Delete trailer prop guard?

New garage. Boat barely fits. Annoyingly, the trailer prop guard strikes the ground when backing in, because the angle of attack is down the driveway then back up into the garage. It needs about 1.5” extra height (blocked a 2x4 under the trailer tires and it cleared no problem). I removed the prop guard and the trailer backed right in, prop has plenty of clearance.

Think it’s a terrible idea to semi permanently delete the prop guard to facilitate garage parking? On longer trips or unusual destinations I could bolt it back on.

Other considerations - build some ramps out of lumber (works but a pain), buy bigger trailer tires (could work but not sure if they’d fit, also expensive and I’d have to buy 4 of them), lower my trailer hitch from a 4” to a 5-6” drop (could work but might negatively affect towing dynamics), store the dang thing outside.

KENO wrote: You've already done it and it works, so your plan sounds reasonable to me.

Deleting the prop guard? It definitely works, just not sure if it’s a dumb idea to leave it off all the time.

I know someone that welded a couple of small wheels to the prop guard to handle a steep driveway.  I think they did the job.

desertskier wrote: I know someone that welded a couple of small wheels to the prop guard to handle a steep driveway.  I think they did the job.

That is an awesome idea. Could probably just bolt something on. Thanks

Drop the hitch and see what it does for you.  I had to drop my nautique hitch to get more weight onto the front wheels of my trailer so the brakes worked properly, I have a 2 axle trailer.  I have towed with a variety of vehicles and have a collection of receiver hitches to use from straight to 6" drop.   I think if you remove the prop guard you will be un lucky enough to have your prop kiss something it should not kiss and you won't be happy.

MrMcD wrote: Drop the hitch and see what it does for you.  I had to drop my nautique hitch to get more weight onto the front wheels of my trailer so the brakes worked properly, I have a 2 axle trailer.  I have towed with a variety of vehicles and have a collection of receiver hitches to use from straight to 6" drop.   I think if you remove the prop guard you will be un lucky enough to have your prop kiss something it should not kiss and you won't be happy. I have seen wheels on the back of trailers many times to allow bad angles to roll on by.

Yeah this is the approach I’m going with. Ordered a drop hitch and will give that a go. If it doesn’t work I’ll pursue the roller / caster route which seems pretty straightforward. Googled it and it seems to be a very common add on for these types of trailers.

Doc you’ll have clearance from prop to driveway until one day you forget and Don’t   Leave it on
BTW. What have you done with Pete

63 Skier wrote: Agree with 67, leave it on.  I'm guessing that guard has saved my prop a few dozen times at this point.  I love the idea of rollers on the guard, might look into that myself.

Gary S wrote: Hollywood wrote: All my hitches are bolted on and unadjustable. I'm with HW, lower the hitch - it will be the next thing dragging. How about a lower ball mount or if yours can be turned over just do that.....

gun-driver wrote: Sell house,   buy a more boat friendly residence

Ugh literally just finished this brand new garage!!

Couldn’t convince the wife to move out to the lake so oh well

That looks bout perfect JQ.  Nice work.

Your welds look better than mine.   I am still working on that skill set.  I have a frame to modify, will give me lots of practice.

I bought this one

Weird. try this one. Cheaper on amazon though. 

Fixed the Amazon link