017 at 1:07pm
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Black and Decker 18v battery. I think I read somewhere you needed at least 14.4 volt drill. ------------- 2017.5 RPod 179 2017 Jeep Unlimited Wrangler 2017 Chevy Colorado Z71 Off Road Crew Cab 2 Weiner dogs Great wife puts up with my BS ❤️ Thoroughbred Racing.
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Posted By: GLBCamper
Date Posted: 23 Mar 2017 at 1:39pm
Thanks. Mine is a 12v so it might be too small. I just went out and tried it on the Valet XL without the trailer attached and it certainly works, so likely I need more torque. ------------- Old: 2014 177 HRE 2015 Tacoma V6 4x4 Double Cab New: 2016 EVO ATS 200rd 2016 F150 4x4 Sport |
Posted By: rawest50
Date Posted: 23 Mar 2017 at 6:36pm
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If you get one got to the 18. My did handle the slight incline in my drive. Hope it can get it done on a little steeper incline. I am going to try the grass of my yard. I have a huge oak I cannot back around. ------------- 2017.5 RPod 179 2017 Jeep Unlimited Wrangler 2017 Chevy Colorado Z71 Off Road Crew Cab 2 Weiner dogs Great wife puts up with my BS ❤️ Thoroughbred Racing.
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Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 07 Oct 2017 at 12:49pm
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We tried the Trailer Valet XL. Ordered it last week from etrailer.com and it arrived late Thursday. OBTW, the box it came in was about 15" too long, and 9" too tall, and there was zero padding around the product box. As a result, both boxes had been beat up pretty badly. The larger outer box had a giant rip in it almost big enough for the product box to fall out. In addition, the product box was also badly torn. It looked like the product box had been "repackaged", as it was wrapped all around with packing tape & also had a couple of those shipping straps wrapped around it. None-the-less, the end of the box was blown out, and parts were ready to fall out (but they didn't). After looking over the package in horror, I found the Trailer Valet itself looked mostly OK. There were a few gouges here and there, but nothing looked like it would affect the functionality. So we took it down to the storage facility where our R-179 is stored. The storage lot is flat, and paved. We have it chocked with an Andersen leveler/chock, as there is a very slight incline toward the fence behind where we park the R-pod. So to move the R-pod, we have to move it very slightly to the rear (maybe a 1/4" or 1/2", but not very much). This allows us to remove the front half of the Andersen, and then roll forward. Unfortunately, the Trailer Valet could not even move the trailer enough to remove the front half of the Andersen chock. This was complicated by the 99 cent "spanner wrench" that comes with the Trailer Valet. I tightened it as much as I could, and then I tightened it some more. Yet, somehow it never seemed to be quite tight enough. If it came with a real spanner wrench it might have worked better. However, I'm not inclined to spend $40 on a proper spanner at this point. Very disappointed. We're going to try to send it back to etrailer, but I would not recommend this thing to anyone. We will look into the Parkit360 or the Purpleline e-go as an alternative. The e-go would travel with the trailer and operates by remote control, so that would be the cadillac option. The Parkit360 is similar to the Trailer Valet, but has much larger tires. Either way, we're looking at close to $1000 versus the $600 for the Trailer Valet. ------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: rawest50
Date Posted: 07 Oct 2017 at 4:00pm
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Once I got where I could backup I stopped using it. When using it you have to pull the handle auto as far as it will go and hold it. If not the break will be on. If I ever have to put the RV in a real tight spot I will use it. ------------- 2017.5 RPod 179 2017 Jeep Unlimited Wrangler 2017 Chevy Colorado Z71 Off Road Crew Cab 2 Weiner dogs Great wife puts up with my BS ❤️ Thoroughbred Racing.
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Posted By: DavMar
Date Posted: 07 Oct 2017 at 7:22pm
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It would be great if there was a product like the Trailer Valet that you could use on a gravel driveway and only cost a few hundred bucks. From the road into my driveway and then the trailer parking spot is a tight C without much room for me to maneuver the truck, another words a real PIA! I thought maybe I'd be able to use my lawn tractor but found out fast my Cub Cadet couldn't handle the trailer tongue weight. Bummer, back to the drawing board on that idea. It would be great to have something that I could use to maneuver the trailer into its parking space once I've backed it into the driveway.
------------- Dave & Marlene J with Zoey the wonder dog. 2017 Rpod 180 2016 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4x4 Lexington, NC |
Posted By: marwayne
Date Posted: 08 Oct 2017 at 12:10am
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https://postimg.org/image/2svzai1qd7/"> 
https://postimg.org/image/2epjjn8fmj/">  ------------- If you want something done right, do it yourself. 2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd. |
Posted By: geewizard
Date Posted: 08 Oct 2017 at 8:45am
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I bought a Trailer Valet XL to move my Rpod 177 on loose gravel and grass. The tires spun out and dug in the gravel. On grass, the tires just spun. It failed miserably even when I put plywood under the tires. I tried concrete pavers and a metal loading ramp with treads on it. It still failed miserably. I put more weight on the trailer tongue and it just dug in /spun easier. Part of the problem was having the trailer on grass or gravel, I think. Too much resistance for the trailer to roll easily. I tried to sell it repeatedly on Craigslist. One guy bought it, tried it on gravel, and brought it back with some free swear words. This "trailer mover" is only for hard surfaces for BOTH the trailer and the mover. ------------- 2021 Winnebago Micro Minnie 1708FB 2017 R-Pod 177 (Blue) HRE SOLD 2004 Outfitter Apex 8 camper 2014 Toyota Tundra DC |
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 08 Oct 2017 at 10:20am
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The problem we had was not traction. The problem was the ball/collar connection to the trailer. I tightened it, and tightened it, and tightened it some more until the 99 cent spanner would not stay in the slots. Yet every time I tried to "move" the trailer, it would "walk" in the direction of rotation. Just worthless. ------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: rawest50
Date Posted: 08 Oct 2017 at 10:44am
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If I had it to do over again I would not purchase again. It works in my driveway and it is on an small incline. Since I have become pretty good at backing and positioning my trailer I do not need it. ------------- 2017.5 RPod 179 2017 Jeep Unlimited Wrangler 2017 Chevy Colorado Z71 Off Road Crew Cab 2 Weiner dogs Great wife puts up with my BS ❤️ Thoroughbred Racing.
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Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 08 Oct 2017 at 2:51pm
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We're sending ours back. eTrailer was very understanding, and issued an RMA right away. My biggest challenge (at the moment) is boxing things up. The original package, and the larger box that it was in was damaged significantly. I used a couple yards of packing tape in an attempt to get the original package back together in a semblance of a "box". The next challenge is scrounging up enough packing materials to fill the large voids in the original shipping box; and then taping up all the tears in it. I'm seriously looking at the Purple Line "Caravan Movers". They have two models; Enduro, and E-go. The Enduro is their economy product, but has the same basic features as the E-go at an ~~ $500 discount. The primary difference is that the E-go is made (mostly) from cast aluminum, and the Enduro is made from steel (so is probably a bit heavier). They both are rated to move up to 5,000 lbs on a single axle, and they demonstrated the ability to move up to a 25% grade (1 in 4 slope). The main issue for us is the tight quarters in our storage facility. The spaces are tight, and the space between rows is narrow. Our F-150 is over 20' long, so it's snug even without the R-pod. I've maneuvered in there a bit now, and I know I can do it; but it's not "comfortable", and it sure induces stress. I poked around a bit and found these competitors:
Your mileage may vary. ------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: marwayne
Date Posted: 08 Oct 2017 at 8:56pm
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Why not built your own dolly.
------------- If you want something done right, do it yourself. 2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd. |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 08 Oct 2017 at 9:14pm
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Likely, not having the tools for the job nor the knowledge of how to build one is a big impediment to doing so.
------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 08 Oct 2017 at 10:10pm
------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: marwayne
Date Posted: 08 Oct 2017 at 11:26pm
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I almost bought one, two problems, 1 they could not guaranty it would pull the pod up a 10% grade, 2 the dolly was way to high to clear the backend of the pod ------------- If you want something done right, do it yourself. 2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd. |
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 09 Oct 2017 at 12:41am
------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: DavMar
Date Posted: 09 Oct 2017 at 9:30am
Sweet! Now if I could only figure out how to build it??? But nice very nice! Has anyone tried rigging up someway of moving the trailer with a lawn tractor? ------------- Dave & Marlene J with Zoey the wonder dog. 2017 Rpod 180 2016 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4x4 Lexington, NC |
Posted By: geewizard
Date Posted: 09 Oct 2017 at 9:47am
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I'd like to build one on a used snowblower chassis, one with tracks. I think that would work better on grass and gravel. Anyone want to donate their old tracked snowblower? ------------- 2021 Winnebago Micro Minnie 1708FB 2017 R-Pod 177 (Blue) HRE SOLD 2004 Outfitter Apex 8 camper 2014 Toyota Tundra DC |
Posted By: marwayne
Date Posted: 09 Oct 2017 at 11:17am
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Parkit 360 ------------- If you want something done right, do it yourself. 2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd. |
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 09 Oct 2017 at 12:44pm
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Both the Parkit360 and the Trailer Valet XL have the same basic problem; the connection to the trailer coupler must be RIGID. The problem we had was that it was impossible to tighten the coupler/coupler plate enough to prevent it from "torquing out" of the coupler. The Parkit360 can be used with their " https://parkit360.ca/collections/accessories/products/universal-telescopic-frame-adapter - Universal Telescopic Frame Adapter " for another $167 (and it might also work with the Trailer Valet (BTW)). The adapter would be absolutely rigid, and would solve the problem we had. However, at that point the Parkit360 plus the adapter is approaching $1200, which is more than the Purple Line Enduro. I think the Enduro is a better value, and solves the problem of where to store the mover (the only thing we would have to store is the remote control). ------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: DavMar
Date Posted: 09 Oct 2017 at 7:19pm
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Hmmm .... seems to me like some very expensive solution to a problem that shouldn't be that much. Oh well to each their own, right?
------------- Dave & Marlene J with Zoey the wonder dog. 2017 Rpod 180 2016 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4x4 Lexington, NC |
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 09 Oct 2017 at 9:37pm
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If I could push it into the storage space manually it would be great, but it's too heavy. Getting into the space just takes time because there's not enough room to do it in one go (truck is too long for the space between rows). So I go as far as I can, then disconnect & reposition. Rinse, repeat. ------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: marwayne
Date Posted: 09 Oct 2017 at 11:51pm
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My dolly cost me about 550$, without it I would have to take the pod to storage at a 100$ a month, for 5 years that would be 6000$, well worth the price of the dolly. I bring the pod in the back alley, but then I have to make a sharp 90* turn up a 10 % grade to park it behind the garage. We are not allowed to park our RV in the driveway. With the dolly I save a 100$ a month, bonus, I have the pod at home where it is fenced in. ------------- If you want something done right, do it yourself. 2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd. |
Posted By: DavMar
Date Posted: 10 Oct 2017 at 3:04pm
No disagreement from me that in some cases like yours, marwayne, spending $500 or more makes economical sense. Yet for the average RP owner that's allot of money to shell out when maybe there are other low cost solutions? Or at least that what interests me, creative low cost solutions to the parking problems that some of us face. ------------- Dave & Marlene J with Zoey the wonder dog. 2017 Rpod 180 2016 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4x4 Lexington, NC |
Posted By: Dengle
Date Posted: 28 Nov 2021 at 10:12am
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I have a Rpod 179 and have a narrow passage on driveway. I've been using a trailer dolly (three wheels) with off/on kill switch connected to trailer battery to activate brakes due to slight incline. Sometimes, I need to pull trailer forward and my body can't handle. Question: Should I purchase the Trailer Valet XL or the 5X? If mounting the 5X on passenger side of tongue, would mounting bracket interfere with Fastway E2 sway bar bracket? I believe I can mount, as 8 inches of frame is available. However, perhaps the XL is better choice. My trailer has the 500 pound tongue weight and single axle rated about 3800 pounds, so the 5X is probably okay. Ground is concrete pavement. If having the 5X, there's concern about folding on tongue during trips? I can remove too. The 5X wheel appears to fold toward the front, not rearward. Concerned about turning radius as well. Guess I could remove for travel. The 5X is cheaper than the XL. So, assuming the Trailer Valet works based on most reviews, should I opt for the 5X or spend money for the XL w/2" ball. Thanks, Dengle ------------- 2015 Rpod 179 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee,V6 w/tow package |
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 28 Nov 2021 at 12:38pm
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We tried both versions of the Trailer Valet. They were not worth the powder it would take to blow them to smithereens. We had our 179 on flat pavement with small (like 1/4") rocks scattered here and there, and they could not "climb" the resistance that provided. Both versions would "torque" trying to move the trailer, and in the end could not do it at all. We returned both of them. We ended up getting an https://purplelineusa.com/product/e-go-trailer-mover-two-motor-system/ - E-go trailer mover from Purpleline , and it is the bee's knees. ------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 28 Nov 2021 at 4:49pm
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Seeing the GG has direct experience with both his advice is well taken. Also if you decide to try it anyway, as you have good smooth concrete, maybe you could give it a go. Worse case scenario is that it fails the test, as it did with GG, and you end up returning it. ------------- God's pod '11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." |
Posted By: Dengle
Date Posted: 29 Nov 2021 at 2:17pm
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GlueGuy & Jato: Thank you for input. It's disappointing to hear of the "torquing out" of the coupler. Seems like both the Valet 5X (without coupler use) and the XL, if tightened to coupler as instructed would not allow for this. I don't discount your (GlueGuy) experiences however. Still, with the appearance of numerous, positive reviews, I might opt for the XL during the spring 2022. As Jato suggests, I can quickly return the item (returning within 30 days). My Rpod 179 sets in driveway, blocked, covered, winterized and happy. It's cold outside and decisions can wait. I jumped on the Valet idea upon believing a terrific Black Friday sale loomed. Checking further, no great deal - either $350 or $600 depending on Valet model. No torque on my Northern Tool three wheeled dolly with tongue weight on the 2" dolly ball. I can continue use. Not interested in higher priced movers. Thanks. Dengle ------------- 2015 Rpod 179 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee,V6 w/tow package |
Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 29 Nov 2021 at 3:09pm
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We bought something similar to the Trailer Valet from Tractor Supply to pivot the trailer inside our storage unit so we could pull it out without damaging the trailer or storage unit door frame. I had gotten it backed in kinda weird and couldn't figure out the best angle to hitch it up in order to get it out. It worked well for that, but I wouldn't want to have to move the trailer very far with for the reasons already mentioned. ------------- Alan 2022 R-Pod 196 "RaptoRPod" 2022 Ram 1500 Lone Star 4x4 Three cats |
Posted By: marwayne
Date Posted: 29 Nov 2021 at 7:26pm
https://postimg.cc/Z0PRH1qC"> ------------- If you want something done right, do it yourself. 2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd. |