Backing up a steep driveway-need some help!

[chiefdupCS23]

***I have an updated issue that I could use anyone's expertise with:
We bought a new house and the slope of the driveway is decent (not terrible) enough to make me very concerned about backing the boat up the driveway without scraping the prop or transom.

-Is there a standard method to measure the angle/height to determine the clearance needed to safely back the boat up the driveway without damaging the boat, trailer and/or the driveway?

>I estimate the driveway has roughly 10-11% grade at its steepest point.
Any help is very much appreciated!
I will post pictures if I get any bites on this thread!

[Big Block Power]

Heck let's see pictures! Welcome. Let's add some wheelie wheels!

[SAB220]

Why don't you try the grass side first, if the grass parallels the driveway. Another idea is 2 x 8 planks . My gravel driveway is at a angle and water pools in the corner of the boat so I put 2 - 2 x 8 on stbd side and drive over them to level the boat I stagger them a bit lenth-wise

[bruceb58]

If your trailer has surge brakes(most do)and disk brakes(50/50 these days) make sure you have a brake lockout solenoid in your surge brake unit. If you have a 5 pin or larger connector, you likely have it.

As far as the % grade, I used to have a 10% grade I used to have to pull up. Truck did fine. If you have a 4x4, put it into low mode if the driveway is straight with no turns.

Pictures of your driveway at the transition from flat to rise would be helpful. If its gradual, you are good. Most have problems at abrupt slope changes.

[Alaskabound]

Bruce’s idea of using 4 wheel low is a good one. I always did that when I had a fifth wheel, made it much easier.

Dub

[cmattj]

Bruce’s inquiry first.
Pics of the trailer toung so we can see surge vs electric ( pin to block the surge brake vs leaving it plug in to power the lockout).

Just like exiting that ugly step transition driveway at a angle to save your lower. Just in reverse.

Pics?!

[XLI]

Can you approximate the driveway angle with some blocks and a section of 2x whatever x 8 or so? The problem with backing is the distance from your skeg to when your wheels get up on the drive to lift the whole rig up. For a while you are just backing straight into a slanted wall. I'm thinking you could slide the 2x straight toward the bow and directly under your skeg. You could then add blocks & shims to build up the side under your skeg. If you hit your skeg before you reach the approximate angle of your driveway, chances are you will hit if you back in.

Just some musings after a long day. I'm sure there is a mathematical way to do this but geometry was a long time ago.

[kas232ca]

You can try this model I made. Or, just get a good run at it.

[Lee St.Clair]

Yep that will work

[dustinm]

I think there is a mistake on the second to last line?

[Snowman8]

Less thinking and more gas pedal! I think that is what BB did to make his tower fit in a small garage door!

[dustinm]

Oh my

[Big Block Power]

Less thinking and more gas pedal! I think that is what BB did to make his tower fit in a small garage door!

If it doesn't go "Pudgy the had down harder!"

[Snowman8]

Less thinking and more gas pedal! I think that is what BB did to make his tower fit in a small garage door!

If it doesn't go "Pudgy the had down harder!"

Exactly! I just forgot your quote..

[Mike in SC]

Go slow and have someone watch to see if you're going to hit. Stop if you are...