Forum Discussion

Thumbs's avatar
Thumbs
Explorer
Mar 22, 2015

Swivel wheel or the like

I have been hauling my dirt bike on the back of my fifth wheel for years but I never really liked the idea. The bike only weighs 300lbs but I still am not comfortable. Anyway came across these Swivel wheel carriers that mount to the back of you camper. They mount in two places so they only move up and down and not side to side. They also have either one or two swivel wheels on the back to take the weight. Has anyone used one of the things? Also I am assuming they are not considered a trailer since they are not licensed.
Has anyone even seen one of these on the road?

If you have one have you ever been stopped by the police? How do you like them? Do they do what they are supposed to and do the swivel wheels hold up?

thanks for the help
  • DutchmenSport's avatar
    DutchmenSport
    Explorer
    Mar 22, 2015
    In Indiana, if the wheel touches the ground, it's a trailer and has to be licensed as a trailer no matter how it's connected to the tow vehicle. Also, if this were attached to a trailer or a 5th wheel, in Indiana, it would be considered a "double tow" .. legal in Indiana, but still needs the separate license plate. Not every state may be the same.
  • GrumpyandGrandm's avatar
    GrumpyandGrandm
    Explorer
    Mar 23, 2015
    PA is one of the biggest anti double tow states so you should check with your State Police before buying one.
  • fj12ryder's avatar
    fj12ryder
    Explorer III
    Mar 23, 2015
    I've used one for several years and they work very well, but you need to check your state to see whether it's legal. Not an issue in my state, but not all states look at them the same.

    I was never stopped in any state I traveled through, or in, and I was in several states that supposedly don't allow double towing, but YMMV.
  • Thumbs's avatar
    Thumbs
    Explorer
    Mar 23, 2015
    Yeah I did a little checking in Pa. but not satisfied as of yet. I was told as long as it was attached to the trailer so that it didn't rotate like a ball connection and since the state of Pa. doesn't title it, no tag, it would be fine. On the other hand I was also told it was up to the officer and they just write the ticket and let you worry about it in court. So the bottom line is who knows. Like has been stated every state is different. I will say though no sure I have ever seen one on the east coast.
  • fj12ryder's avatar
    fj12ryder
    Explorer III
    Mar 23, 2015
    My experience has been that the DMV will tell you one thing, but what the LEO who stops you believes is true is what matters at the moment. And sometimes the DMV and the LEO standing at your window have widely differing opinions. :)
  • Thumbs's avatar
    Thumbs
    Explorer
    Mar 23, 2015
    Yup exactly. People that should know have no idea. Heck it's the government. Ever try getting a straight answer from the IRS ??
  • Ropdoc's avatar
    Ropdoc
    Explorer
    Mar 23, 2015
    ok, so outside of the state and leo issues. Is this a good way to tow? I have a RZR that I may have to sell if I can't resolve this question.

    Thank you,
    Dave
  • Winged_One's avatar
    Winged_One
    Explorer
    Mar 23, 2015
    Thumbs wrote:
    Has anyone used one of the things? Also I am assuming they are not considered a trailer since they are not licensed.
    Has anyone even seen one of these on the road?

    If you have one have you ever been stopped by the police? How do you like them? Do they do what they are supposed to and do the swivel wheels hold up?

    thanks for the help


    I have a 58DW for use behind my 5th. I licensed mine in my State, mainly so I could also use it behind my pickup without dealing with a bored LEO. I bought it from someone that used it behind his MH, never licensed it and took it 3 times to Florida and back without an issue. YMMV.

    I don't have an issue in my State to use it. Took it to Montana and back. No issues.

    I put new D rated tires on before the trip. Have about 6k miles on them. One needs replacing (I carry a spare wheel and tire). But that is about normal miles for these smaller tires. They are pretty cheap, both in price and quality (only Chinese tires are available).
  • fj12ryder's avatar
    fj12ryder
    Explorer III
    Mar 23, 2015
    I had a Smart Trailer to haul 2 motorcycles behind our 34' 5th wheel, and it worked great. No worries when it came to backing up, and it did fine. The only thing to watch for is the increased swing of the rear of the 5th wheel. We had a rear view camera, which I think is almost a necessity to watch what goes on back there.
  • laknox's avatar
    laknox
    Nomad
    Mar 23, 2015
    fj12ryder wrote:
    I had a Smart Trailer to haul 2 motorcycles behind our 34' 5th wheel, and it worked great. No worries when it came to backing up, and it did fine. The only thing to watch for is the increased swing of the rear of the 5th wheel. We had a rear view camera, which I think is almost a necessity to watch what goes on back there.


    Depending on loading, you =can= unweight the pin enough to cause stability issues. My local hitch shop installed one for a customer, then had to remove it as it was unweighting the pin so much that it was near-impossible to tow. They tried filling the fresh water tank and loading everything, including food, forward, but it wasn't enough. Not a real happy customers.

    Lyle

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