What is a Power Trailer Dolly?
JackTrailer Wheel DolliesAnd which motorized trailer dolly is best for you?
A power dolly assists with parking locations where it’s tight or difficult to navigate a trailer. They are typically built with a gas motor, AC or DC electric motor, or old school hand crank. They come in many shapes and sizes and are the easiest and most efficient way to move trailers or other large equipment out of driveways and garages, or into tight spaces when you reach your destination.
Not all power dollies are created equal, some have a single tire, and others have 2 or more tires to drive. Some require more muscle and some are powered so you can move things with ease.
A powered trailer dolly is your new best friend if you’re moving heavy-duty equipment and trailers. With a motorized trailer dolly, you can do all the heavy lifting with little to no assistance. Moving a trailer is no easy box the check, and these days a motorized trailer dolly can make your life much easier because it does all the work for you.
So let’s break down what options you have!
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DC Winch Motor Dollies
Some motorized trailer dolly manufacturers use a DC electric winch motor out of convenience because they are more cost-effective, easy to use, and easy to replace. The downside is that these motors aren’t meant to run for long periods of time, and can require longer cooldown periods. They travel less than ½ feet per second.
AC Electric Motor Dollies
This motor requires you to drag an extension cord behind you during use. This causes many hazards, including tripping and possible electrocution when conditions are wet. They aren’t meant to be used on any inclines or grades unless the trailer has an electric brake system. AC electric motors tend to be very slow and only travel about 15 feet per minute.
Hand Crank with Power Drill
With a patented drive system, you can maneuver your heavy equipment or trailer with ease. If you slip, the automatic brake system is engaged to protect you and your equipment. The Trailer Valet XL model uses this patented system and offers to option to be powered with an 18 v drill, turning this hand crank jack into a battery-powered trailer dolly. Best of both worlds and works great for many situations!
What to consider when choosing a powered trailer dolly
Weight capacity
Whether you choose a manual or motorized dolly, you’ll want to check the weight of your trailer or equipment to avoid any breakage when moving them. Motorized trailer dollies are able to carry extra weight, so they are a great choice for heavier equipment. Trailer Valet models can quickly move trailers with the hand crack and/or power drill from 5,000-12,000 pounds.
Motorized or Manual
This is the question of the hour! When it comes down to it, manual dollies are the more affordable option if you are moving around lower weights, maybe a small boat. They require less maintenance as well. If you have heavier equipment a motorized trailer dolly may be the better option for you. They are more expensive, but will make your life much easier if you have heavier trailers and multiple units.
Flexibility
Depending on your needs, you’ll want to see which powered trailer dollies are adjustable for your requirements. Think about the situations you’ll be connecting your dolly and what will make that easier. Are you connecting on uneven ground? Is it easier for you to have an adjustable dolly so you can use it at a position that feels natural to you?
Related: Trailer Wheel Dollies
The benefits of using a powered trailer dolly
Ease into tight spaces
An electric trailer dolly or powered trailer dolly gives you the opportunity to easily move into tight spaces that would normally be a pain by hand. It levels up your precision and opens up the possibilities of where to move your trailer with less threat of damage or injury.
Less Pressure on You
Moving around heavy equipment manually can be very hard on your back and body. Using a motorized or powered trailer dolly can create less risk of injury and long-term harm to your body. A trailer dolly can help you move around this heavy equipment with more security and less strain.
Not Much Maintenance and Long-Lasting
These powered trailer dollies are meant to do their thing with minimal maintenance for you. You can store them, properly of course, and be able to bring them out when you really need them. These tools are meant to last a long time, made from steel and powder coat finishes to prevent corrosion over time. When you invest in a powered trailer dolly, you’re investing in a tool that will get the job done time and time again for years to come.
Minimizing Damage
Manually moving a trailer isn’t only hard on your body, but can be dangerous and create opportunities for damage. Your trailers and other equipment are high priced items and you want to keep them secure. A powered trailer dolly will make this damage less likely and have an automatic brake system to help prevent damage if you lose grip or drop them.
Are Trailer Valet Dollies right for you?
At Trailer Valet, we’ve designed manual dollies, powered trailer dollies, and tools that make manual dollies into powered dollies with ease.
Our boat trailer dollies and XL can be operated manually by using the included hand crank as a trailer hand dolly, utilizing the low or high gear. For added power, use the included Drill Attachment and a standard 18-20V Cordless Drill (we recommend DEWALT!) on the low gear, making it a motorized Boat Trailer or RV mover.
Related: Boat Trailer Jack
Trailer Valet XL-Pro, the motorized and most powerful trailer puller yet! The XL-Pro takes the original XL a step further with its added handlebars and built-in 60V brushless drill, eliminating the need to bend over altogether! With exceptional power, control, durability, and duration, the XL-Pro is perfect for traveling further distances easily and comfortably with just the pull of a trigger.
Our Electric Trailer Movers / Electric Trailer Dollies are designed to take the chore out of moving your trailer. With the RVR you can now move your trailer without bending over or the need to use your own drill. The RVR comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can give you up to 30 minutes of runtime. The included remote control allows you to not only move your trailer with just the push of a button, but you can also do it from up to 40 feet away. Now you can move your trailer into tight spaces without having to ask someone else to help you look around the corners.
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