Long long trailer

[Oconomowoc]

I don’t know if that picture will work but, in the movie The long long trailer they had a contraption, a wheel, behind the trailer hitch. I’m guessing it was to reduce hitch weight. In theory you could tow with zero hitch weight added to your tow vehicle. Any reasons why that system was abandoned?

https://i.pinimg.com/736x/53/ea/69/5...bfb2054e88.jpg

[carybosse]

Likely not stable at highway speeds.

[Nwcid]

Not exactly like that, but there are a wide variety of 5th wheel dolly's that are commonly used in commercial applications.

Here is one option for RV style use, https://mrtrailer.com/safetyhitch.htm

[KanzKran]

Originally Posted by Oconomowoc

I don’t know if that picture will work but, in the movie The long long trailer they had a contraption, a wheel, behind the trailer hitch. I’m guessing it was to reduce hitch weight. In theory you could tow with zero hitch weight added to your tow vehicle. Any reasons why that system was abandoned?

https://i.pinimg.com/736x/53/ea/69/5...bfb2054e88.jpg

That's a Slimp Wheel unit. Takes some of the tongue load.

[tderonne]

Modern version:

http://trailertoad.com/

Costs a bit more than $120.

[Oconomowoc]

The down side? No more over weight tow vehicles. Sounds like a more stable tow. Something isn’t right

[Oconomowoc]

They sound legitimate

https://youtu.be/qw3_C9YWZKE

[Nwcid]

Originally Posted by Oconomowoc

The down side? No more over weight tow vehicles. Sounds like a more stable tow. Something isn’t right

Cost
Complexity
Some states may consider this double towing
Lack of need in most situations

Even if you have eliminated hitch weight, there is still vehicle tow weight. What do you do about braking? Engine and tranny cooling? Stability in windy, or truck passing you conditions? All of the other functions a vehicle needs for effective towing and safe stopping?