Frequently asked Questions

There are many fine details that go into the design of our Butler lineup.  It's the little things that refine your user experience- For Example, when your trailer brakes are activated by the Butler electrical control box, the clearance lights on your trailer will illuminate.  This serves several purposes, one of which is: indicates a proper connection between trailer wire harness and Butler wiring receptacle (your trailer brakes are now working in unison with the Butler, giving precise control).

Our trailer dollies become a fixture of your trailer, just the same as your tongue jack, batteries, and propane tanks are.  When it needs to be used, you simply rotate the Butler into the "control" position, and when you are ready to travel, simply rotate up to the "travel" position.  The Butler travels in place, on your trailer, so you can use it anywhere.

We have tested most conceivable configurations, both in CAD modeling and prototype testing.  We've tested dual wheel, single wheel, offset, dual drive, single drive, and much more.  The result is what you can purchase from our website.  Our patent(s) pending design(s) offers industry best ease of turning effort , traction, and braking.   The Trailer Butler lineup performs well on concrete, grass, gravel, rock, curb transitions, and uneven surfaces.

Our frame rail mount models allow you to "drive" your trailer all the way to the back of your tow vehicle, placing the tongue of the trailer directly over the ball of the tow vehicle.  

Please see weights in each product description. This really depends on your specific circumstances: trailer type, terrain, tongue weight vs gvwr, number of axles, etc.  If your trailer exceeds those specifications, please contact us with your specific needs and we can customize a solution for you.

Similar to the above question, if your trailer exceeds the weight in the product description, please contact us with your specific set up.

Safety. All of our Butlers come with an automatic brake.  If the motor is not in forward/reverse, it automatically brakes.  For those of you with trailer brakes, we have an optional trailer brake controller.  Same as the motor brake, the trailer brake controller will activate the brakes on the trailer immediately when the system is activated, and release when the motor is engaged.  This is especially helpful with inclines, side slopes, gravel, and heavy trailers.

Absolutely.  The Trailer Butler is designed to seamlessly tie into your trailer's existing electrical components. All electrical components are pre-wired and color coded.  The only tool you will need is an adjustable wrench (although you can use a socket, box end wrench, etc).  The Butler comes almost ready to use.

For most of you with travel trailers with existing batteries, your existing batteries are generally sufficient (assuming the existing battery matches OEM standards).

The MINIMUM battery requirements are 12 v, 12ah., however we recommend a minimum of 50ah battery (deep cycle). for most trailers.  Failure to use a large enough battery can cause motor failure.

The Butler can be used with standard SLA batteries, gel cel, and Lithium (LiFePo4) batteries.  If Lithium batteries will be used, it is suggested to use at least at 80ah battery to avoid issues with the BMS (battery management system).  Deep Cycle batteries are recommended.

The Butler can withstand rain, sprinklers, etc, but should not be submerged.  In the event of submersion, the Butler must be allowed to completely dry out.  It is recommended that the motor be removed, disassembled, cleaned, and re-greased.

The electrical controls (contactor, wireless receiver, etc) are water resistant but should not be submerged.

Absolutely.  The Trailer Butler was designed specifically so it can be installed by a novice, with very limited tools.  In most cases, the Butler mounting hardware can be installed using only 2 adjustable (crescent) wrenches.

Yes, however, we recommend planning this in advance so we can coordinate with your dealer.  

This will vary based on several factors such as clearances, mechanical aptitude, tools selection, etc.  For your initial installation, plan for about an hour. 

We do our best to eliminate problems- thats why we ask for your trailer make/model.  Sometimes though, things come up.  In the event there is an issue, you can call or email and we will do our best to get your issue resolved while on the phone.