Winching a trailer into a garage(??)

[Popeye]

OK, here's what I'm talking about: I have to back my boat/trailer into a pretty tight space in my garage since 1/2 of it is taken up by a car and there's a 6"x6" support beam that also kinda seperates the garage in half. What I was thinking about doing was to install an electric winch on the wall in the back of the garage near the floor and use that to pull the trailer up the driveway and into the garage vice having to back it in with my Explorer. That way I could manouver/position the trailer via the tongue while my wife or daughter worked the winch. NOW that all might sound WEIRD, but I did have a little trouble backing the trailer in the first time I used the boat and the CLUTCH on my Explorer WAS NOT HAPPY with me and smelled something aweful after finally getting the trailer in the garage. I don't want to have to be continually replacing the clutch in my truck and just thought an electric winch OR a 4 ton Come-A-Long might solve this problem. Of course once I get more proficient backing the boat in, this might be a mute point and a DUMB idea. What do you fine folks think (if you're not laughing too hard to think:o)  What size winch would I need to do this - 4,000; 6,000; 10,000lb?? Thanks and IF this is a dumb thing to do, at least I hope some of ya got a smile outta it:o)

[tntitans21399]

I have a couple of dumb questions first, who big is your boat?  I'm guessing since you on a bass forum it isn't to big.  And my next question is are you on a level ground with a smooth pavement, or going up hill or on gravel?  I ask this because they sell a trailer dolly that hooks into the ball spot and help you move the boat around.  They go for about $50-$100.

Here is a pic to give you an idea

[snapperd1]

I would take the boat and a stack of cones to an empty parking lot and practice until you can do this.  The winch idea is extremely dangerous.  What are you planning to do if the cable breaks or comes off.  Can you stop the boat from crushing you.  How do you plan on anchoring the winch to the garage?  How will you power it.  Most are 12 volt.  I think they make power pushers for parking boats.  Kind of like a motorized hand truck that may be a better option.  Once you aree comfortable backing up you will think this whole thing funny.

Good Luck,

Tom D.

[NBR]

You might be better off with one of the powered boat/trailer positioners. I think I have seen them in the Bass Pro catalog. Another option would be a hitch ball on the front bumper so you have better vision when putting the boat in place.

I think with a winch you would have problems in directing the boat/trailer into the gargage.

[cart7t]

Those front hitches are called Alabama hitches.  Instead of backing the boat in you're pushing it.

[skunked_again]

depending on how your explorer is set up you might try using low range in the transfer case to back the boat in. this can be done if you have lock-in lock-out hubs. just dont lock the hubs in and switch over to 4X4 low.

[_tyler_wright_]

He's got a big bass boat so unless he's ripped he probablly wont be pushing or pulling it with that dolly

[Grey Wolf]

Practice , practice , practice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Wildstreak30]

;D Depending on the size of your lawn tractor you can put a ball on the back and use that to back our boat in. I use my lawn tractor to get my ATV trailer up the hill and around the back of the house. It spins a lot less then my truck.

[IneedAnewScreenName9886691]

I am assuming it is up hill.  I have moved my 18' and 20' ALL the time by hand.  I park it in a warehouse and it's impossible to make the turn to her parking spot.  So I unhook and push it around by hand.  I kick the wheel on the jack the direction I need it to go and give it a push.  Once it's moving in that direction it is pretty easy.  Just my .02

Good luck!  

Happy Releasing,

H.G.

[Popeye]

THANKS, guys!! No worries - I took the ProCraft out for the second time yesterday and when I got home my wife helped guide me into the garage and it was MUCH EASIER this time. Not much effort at all. Seems I'm getting better and better at backing the trailer up the driveway slope and into the garage. NO clutch smell/burning at ALL!!!