Towing

If he takes the time to cut away the back 2/3 of the van body...whats the fabrication of a backing plate system to support the hitch...

Of course this is a silly discussion as 5th wheels were only ever intended to be pulled by pickups (not counting commercial trucks)

valhalla360 wrote:

twodownzero wrote:

Most vans don't have a frame, good luck with that idea.

I did say he would have to make some custom attachments for the hitch.

Yeah, but there's not really anything but sheet metal to attach it.

gbopp wrote:

TimnJo wrote:
https://mrtrailer.com/safetyhitch.htm

I make no claims as to the safety or wisdom of using such a setup.

Clicky
This thing probably costs more then the OP's old Terry.
I would get a truck.

X2!
While the safety, is attached as a frame extension, for the cost the OP could buy a decent used 3/4 gas PU truck to tow the 5er.

twodownzero wrote:

Most vans don't have a frame, good luck with that idea.

I did say he would have to make some custom attachments for the hitch.

KJLASmith1! wrote:
I recently acquired an old Terry 28' fifth wheel camper.. I currently don't own a pick-up but have a heavy duty work van. Is it possible for the hitch on the van to be modified for the van to haul the fifth wheel.

It’s possible. But please don’t. :)

Pulling 5th Backwards

"Most vans don't have a frame, good luck with that idea."

OP said HD work Van, yes they do have a frame.

valhalla360 wrote:
Sure you can.

Get out the sawzall and cut off the rear roof of the van just behind the driver seat. Take the sides down so they are no more than around 18-24" high.

Remove any seats or other structures in the back and then mount a 5th wheel hitch over the rear axle. You'll probably have to custom fabricate the attachments as the standard ones are designed for pickups.

By the time you are done, you probably could have bought a suitable used pickup and not trashed the van for a whole lot less effort.

Somehow fabricating an extension aft of the receiver hitch...that's a non-starter for a host of reasons.

Most vans don't have a frame, good luck with that idea.

You goal has been discussed (and cussed before). It will take a lot of research and work for you to make this work. Your van might or might not be able to get the job done. Sorry you got so much sarcasm and not much help.

Earlier Discussion:

https://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/28733246.cfm

Sure you can.

Get out the sawzall and cut off the rear roof of the van just behind the driver seat. Take the sides down so they are no more than around 18-24" high.

Remove any seats or other structures in the back and then mount a 5th wheel hitch over the rear axle. You'll probably have to custom fabricate the attachments as the standard ones are designed for pickups.

By the time you are done, you probably could have bought a suitable used pickup and not trashed the van for a whole lot less effort.

Somehow fabricating an extension aft of the receiver hitch...that's a non-starter for a host of reasons.

donn0128 wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:

KJLASmith1! wrote:
I recently acquired an old Terry 28' fifth wheel camper.. I currently don't own a pick-up but have a heavy duty work van. Is it possible for the hitch on the van to be modified for the van to haul the fifth wheel. Any information or advice on this subject would be greatly appreciated.

Let's clarify this, is your Terry a tow behind "CAMPER" or a 5th wheel "CAMPER" ???????

OP specifically said 5th wheel. So I was correct the first time.

YES. I thought I edited my post but I guess NOT.

THANKS for calling me out.

Honestly I was only thinking it was a tow behind because he mentioned a VAN.