New device for towing a 5th wheeler with a reg hitch

rogerbum

I wonder if this would be useful for some. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b734eSPO1gI

Also, I just wonder what people think about the device in general. Good idea? Bad idea?

Robert H. Wilkinson · Posted: Thu Aug 27, 2015 5:58 pm Post subject:

I didn't watch the whole video and I've never had a 5th wheel but from what guys with 5th wheel travel trailers tell me, the thing they like about them is being able to back them into tighter camping spots. This would seem to defeat that advantage as it puts the trailers fulcrum farther back than even a regular trailer hitch.

The other thought that came to mind was that if you have a large, heavy trailer it should probably be towed the way it was designed to be towed. People might be tempted to overload the hitch because they figure the weight is on the dollies. Tire wear also comes to mind - would they not tend to scrub when turning?

hardee · Posted: Thu Aug 27, 2015 6:08 pm Post subject:

Cool device. I'm wondering if there are any legal issues with it in some states. I believe the term in trucking industry would be a "mule", or dolly. Good idea. I'm not sure how it works for the tires to be "steering" tires but that is great.

Harvey
SleepyC Moon

thataway · Posted: Thu Aug 27, 2015 7:16 pm Post subject:

It might be a good solution for short hauls, if you don't have the proper hitch. I have seen these in use around RV lots etc.

The advantage of the 5th wheel, is both as Robert noted, but also stability, plus you have the weight over the axle of the pickup. There is a huge advantage, in traction, and handling ability with this.

I would pass on it.

Yes, these are used in some commercial trucks to get the weight distributed over more wheels, (to fall in the allowed weight per axle but there are a lot of disadvantages of it also.

journey on · Posted: Thu Aug 27, 2015 7:21 pm Post subject:

That device unloads the rear wheels and springs of a tow vehicle. And nothing else. The towing vehicle in the video appears to be a mid-sized Chrysler SUV. And I'll bet that trailer is empty.

We towed a regular trailer with a Chevvie Astro van, V-6, rated for 4000 lbs. Sorta like the Chrysler SUV shown. The transmission blew in the first 1000 miles, beefed it up, and I had to rebuild the differential at ~50, 000 miles.

So it's not only the tongue weight, it's the capability of the tow vehicle to pull that weight. If you've got that capability and want to have a 4-wheel trailer, OK. By the way, one can back a 4 wheel trailer, but you have to be good. I'm not.

Also, in Oregon at times you see triple semi trailers and there's 2 ea of those dollies in use. Often wondered how they hitched them up and handled them in the yard.

Boris

hardee · Posted: Thu Aug 27, 2015 7:29 pm Post subject:

Boris, those triple trains are built from the rear. Last trailer in line is the first one hooked up, (set on the dolly), in the set then they build the train toward the front, (tractor end). That way they don't have to back them.

Harvey
SleepyC Moon

journey on · Posted: Thu Aug 27, 2015 7:36 pm Post subject:

OK, Harvey, that makes sense. So comment on my other thought: those driver don't have any idea where that train is going, they can only point and pray.

Boris

JamesTXSD · Posted: Thu Aug 27, 2015 10:25 pm Post subject:

I have thousands of towing miles with a sizeable 5th wheel... no thanks.

hardee · Posted: Fri Aug 28, 2015 1:55 am Post subject:

thataway · Posted: Fri Aug 28, 2015 11:37 am Post subject:

There are several specific sites dedicated to handling of the double and triple "B" train rigs. One issue is the turning radius. even the triples handle OK, but I would want to be next to one in a heavy wind...