Question for ExcelRVGuy

[camperguy]

Seems almost everyone uses their factory installed receiver hitch for something or other. I know what the hitch is rated at, but as you have read on the forum, some of us are interested in pulling a trailer. Are all Excel models frame heavy enough to support the additional stress and weight of a swivel wheel or steerable axle trailer?

[camperguy]

Seems almost everyone uses their factory installed receiver hitch for something or other. I know what the hitch is rated at, but as you have read on the forum, some of us are interested in pulling a trailer. Are all Excel models frame heavy enough to support the additional stress and weight of a swivel wheel or steerable axle trailer?

[ExcelRVGuy]

Without extrapolating on what type of trailer we allow, we have rated our receiver hitch for a maximum "down" weight of 400#. In most instances, using the rule of thumb that most bumper pull trailers prefer approximately 10% of their TOTAL weight on the tongue, you could pull approximately a #4000 trailer. OUR main concern though is that the receiver hitch isn't exceeding the #400 down weight.

Hope this answers your question.

Bryan

[camperguy]

Bryan..I understand that a 4000# standard trailer could be pulled. I am concerned about the stress that a swivel wheel or steerable axle trailer puts on the frame. This kind of trailer is like an extension of the existing Excel frame, putting additional stress on the frame that it may not have been designed to handle.

[Highgturn]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by camperguy:
Bryan..I understand that a 4000# standard trailer could be pulled. I am concerned about the stress that a swivel wheel or steerable axle trailer puts on the frame. This kind of trailer is like an extension of the existing Excel frame, putting additional stress on the frame that it may not have been designed to handle. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

With either of the devices in question, the moment at the Excel's frame would be insignificant due to the fact that the device's wheels steer. As far as weight is concerned most of that is carried by the wheel and tire / tires. The advantage over a trailer is the unique ability it has to back up.

[ExcelRVGuy]

Camperguy,

I'm afraid I'm not much help on this subject. We have never tested and have no experience with the swivel wheel concept, therefore we can not recommend or endorse the product.

Bryan

[ChiefJohn]

Bob,
I believe I see where "camperguy" is coming from as regards the swivel wheel trailer. The weight is balanced over the single tire, seems like the trailer would have a tendency to twist up/down on the left/right side as the weight shifts. This twisting motion would be transferred to the hitch/frame. You're the engineer -- educate us!

[Highgturn]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by ChiefJohn:
Bob,
I believe I see where "camperguy" is coming from as regards the swivel wheel trailer. The weight is balanced over the single tire, seems like the trailer would have a tendency to twist up/down on the left/right side as the weight shifts. This twisting motion would be transferred to the hitch/frame. You're the engineer -- educate us! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

We don't have any real information to work with so looking at this thing it's just educated speculation. Personally, I would not be interested in the swivel wheel design at all; however, the "Idaho Tote"� is a good solid design, but for 6K it should be. I think the problem with either one would be that the hitch weight could easily exceed the Excel's 400# rated capacity, depending on what you load on it. As for as twisting or roll loading of the Excel frame even throw this device is an extension of the frame, I don't see that being significant enough to be a problem especially with the "Idaho Tote"�. MTCW