Swivelwheel trailer

[str8]

I'm looking for a solution to haul bike with truck and 5th wheel. Has anybody used or seen the swivel wheel trailer in use.

Take a look at it:

clicky

 

[wfooshee]

On their FAQ page they state that your situation was exactly what it was designed for, adding a platform behind a 5th wheel trailer, since you can't trailer a trailer behind a trailer. :blink:

Actually, now that I think about it, I've seen boats trailered behind 5th-wheels here. . . .

 

[vectervp1]

It depends on the state from what I understand. Some states allow you to trailer behind a trailer, others don't. Either way, not something I would want to attempt.

 

[2WheelTiger]

A trailer behind a trailer is no big deal. Just don't try to back up.

Swivelwheels are not a new invention. There were several designs like this back in the 60's and 70's. Funny how peoples' memories have kept them off the market. They're not popular now because the older ones would occasionally go "shopping cart" on you. The wheel would start to oscillate back and forth, just like hands-off FJR decel headshake. Tended to make the suspension loose. Loose suspension tended to create oscillations..... you get the idea.

Not saying this brand is prone to failure. Just sayin'..............

I'd go with the CruiserLift if I was making the decision.

 

[str8]

I have reservations on the Cruiserlift because of the weight it would put on the rear of the fifth wheel. Probably near 800 lbs.

I am also skeptical of the swivelwheel for the exact reason that Andre stated: the wheel may oscillate.

The beauty of the swivelwheel is that it can be backed up as if it isn't even there because the connection to the 5th wheel is horizontally rigid.

Sure would make those cramped gas stations easier to cope with.

 

[Fencer]

The tire is a 5.70 x 8”, D-Rated, 8-Ply, Highway Speed Trailer Tire. The load rating with this tire is 1075 pounds @ 100 psi cold inflation. This tire will never see 1075 pounds at a 1000 pound deck load.
This tire is highway speed rated for 65 mph. I know what you’re thinking! I drive at 70 and 75 mph when I travel. I know that some highways have speed limits of 75 mph, but the trailer tire manufacturers have told us that the majority of the trailer tires on the market today have a speed rating of 65 mph. Some fifth wheel trailers use a light truck tire (LT235/75R16) that will withstand higher speeds and have an 80 pound cold inflation pressure.

The fact is …… tire ratings are specified by the tire manufacturers. All we can say is..... that what you choose to do with that information is up to you. I have had travel trailer tire failures at 70 mph. The damage generated by those failures came fast, even before I could stop. After $800.00 to $1500.00 or more in repairs, I can personally afford to take an extra 45 minutes to an hour to get where I’m going in the course of a day.

Pay attention to the speed at which you travel as well. Read the disclaimer

 

[Big-B]

I was kind of looking at these recently. There's a guy here in town that pulls one behind his RV, it at least looks nice. He has one with the 2 wheels. I haven't seen him have it loaded up though.

We used to have a couple old 1950's Allstate trailers that we used a lot from around 1965-85. Mainly hauled around camping gear for 8 people or three motocross bikes. The tire would definitely start bouncing occasionally, just slow down a little and they would straighten right out. Usually you hit something that got the tire up off the ground. I don't recall it happening just running down the highway.

They are very nice to haul when compared to a single hitch trailer. Just back up or go forward and the trailer goes where you go. No turning left to go right when backing up. And you don't have to swing wide on corners to allow room for the trailer to cut it short.

I would look into the laws in the states where you intend to drive to see if it would be legal to haul it behind another trailer. In New York it was definitely treated as a trailer with its own title and plate, I 'm pretty sure we would not have gotten away with attaching it to another trailer.

I ended up with a used trailer or I would be giving a single wheel trailer some serious thought.

Brian

 

[AethonFJR]

+1 to vectervp1 and Big-B about it being dependent on different state laws; and Andre on two trailers not being a big deal as long as everything is designed appropriately for that application.

I remember seeing a few different swivelwheel trailers on the road back in the 60’s and could never figure why people would choose that design. Of course I never saw one back then connected to another device being towed… always saw them towed hooked directly to the vehicle.

If you do go with this give up an update on you personal experience….

 

[str8]

In my province (Alberta) triple towing is legal. I believe alot of the states permit this as well. I've seen a number of triple units in my travels to Arizona and back. (people hauling 5th wheels with boats)

Biggest hurddle for me in getting a swivel wheel trailer is getting it to where I live. They're made in Texas and the cost of shipping would be considerable. I've searched for other manufacturers closer to home but have found none. I don't think there is anyone at all in Canada that builds them.