Why?

[777 Driver]

We had our first dinner guests in our RV. Our son & daughter-in-law were (coincidentally) tent camping in a nearby campground and we asked them over for dinner.

Our daughter-in-law asked what sounded like a simple question:

“Why is a 5th wheel called a ‘5th wheel’?”

I spent a little time trying to find an answer…no luck?

So, I await enlightenment!

Take care,
Stu

["007"]

At your service, why is it called a 5th wheel.

[777 Driver]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 007";669029]At your service, [B][URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fifth_wheel_coupling why is it called a 5th wheel.[/URL][/B]

Thanks!

What did we do before Wikipedia? Yeah, I'm old enough to know the answer to that. In fact, at home, I've got a barely used, leather bound complete Encyclopaedia Britannica and a companion set of Annals of America. Really nice books...barely used.

Take care,
Stu

[SwampTrash]

I always wondered about that too, thanks 007!

[wa8yxm]

Interesting... I knew the hitch on a Semi is called a 5th wheel, assumed it was because it is kind of wheel shaped.

I have towed a 4-wheel farm wagon of the kind where the entire front axle pivoted (like a little red wagon often does) when you turned.

[GPW]

Odd , these are usually mounted on Big Duallys around here ... Does that make them the Seventh wheel ... or just a fifth wheeler +2 .. ???