Rosey17

Hey I've searched to try to find an answer but haven't found anything specific to my question. I was wanting to park a 30' hitch to bumper travel trailer in back yard occasionally. I have a yard that is long enough but the question is can I fit that camper through a 16' opening without too many headaches?

I am asking because the local gate builders want a pretty penny for a 2 x 8' swinging gate (16ft opening - metal posts etc). The back alley is prob 25-28' wide but I can measure when I get home. Anyone done this? Thoughts? It would be a pretty sharp angle to back in but I'm thinking it's doable. My trailering skills are prob avg for a weekend warrior haha, thanks guys.

maco

The fast answer is TRY IT......You might not be able to do it ....It all depends to your particular alley situation &/or driving abilities??
Just a suggestion as most trailers have a reasonably long overhang (behind axles)...Is it possible to open up the gate width or even put in a remove-able section of fence that can be removed just when needed....as well as your gate??? Setting back your gate say 6' with a slanted fence section leading into the gate might be another viable option as well??
Something else like a front hitch on your truck will make it more manuverable as well??

lizARdman15

With enough spotters, most anything is possible, but it may take you many attempts to perfect approach angle.

And that is if the alley width is at the 28' width

To go thru a 16' gate, you will have to start the turn with enough distance to swing the trailer tail in, but still have clearance on the inside of the turn. Your truck is going to swing out a good bit as well.

You have 30' of trailer and 18' of truck articulated in the middle. You will have to try it, but definitely have spotters. If you can get it in there, driving it out may still be more complex then just hook and go. Lots of tracking going on there.

MikeD134

Easy way I'd suggest. Find a parking lot and make some marks to represent the alley and your 16' gate. Pull the trailer into the pretend parking spot and see if you can drive it out. If you can't then obviously you'd never get it backed in.

Flamingtaco

You better measure, just a few feet can make or break a turn.

Is that 25-28ft of drive-able space? Alleys here are 12-16ft of tarmac, the rest (concrete or gravel leading to garages) belongs to the property owners. Can't exit the tarmac without permission of the property owner.

llr

I would remove the 16' section where the gate would be and try it. It sounds like it is probably doable at least for some.

ifallsron

Gates are easy enough to build with parts from the home store. Offsetting the gate could help.

Maybe a friend has a truck with a short wheel base or a bobcat or rigging a ball on the front of your truck.

flyflotr

What he said. I'd lay out the dimensions with cones or wood blocks and try it. My guess is it can be done but is not something you would want to do very often. What happens if someone decides to park or otherwise obstruct the alley? Is there enough room on the side of your place to access from the front ?

Harry2019

@Rosey17 do you happen to have any pictures of the area you're trying to do this?
They may help us help you.
The only reason I ask is because I tow trailers every day for work.

bikendan

i back my TT up a 16 degree 10ft wide driveway, about 100ft to park it. so i say that your scenario is way easier.