Moving Trailer with Forklift?

[Project_Mayhem]

I'm planning on moving my boat to my shop for pre-season prep and repairs. There are two lots available. The first has plenty of room but the gate is almost always open and there was a theft a few months ago. The second one has a barbed wire electric gate that's always closed, it's right next to my unit but it's difficult to maneuver trailers.

My O'Day 25 plus dual axle trailer is somewhere in the range of 5500-7000lbs. I have access to a propane and an electric forklift. I was wondering if a typical forklift would work to move the trailer into place within the lot if I used something like this? Total distance to maneuver would be 500-1000' with very mild slopes in the asphalt.

 

[Michael Davis]

Often used a forklift to place logging truck "pups"where they could be picked up and placed on the tractor for their return trip. Not sure what they weigh but it must be up in the same range. Forklift made it pretty easy.

 

[Hunter216]

I’ve driven a number of forklifts so have little doubt that the machine is capable.

Hard to tell from the photo but I would be careful when you first start to move the machine backwards - trailer forward. The strain is all on the chain and the friction bolt holding the device on the end of the fork. If they slip or fail you might have the trailer rolling with no control

 

[Meriachee]

Moved lots of trailers with bobcats configured with forks in that very setup. Most trailers in use with boats loaded.

 

[FDL S2]

Easily. Anything but the smallest forklift would have no problem moving a trailer of that weight. I would advise using one with pneumatic tires if outdoors.

 

[FDL S2]

I want to add that your limiting factor there will be only using one fork to do the work. This will lower the load you are able to support with the forks. It would be better to get a hitch that fits on both forks-that will also allow you to align the boat with the centerline of the pit.
I don't know if I'm an expert, but I have been an OSHA certified corporate lift truck instructor (train the trainer for my company) for years and I have participated in several lift truck accident investigations.

 

[Project_Mayhem]

I’ve driven a number of forklifts so have little doubt that the machine is capable.

Hard to tell from the photo but I would be careful when you first start to move the machine backwards - trailer forward. The strain is all on the chain and the friction bolt holding the device on the end of the fork. If they slip or fail you might have the trailer rolling with no control

I'll assume the bolt has virtually no effect on side to side movement when moving 5000+ pounds, I'll either use chain or some large ratchet straps to keep it in place

Moved lots of trailers with bobcats configured with forks in that very setup. Most trailers in use with boats loaded.

My boat is stored at a shop that does this as well. I assumed a Bobcat was much more powerful than a forklift

I want to add that your limiting factor there will be only using one fork to do the work. This will lower the load you are able to support with the forks. It would be better to get a hitch that fits on both forks-that will also allow you to align the boat with the centerline of the pit.
I don't know if I'm an expert, but I have been an OSHA certified corporate lift truck instructor (train the trainer for my company) for years and I have participated in several lift truck accident investigations.

I'm also seeing this style of attachment. Might make things more stable since the weight would be closer to the forklift. Thoughts?

 

[Meriachee]

Too much analysis.

 

[Rick Webb]

Spent many years operating forklifts capable of lifting all the way up to 25k to move munitions in the Air Force. I doubt your trailers tounge weight is more than a couple of hundred pounds so even a small forklift should be able to handle that. I'd not hesitate to give it a shot but since you are asking the question I am assuming your forklift driving experience is still in the developmental stages so get some help to either drive the forklift or a spotter.

A tounge dolly and a couple of guys to push could manage the job as well if the surface is paved.

 

[Serenity on Hudson]

My marina moves everything on a trailer with a fork lift.

 

[sailme88]

Your greater concern should be the tires. Some fork lifts are tired for warehouse floors only. As such they tend to have a low ground clearance. If either truck has an aggressive tread and decent clearance, than either should work.

 

[Project_Mayhem]

Thanks for everyone's feedback. I think we have an overwhelming answer that this should work. I'll have an experienced friend drive the forklift while I spot

 

[FDL S2]

Yup-I'm definitely over thinking and over analyzing this. I wasn't thinking of tongue weight-I was thinking boat+trailer.

You'll be fine-I used to pull a 2500lb powerboat around my lawn with a lawn tractor.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

As a former dealer I moved trailerable sailboats by tractor//forklift using the same set up and chained up as shown. I have done that as well moving larger boats on trailers up to 34 feet. The only caution, do not turn the trailer too sharp particularly with a load or the beads or wire can separate

 

[Rick Webb]

Here is a trick we use when loading stuff on aircraft that are bigger than the door is. Well, not really just longer than the turn after entering the doorway. Works well on smooth concrete, kinda works on smooth asphalt but is amazing on smooth floors like an airplane.

Take a large garbage bag and get the inside coated with any kind of oil, soap, or whatever is slippery. Hydraulic fluid always seemed to be available and was sorta the go to thing to use. Lay out the bag where you want he tires to slide then roll the tires onto the bag and push the wheels sideways. When you remove the friction it is incredible how little effort it actually takes to move something heavy.

 

[Project_Mayhem]

As a former dealer I moved trailerable sailboats by tractor//forklift using the same set up and chained up as shown. I have done that as well moving larger boats on trailers up to 34 feet. The only caution, do not turn the trailer too sharp particularly with a load or the beads or wire can separate

I've only owned single axle trailers in the past. I love the fact that I can get super sharp angles while turning. I remember the first time I moved this one I looked back and to my surprise the tire looked like the bead was about to pop off the rim. Thanks for the confidence and words of wisdom!

Take a large garbage bag and get the inside coated with any kind of oil, soap, or whatever is slippery. Hydraulic fluid always seemed to be available and was sorta the go to thing to use. Lay out the bag where you want he tires to slide then roll the tires onto the bag and push the wheels sideways. When you remove the friction it is incredible how little effort it actually takes to move something heavy.

Wow that's an awesome tip! Thanks for the info Rick! I take it you would slide the cargo by hand once it was loaded?

 

[Rick Webb]

I've only owned single axle trailers in the past. I love the fact that I can get super sharp angles while turning. I remember the first time I moved this one I looked back and to my surprise the tire looked like the bead was about to pop off the rim. Thanks for the confidence and words of wisdom!


Wow that's an awesome tip! Thanks for the info Rick! I take it you would slide the cargo by hand once it was loaded?

Maneuvering a tandem axle trailer into or out of a tight space can be made easier by removing the tires from one of the axles. Don't leave it that way once it's where you want it.



It was typically equipment that was on wheels that were too long to turn the corner coming into the side cargo door. After we got it around the corner we'd push it to where it needed to be. The Marines had a different approach. They'd just poor the hydraulic fluid on the floor. In an hour it would blend in with all the rest of the leaks seeping through the plane.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Rick,
Should the weight of the boat on trailerwith two tires and not the four exceed load limit to include weight of trailer is not recommended as I did that once and bought two new tires

 

[Meriachee]

I've only owned single axle trailers in the past. I love the fact that I can get super sharp angles while turning. I remember the first time I moved this one I looked back and to my surprise the tire looked like the bead was about to pop off the rim. Thanks for the confidence and words of wisdom!

The only difference between single and multiple axle installations is the amount of attention that needs to be as the axle count goes up.Three axles is not a huge deal, you just have to think about it a lot more.

 

[Project_Mayhem]

The only difference between single and multiple axle installations is the amount of attention that needs to be as the axle count goes up.Three axles is not a huge deal, you just have to think about it a lot more.

Nice looking boat Meriachee! How does it require more attention? I assume turns must be done a bit wider with more axles