bpounds wrote:
laknox wrote:
I still don't get the incredibly long distance between hitch and axles you see on most Aussie FWs. Other than that, it looks incredible!
Lyle
Looks odd to us at first glance, but that is actually the best way to do a fifthwheel. Take a look at any commercial tractor/trailer for comparison. BUT, and it is a big BUT, you have to have the tractor to handle the load. It balances the load fore and aft, unlike a typical RV which balances more like a teeter totter.
Nice thing about it for them, is it reduces the rear overhang so you don't drag butt over terrain. I guess the trade-off is high centering.
Oh, I understand how it works and why our FWs are engineered the way they are, which is to be able to use lighter trucks to tow heavier trailers. I also know that OZ has some specific =legal= requirements on wheelbase and rear overhang limits. Robert had posted something referencing that 2-3 years ago. The other issue with a long wheelbase is that the FW will track a lot further inside a turn with the wheels further back.
Lyle
