Dual axel trailers

[Corwin C]

It is doable with steerable front tires and suspension ... just with some serious practical restrictions. In fact, every semi pulling multiple trailers has very close to this type of setup.

This is what the family of a friend is doing ...
linky
I have actually towed one and I personally wouldn't consider them practical on the highway, but they are wonderful out in the "rough." I wouldn't recommend towing one of these above 40 mph, however, I have seen them moving right along, matching traffic at 65+. But the real reason for the "wagon" design even today is that they are movable with an ATV or even a horse (which is how vardo's were originally intended to be moved.)

If this is really what you want to have, I wouldn't give up on it, just recognize that there are distinct differences in how they tow (and back) and you have to be willing to make those compromises.

[High Desert]

Deryk, you did well in your advice to her. Yes the look would be great. But backing one of these up with any proficiency takes a LOT of practice (speaking from experience). And like others mentioned the steerable front axles don't pull worth a hoot at any kind of real speed. Though the semis on the highway may appear the same at first glance they are all on either a 5th wheel or turntable setup with a centered pivot point for the front axle. Not the type with the pivoting ends like a car or truck axle.

[Deryk the Pirate]

I think she wanted to be able to drag it along on their property with their tractor as well as take it camping... so I see the plus that way of the dual axle's. Personally the idea of not leveling it when ya unhitch it had some appeal but just not practical.

thanks

[Billy K]

Don't toss the WHOLE idea .... While not practical (as is) for highway speeds; she should have the trailer she wants and it can be done with some 'tinkering' ....

[Aaron Coffee]

Just a thought, but how about an axle with a ball mount setup, for the front axle, remove it for highway, install it for around the yard. Kind of like a heavy duty harbor freight trailer mover.

[48Rob]

I think she wanted to be able to drag it along on their property with their tractor as well as take it camping... so I see the plus that way of the dual axle's. Personally the idea of not leveling it when ya unhitch it had some appeal but just not practical.

Based on what I've read here, it sounds as though she may not have much experience pulling/moving trailers and is simply choosing what she thinks will be "easier".

If she's never pulled a farm wagon, she may decide a standard trailer is much easier?
Any way you can help her try both?

Rob

[Yota Bill]

Just a thought, but how about an axle with a ball mount setup, for the front axle, remove it for highway, install it for around the yard. Kind of like a heavy duty harbor freight trailer mover.

actually not a bad idea...I may just build something like this so I can move all my various trailers around with my little tractor

[dh]

Take a look at a U-Haul car dolly. I pulled an S-10 from Columbia MO to Ellis KS all 70+ mph no problems except backing up. It essentially made a 4 wheel trailer like your plan with the fromt wheels of the towed vehicle sitting on a turntable. Maybe one could be obtained and attached to the front of the chassis.

[dh]

Thinking about it, it wouldn't be hard to fabricate. A torsion axle with an up start angle or a sprung drop axle, a small frame with the axle and vertically pivoting tongue attached, and a haevy plate on top with say a 2'' hole in the center, a heavy plate on the bottom of the trailer frame with 2'' pin. Pin through hole, and kept in place with a keeppin.