Moving camper by Hand

[PattieAM]

As another mentioned, the wheel on the tongue jack plays a part in manouverability (sp) - I have successfully moved my 06 Niagara a few feet using my garden tractor, but have had to put plywood down for the little wheel to roll on (in the yard).  I utilized the safety chains hooked to my garden tractor to tow it - have not tried pushing it.  I don't have the strength to attempt this by hand.

I have been very pleased with my Niagara and all of it's amenities.  Due to health, I gave up tent camping and went PUP hunting!  My requirements were AC and potty!  After viewing a Bayside, I bought the Niagara sight unseen (it wasn't opened up), but had seen the floor plans online.  I love the space the glide out dinette gives as well as the view.  The hardwalled potty/shower is great - no more toe stubbing middle of the night treks to a buggy bathhouse.  The 3-burner range/oven works well (no more toting a camp stove and little propane tanks), the refrigerator/freezer is so much better than cooler life, and I can freeze a tray of ice cubes overnight or keep a small package of ice cream frozen.  Never thought I'd use a microwave while camping, but first trip out we heated the baby's food in it and have enjoyed it every trip.   The AC (Carrier Air-V) is great, as is the furnace (although I supplement with a space heater).  

I like the single sewer discharge, and while mine doesn't have a greywater holding tank, I understand the newer models do.  The 9 gallon blackwater tank can go a while before needing to be dumped.  The water heater works very well and I can have hot water in about 15 minutes.  Sometimes in windy weather I have to angle my truck to block the wind from the water heater.

Both the Niagara and Avalon are 'beasties', but they are both wonderful camping vehicles.  I can tow with either my Durango or Ram 1500, and prefer the truck as it's wider and I don't need mirror attachments whereas I would feel more comfortable with them on the durango.  With the truck, I've almost forgotten the trailer was behind me - it tows that well.  I had sway twice and that was due one time to my having loaded my PUP incorrectly, and the other time was when the trailer was caught up in interstate truck ruts.  I have a friction sway bar that evidently helps alot.

I did purchase a 'Couple-Mate' guide for getting the tongue over the hitch ball and love it!  It makes hooking up much faster and easier.  I also purchased a 'tongue chock' for under the tongue jack wheel, and it makes the trailer seem more stable when set up (gives me peace of mind).  (also good if you are parking your trailer in a yard vs. hard-top driveway)

Best wishes & happy camping!