another pic of swivel

I took the drawings, weight calcs and lengths to my local Highway Patrol headquarters. The head officer there gave it his blessing. When it was finished and all axxles weighed, I returned to the same CHP office with the rig and again got their OK. It is an attachment to the trailer!
Any of you see the Tag axles that lower and take weight off the load on 10 wheel dump trucks and transit mixers. This application is exactly the same thing. An extra axle that is permanently attached and bears part of the load.

taken wrote:
The definition of a second trailer is one that can freely pivot from side to side though it's hitching point. Since a swivel wheel can only pivot up and down and not side to side, it's not a second trailer.

Not always true. Just like a BB gun is a "firearm" in many cities, these are "trailers", in some states.

Lyle

oldbeek wrote:

oldbeek wrote:

500# 0n the tire (rated 1000#) 125# on rear of trailer. It is an attachment of the trailer, not an additional trailer. Same drivers license. Still under the gvw of the trailer and gcw for the truck.

Problem is, some states =do= consider this as a trailer and they are able to ticket you for double-towing, if it's not legal. They may also require it to be separately registered, with a plate and tags. A total mish-mash...

Lyle

taken wrote:
The definition of a second trailer is one that can freely pivot from side to side though it's hitching point. Since a swivel wheel can only pivot up and down and not side to side, it's not a second trailer.

Again, that depends on the particular state's DOT regulations. Some say that the trailer has to be permanently mounted to be considered other than another trailer. Do not rely on internet wisdom to defend you against a ticket if you are given one. Check with the DMV beforehand and be sure.

FWIW I towed a Smart Trailer behind my Big Sky so I am aware of the vagaries of DOT regulations for my state. It does tend to confuse the LEO's so the likelihood of you being stopped are not to high, at least that is my experience. I traveled through and stayed in some states that don't allow double towing and was never stopped. But just because I wasn't doesn't mean you won't.

fj12ryder wrote:

oldbeek wrote:
500# 0n the tire (rated 1000#) 225# on rear of trailer. It is an attachment of the trailer, not an additional trailer. Same drivers license. Still under the gvw of the trailer and gcw for the truck.

That may be true in your state, but may not be true in all states. Some states consider it a second trailer if it can be easily removed from the 5th wheel.

Apparently "oldbeek" is in Lancaster, CA.
(IMO) he and the CHP *will* be exchanging info sooner or later.

Whether he continues on his way -with or without- a "greetings" is
up to luck & conjecture.....take your pick...:@

~

The speed rating is 60 mph. It is 8 inch rim. Connected with a standard receiver welded to the 8 inch channel frame on both sides. In each receiver goes a 2x2x1/4 inch adapter formed into a 90 degree, 12 inch on each leg. The platform has 1/4x3in ears welded to the frame. All hinge and connectors are 9/16 grade 8 cat bolts with self locking nuts. I constructed the swivel wheel mounting parts so they could be moved for an aft, before final welding, with the quad loaded, to find the proper center of gravity I wanted. That is 500# on tire 125# 0n the rear of the trailer. The swivel is done by an identical hub as the wheel hub mounted to a 1/2 inch plate that welds to the frame. Wheel spring is accomplished by a torsion assy like some newer trailer axles. Actually in reverse the platform tilts to the rear some because the center of the tire is swung around and very near to the platform pivot points But still backs nicely. In rough terrain, I would unload before backing very much.

I would meticulously maintain the wheel bearing. That little wheel will be doing higher RPMs to keep up with the big rig.

It's a standard 10" or 12" trailer tire used on tons of snowmobile trailers. Here is their website. They make a dual wheel model as well.

Swivel Wheel

Executive wrote:
What's the SPEED rating of that tiny tire.???:h

I'd like to know that myself. Great concept but need to see how it is attached

I really like the idea, been looking for a way to bring the Goldwing MC and the car on our trips with the MH. thought about a small PU with the bike in the bed but that might exceed my tow capabilities. We have a 31 ft on the Ford F53 with a v10