Dealing with a Pitch at End of Driveway

[Susan]

Does anyone have suggestions for modifying a pitched driveway? I am trying to back in a Starcraft tent trailer with a Toyota Sienna van (lower than most) and everything at the hitch scrapes the concrete. Having to back in repeatedly just trying to align the trailer into my single driveway and it is agonizing. Are there any portable driveway ramps I could put out when I need them or any other ideas?
Thank you in advance for your input.
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Susan and her Starcraft Voyager

[roadrunner2]

Susan,

I guess backing in on a different angle isn't an option considering it's a single driveway, eh?

You could try placing 2x10s (or 12s) cut to length behind the van's rear wheels at the point where the hitch is about to make road contact so as to raise the van for enough clearance.

I hope your driveway doesn't enter onto a busy street as you may have to hold up traffic a bit.

Position the van (at the point where the hitch almost touches bottom) and measure the distance from the rear tires to the rise of the driveway.

Cut the lumber to length, place the lumber behind the tires and try for clearance.

Obviously, these things are done at different times.

If there is just barely enough or NOT enough clearance, then try this:
Cut two more boards (the same size), BUT this time cut all the board ends (one end only) on a 45-degree angle, cut the top boards about 2" shorter than the bottom ones and screw or nail the boards together making a graduated ramp.

(There's less chance of the boards shifting when you back up on them).

I hope that isn't too confusing.

Does the van's hitch bottom out when you don't have the trailer on?

[Alterego]

Without knowing exactly what is hitting where, have you given any thought to the possibility of using skid wheels/skid rollers to the bottom of the hitch?
If you go to the Camping World website and enter item #18446, #4322, #12849 will give you a picture of the different styles that are available.
Just something to think about.

[Susan]

Thanks for the ideas. I have until now and the first sign of spring to try them. I hate feeling stuck. My two young daughters and I finally learned how to hitch, set up and take down all by ourselves. I don't need a driveway in my way!
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Susan and her Starcraft Voyager

[pedro]

As Alterego has recommended, I would recommend the skid plate/roller system. I use one on my MH when I tow the Harleys or Jeep. Many companies make a roller that connects to the 2x2 hitch and can be removed when not needed. A mounted plate would be convenient if your van commonly bottoms out even without the trailer. Even research air shocks. At max they may be enough to clear the drop, and can be readjusted for all situations of towing or just full cargo and passenger situations.

[raltuc]

I suspect that a wheel came with the trailer originally for the bottom of the front jack to permit the trailer to be moved around when off the hitch.

If not, you should buy a wheel and lower the trailer on it when attempting to get in and out of your driveway.

I hope that the trailer jack wheel will not cause the rear wheels of the tow vehicle to be lifted off the ground.

[97PaceArrow]

If the boards don't work you could also lessen the pitch with asphalt or concrete. More expensive, but permanent.