The driveway that leads to my pole barn is very sharply curved. The only way to get the boat in and out is to drive on the lawn. Looking for a creative solution to get it in and out that will not break the bank. I have looked at trailer dollies, but, the general consensus is that they do not work well for tandem axle. I have considered getting a used lawn tractor with a busted deck, but, I am not sure how safe that would be with limited breaking. The driveway is mostly flat, so I do have that to my advantage. Any suggestion on how to move it easily?

Here is what I am working with....

I remember my dad having issues backing his boat in the back yard so he put a hitch on the front of the truck and would drive it in. I have a narrow alley and a curb to contend with and a single axle trailer and have an exercise to back it in. I would consider putting a hitch on the front of my truck but when you pay 50-70k on a truck I worry about it not looking rigged so to speak. I would consider doing that if someone had a creative idea to hide it like making a flip up license plate with a reciever hitch hidden behind.

Thanks, but, even with a front hitch I do not think there is a way to get it in there without driving on the grass. The boat is 22.5 ft long, and with the trailer its 29'.

I think a small tractor might be the only way. Just hate to pony up that cash to only move it 20'

I doubt the lawn tractor could handle the tongue weight and keep the front wheels on the ground. Have you considered some decorative gravel on each side of the drive to give you more room?

Electric trailer dolly

+1

You might be able to pick one of these up fairly cheap these days.

Lawn tractor will not come close to handling this load. You'd do well with an old Ford N tractor though.

I'm sure pictures are/can be deceiving, but depending on what the rest of the driveway looks like it appears you should be able to get it in there with a little practice and maybe a spotter.

Before I spent money on a lawn mower/electric dolly, etc. I would call a few contractors and get a quote for what it would cost to tie into your existing driveway and pour concrete to straighten it out. A small amount of concrete wont cost you that much and it will be much more pain free in the long run.

The hitch on the front of the truck should do it with no problems. Looking at the photo may deceive you since you're used to the turning tires being so far from the tongue (backing). With the turning tires so close the the tongue the truck will follow you into the curve. If you can drive the truck into the garage you can drive the trailer into it.

+1 - I put a hitch on my truck in the past for similar reasons. You might be surprised how sharp you can turn the boat and where you can put it. I had a very sharp turn in to my drive from a rear alley and had no issues putting the boat in with the front hitch.

Trailer Valet XL

Works great!

I have a 21.5' Ranger with a dual axle trailer, similar weight and garage situation as you. Don't waste your money on the Trailer Valet. It was a 15 minute workout every time I went fishing. I found a used Power Movers Model AC-10 on CL. It was a game changer for me. My BIL got one also but his grade is too steep and it has no brakes so it didn't work in his case. I think it would work great for you.

Add on to the driveway.

Just a couple of notes. A riding lawnmower will not turn the tandem axle trailer on the driveway, a 550 pound Honda 4 wheeler will not turn it either, My 575 pound 4 wheeler with 4 wheel drive engaged might. I tink your best bet money wise is a front hitch. A short extension with the hitch would also help. bg