Freedom Hauler (Idaho tote)

No experience but first and foremost you must determine if the 5er can structurally tow the dolly. Then the install cost. And is the TV OK with the additional weight?

This member, JEBar, used to have one (maybe still does) but he has not posted for quite some time so don't know if he still reads this forum. You might try sending him a private message and maybe he will respond.
Barney

hfd45c9 wrote:
We have a 2019 Van Leigh Beacon and are looking for a way to bring our trike along. I have been looking at the Freedom Hauler (formerly Idaho Tote) platform. Does anyone have any experience with this company or their product? Any info. will be helpful.
Thanks

3 main considerations:

1. Is it legal to add one where you want to go? Many states will allow a swivel-wheel tote, many states don't. Some states don't, but don't enforce it. A total mish-mosh. Basically, if you travel where double-towing is allowed, you're OK.

2. Can the FW's frame handle having it attached? Huge consideration ad you can literally bend the rear-end of the trailer if it's not beefy enough. Some people who have added hitches or totes have beefed up their FW frame all the way forward of the axle attachments to be sure they don't have frame issues.

3. Will you exceed your combined weight rating? A trike is NOT light and a large FW is not, either. Need to be sure that you're at least reasonably close to your GCWR.

IMO, either flat-out double tow on a trailer (you could run into length issues) but #1 will still apply, or get a toy hauler. FWIW, I know where there's a really nice TH for sale. PM me for details. :B

Lyle

it is not considered double towing it is an extension of the fifth wheel not a "trailer". There is no additional stress on the frame as it carries the weight of the trike on the platform. If you get on their website and look at it you will see what it entails. My questions are durability/quality of the product, has anyone used it extensively and if so what can you tell me both good and bad.

hfd45c9 wrote:
it is not considered double towing it is an extension of the fifth wheel not a "trailer". There is no additional stress on the frame as it carries the weight of the trike on the platform. If you get on their website and look at it you will see what it entails. My questions are durability/quality of the product, has anyone used it extensively and if so what can you tell me both good and bad.

You and I agree that it's an "extension", but many states don't, and =will= consider it a trailer so, you're "double-towing". As I said, some states will ignore it as it =is= a bit of a grey area, but you never know if someone p!ssed in a given LEO's Wheaties one day and then you're in trouble. Also, just because it's not attached as a trailer is, there =are= forces and weights that act on the FW. I know of at least one person that spent a ton of money on a swivel-wheel, towed it a few times, and hated the way his rig handled because he unweighted the pin so much that it chucked =and= porpoised.

Lyle

hfd45c9 wrote:
it is not considered double towing it is an extension of the fifth wheel not a "trailer". There is no additional stress on the frame as it carries the weight of the trike on the platform. If you get on their website and look at it you will see what it entails. My questions are durability/quality of the product, has anyone used it extensively and if so what can you tell me both good and bad.

Some states look at anything that didn't come attached from the factory as an add-on. The Idaho Tote, Freedom Hauler, whatever it's called falls under that category.

I have used a Smart Trailer, a swivel-wheel type, pulled behind my fifth wheel for a few years. It worked very well, and I was never pulled over or stopped. Never even got the stink-eye in states that don't allow double towing. I have no idea whether it was luck or they figured it wasn't a true trailer and gave it a pass.

However it will stress your frame as the tote doesn't carry all the weight, most of it if you get the balance right. But you also have the stress on the frame from pulling the weight and turning corners.

Also you will need to be constantly aware of your overall length and the extra swing of the tail with the tote back there.

The Idaho Tote was always the most expensive of these carrying devices. Almost twice the cost of some of the others on the market.

Even if the static weight on the MH is 0 lbs the tote and trike are about 2400 lbs. That dynamic up/down, front/back will be apparent in the TV. Think of the 5er as a seasaw plus the mount is not fixed but moving over the 5er wheels.

With the trike I would want brakes, shocks, trailer conversion, horizontal pivot and brake controller. $10,000 plus with the tote plus installation.

Also think libability - You're in a accident that is not your fault. You have non 5er mfg modifications. What do you think you are going to tell the judge? Not to mention you're in a state where the tote is illegal. Will your insurance be honored? Protection of my assets is always the primary consideration.

Just finished my 7th trip along I-5 over 3.5 seasons. This time North bound from SoCal to NW WA double towing my Kendon MotorCycle trailer. So that's $3,500 I have saved in Transport fees.


This was Monday at Deerwood RV Park Eugene, OR. Nice smaller Park!

Me Again wrote:
The Idaho Tote was always the most expensive of these carrying devices. Almost twice the cost of some of the others on the market.

A couple years ago friends basically gave theirs away.