long or short 5th wheel

[redcow]

Just for kicks, I was wondering which trailer would be subject to more structural damage, overall wear and tear, repair problems, etc, the short (28ft) or a (41ft) or would there be any difference?
Both sizes being used under the same conditions.

I am sure SKIA knows the answer.

red

[lyncjim]

What I would look at is tire and axle capacity vs weight on axles. More than one length will have same axle and tire capacity and the shorter one will usually weigh less so will have higher carrying capacity.

[rockintom]

Yeah red......SKIA knows it all!

Without gettin' into a bunch of technical humble-jumble (which means I don't know the answers!!!) taking that all the structure and suspension systems are the same....the longer rig takes more of beating going down the road behind the rear axle. The longer the rig the more wiggle-waggle (same as flip-flop) you have at the back of the rig, and the further rearword you go the more the flip-flop!!

A ultra simple example of this is to take a 12" ruler flat on the table and stick it out from the desk about 8 " and hold the ruler tight to the desk......with the other hand....now thump the ruler on the unsupported end.... see how the ruler vibrates/flaps back and forth? Good...now pull the ruler back to where only 4" is unsupported and do the same thump....ain't much going on....is there? I'm sure gettin' to sound like Bruce!!! I'm off to Happy Hour....where stuff like this really makes sense!!!!

[Still Working "NOT"]

KING of "humble-jumble (which means I don't know the answers!!!)" better know as SKIA. I agree in part with what you are saying. Wiggle-waggle is side to side like a happy dog's tail. Flip flop would be up and down, front to back. Not the same in my knowledge.

Without looking at the frame spec's a lot depends on the 41' unit having larger tubing for the frame, 41'=12" vs 28'=10" will make a difference in how much up and down movement and flex there will be in going over bumps. The third axle also helps. I know from pulling the Wild Cargo that I think the ride is a much better ride because of the third axle. Yes I have more lenght behind the third axle but I don't have a lot of weight back there. Also having a air pin box or air hitch will make a difference.

SKIA's example using the 12" ruler has questions in it's self. If you stand the ruler on edge you will change the fulcum point, moving it from 4" to 8". Which would allow more bounce at the back end. That is why axles are place differently on different model of fifth wheels and trailers.

A engineer would give you a better answer then I can since I'm just high school educated. As for repair cost over the life of the trailer, a lot depends on who pulls it, how they drive through dips and bumps in the road, around corners. Speed is a big factor in all of this.

That's my line of BS and I'm sticking to it.

[Bruce and Jenna]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockintom .ain't much going on....is there? I'm sure gettin' to sound like Bruce!!!

Everyone needs a goal.

At least you wrote an entry without mentioning "monkeys" one time.

[rockintom]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Still Working "NOT" KING of "humble-jumble (which means I don't know the answers!!!)" better know as SKIA. I agree in part with what you are saying. Wiggle-waggle is side to side like a happy dog's tail. Flip flop would be up and down, front to back. Not the same in my knowledge. Without looking at the frame spec's a lot depends on the 41' unit having larger tubing for the frame, 41'=12" vs 28'=10" will make a difference in how much up and down movement and flex there will be in going over bumps. The third axle also helps. I know from pulling the Wild Cargo that I think the ride is a much better ride because of the third axle. Yes I have more lenght behind the third axle but I don't have a lot of weight back there. Also having a air pin box or air hitch will make a difference. SKIA's example using the 12" ruler has questions in it's self. If you stand the ruler on edge you will change the fulcum point, moving it from 4" to 8". Which would allow more bounce at the back end. That is why axles are place differently on different model of fifth wheels and trailers. A engineer would give you a better answer then I can since I'm just high school educated. As for repair cost over the life of the trailer, a lot depends on who pulls it, how they drive through dips and bumps in the road, around corners. Speed is a big factor in all of this. That's my line of BS and I'm sticking to it.

Still,

You're correct in most of what you say.......notice I said "ultra simple example".......many folks that visit this site aren't looking for deep dives on the engineering sides.....just something they can understand and relate to in their mind.

By standing the ruler on end you're changing the hertz structure and making it more robust. Good example....kinda like why engineers would change a frame on a trailer from an I - beam or channel frame to a box frame to increase the hertz and make it stronger.

[redcow]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockintom Still, You're correct in most of what you say.......notice I said "ultra simple example".......many folks that visit this site aren't looking for deep dives on the engineering sides.....just something they can understand and make sense in their mind. By standing the ruler on end you're changing the hertz structure and making it more robust. Good example....kinda like why engineers would change a frame on a trailer from an I - beam or channel frame to a box frame to increase the hertz and make it stronger.

I finally figured out the formula to check this out:
pie are square minus pie are round = xp + 28-41= the w over r2 by 6 times under= over, thus the answer is "who cares"
I am almost as smart as SKIA

red

[rockintom]

Quote:

Originally Posted by redcow I finally figured out the formula to check this out: pie are square minus pie are round = xp + 28-41= the w over r2 by 6 times under= over, thus the answer is "who cares" I am almost as smart as SKIA red

Red,

You know the only reason you drop this thread on us in the first place to get something going......and you succeeded!!! Doesn't take much to rall us up. All the SKIAs jump right in with both feet!

You must be a very bored ol' man!!! Doesn't your store need to have the snow shoveled off the lot??? You need the business to scroung up the money to buy a new rig pretty soon. I think they may be running a special on new Excels 'bout now!!! rockin'

[Still Working "NOT"]

Tom, don't you remember Red started this buying a new rig last year. Look what it cost all of us. Don't be trying the "Keeping up with Jones" thing needs to be started every year. Even if Bryan loves it!!

[BookIIRoadtrash]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockintom Without gettin' into a bunch of technical humble-jumble (which means I don't know the answers!!!) taking that all the structure and suspension systems are the same....the longer rig takes more of beating going down the road behind the rear axle. The longer the rig the more wiggle-waggle (same as flip-flop) you have at the back of the rig, and the further rearword you go the more the flip-flop!!

Is wiggle-waggle to flip-flop as to talking normal to thick tongued?

[rockintom]

Quote:

Originally Posted by BookIIRoadtrash Is wiggle-waggle to flip-flop as to talking normal to thick tongued?

You got it buddy.....you're wound tighter than a "monkey's" hat band tonight!!!

[BookIIRoadtrash]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockintom You got it buddy.....you're wound tighter than a "monkey's" hat band tonight!!!

Be careful, I do have a "Trunk Monkey"

[rockintom]

Quote:

Originally Posted by BookIIRoadtrash Be careful, I do have a "Trunk Monkey"

Those old Suburban Trunk Monkey commericals are very old now....but boy were they good! Halarious! What car folks will do to get another piece of iron over the curb!!! I love that business!

Are we yet??? rockin'

[redcow]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockintom Red, You know the only reason you drop this thread on us in the first place to get something going......and you succeeded!!! Doesn't take much to rall us up. All the SKIAs jump right in with both feet! You must be a very bored ol' man!!! Doesn't your store need to have the snow shoveled off the lot??? You need the business to scroung up the money to buy a new rig pretty soon. I think they may be running a special on new Excels 'bout now!!! rockin'

Who, me
You coming to visit again so I have to get your free camp spot ready?

red