Trailer Valet XL

[stormpeakco]

Originally Posted by kengiesige

that sounds like a good idea do you think the trailer valet 5X
would work on my TM 2720 SD with a swing away hitch
------------Ken

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Ken, We don't have a swing away hitch so I can't comment on that and the mounting.
However, on level ground (pavement), it is a piece of cake bringing your TM to the hitch ball (the edge of the anterior portion of the hitch ball so that it slides on and fully down for the coupler lock) and cranking it the remainder of the way into the covered storage, once the TM tires are on level concrete.

[Mr_funnypuns]

Originally Posted by stormpeakco

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Ken, We don't have a swing away hitch so I can't comment on that and the mounting.
However, on level ground (pavement), it is a piece of cake bringing your TM to the hitch ball (the edge of the anterior portion of the hitch ball so that it slides on and fully down for the coupler lock) and cranking it the remainder of the way into the covered storage, once the TM tires are on level concrete.

People interest in mounting the original TV on the TM may wish to see this thread.

http://www.trailmanorowners.com/foru...ighlight=Valet

[Mr_funnypuns]

Well, the TV XL was a bust. Hooked it up and it working well, then it shifted. Even held in place by the fancy retaining nut, it moved. It's easy to see what happened. The ball was tightened up against the hitch, and it torqued the front lip, bending it upward.

I DO NOT recommend this tool.

[stormpeakco]

Originally Posted by Mr_funnypuns

Well, the TV XL was a bust. Hooked it up and it working well, then it shifted. Even held in place by the fancy retaining nut, it moved. It's easy to see what happened. The ball was tightened up against the hitch, and it torqued the front lip, bending it upward.

I DO NOT recommend this tool.

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Sorry.
The TM tongue weight is considerable and placing just enough weight (by adjusting the tongue jack height) on the Trailer Valet (original frame mounted) for solid traction on pavement without completely flattening the tires seems like a constant process, even for some short distances during turning.

[Mr_funnypuns]

Now the question is: did I damage the hitch? Is it safe to use?


How do I answer these questions? Any ideas?

[Padgett]

Suspect the issue is that a TM carries a lot of weight on the tongue for its size. over 450 lbs for my 2720SL even with the batteries in the back.

Still been too busy to try the NT crank mover but have learned it is best to mount the tongue as low as possible to minimise lateral stresses.

Well you could hitch it up and if everything looks OK then raise the tongue with a floor jack. If the back wheels of the TV come off the ground it may be OK.

[Mr_funnypuns]

The XL is supposed to be rated for 10k lb and 1k toungue weight. I think the issue is that trailer valet relied on the hitch having sufficient steel to support the torque applied by the locking nut while maneuvering the trailer. looking at it now, it seems that there's a lot of torque applied to the front lip while moving forward.

[Padgett]

So maybe a piece of 1/4" steel plate about 4" on a side and with a 2" hole in the middle ?

I was a little surprised that with all that tongue weight it uses a 2" ball but is rated to 8,000 lbs.

[Mr_funnypuns]

Yes, I was thinking along those lines as well. This would transfer the torque to the stronger part of the hitch.

[Mr_funnypuns]

Ok fit to talk to the TV people today, and had a very good conversation. Shared my thoughts with them. They tell me they are investigating, and that there have been a few other instances of problems keeping the coupler tight. We shall see; but at least the call was pleasant and very open. Much better than talking to a computer or a tech services person operating on a script.