What hitch setup is this?

Discussion in 'Questions To Truckers From The General Public' started by setter12, Jun 21, 2011.

  1. setter12

    setter12 Bobtail Member

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    Apr 19, 2011
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    So we are purchasing this race hauler trailer. It's 50ft x 13.5ft tall, steel frame with LQ. Estimated weight 18k lbs. Here is a photo of the current hitch setup. It's what the owner calls a "mini 5th wheel hitch". They towed it with a Volvo toterhome. We want to tow it with your regular semi tractor like you'd lease from Ryder. My question is what setup is on there now and what do I need to do to convert it, so any average semi tractor can pull this?
     

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  3. oilfieldtrash

    oilfieldtrash Light Load Member

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    Oct 17, 2009
    Jones,Oklahoma
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    It is a standard 2'' kingpin. As long as you don't have clearance issues any truck with a standard fifth wheel can pull it. You will need to check the light plug also. A truck will probably only have a standard 7-way connector(round pins). I have pulled a friends travel trailer with no issues with my truck before.
     
  4. setter12

    setter12 Bobtail Member

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    Apr 19, 2011
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    The owner said a semi would need a sliding hitch to allow enough clearance so the truck doesnt hit the trailer. That sound right?
     
  5. oilfieldtrash

    oilfieldtrash Light Load Member

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    Oct 17, 2009
    Jones,Oklahoma
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    Yes, that's the clearance that I was talking about. You will need either a single axle truck or a tandem that will slide the center of the fifth wheel back to near the center of the rear axle.
     
  6. Freebird135

    Freebird135 Road Train Member

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    In the air conditioning
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    if we could see a better pic of the front end of the trailer it would be easier to tell if it will have any issues being pulled by a semi tractor........it looks like either a sliding 5th wheel or a single axle tractor would do it
     
  7. 123456

    123456 Road Train Member

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    You will most likely have to remove the tractors mud flaps and brackets for

    clearance !!!!

    If you get lucky, maybe not.............
     
  8. SHO-TYME

    SHO-TYME Road Train Member

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    Dahlonega, GA
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    I pull a trailer like that all the time, my 5th wheel sits right in the middle of the front and rear axle.Also, you're going to have to add a brake controller if it doesn't have air brakes or air over hydraulic brakes. I ran a separate harness to the back of the tractor and tied the brake/turn lights from the tractor taillights, trailer brake controls and hot wire for trailer. I put the RV style receptical on the rear to plug the trailer into. So I can pull any trailer and not have to worry about an adapter or rewiring anything. I also run the same mini kingpin you have there.

    [​IMG]
     
  9. SHO-TYME

    SHO-TYME Road Train Member

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    Apr 20, 2011
    Dahlonega, GA
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    Here's a few more pics to help you out. Just to give you an idea, there is 23 inches from the rear frame of the tractor to the front of the trailer, when I turn, I have about 3-4 inches between the mudflap bracket and trailer.

    [​IMG]

    Where the trailer light plug is located.

    [​IMG]


    And I run these mudflap hangers.


    [​IMG]
     
  10. I_HATE_MINIVANS

    I_HATE_MINIVANS Heavy Load Member

    SHO-TYME, that 5th wheel looks small. Is it the same kind I pull ordinary semi-trailers with? One of our O/O's told me he can't pull his 5th wheel camper with his bobtail because the camper's king pin is slightly smaller than the ones on the 53 foot reefers we pull.
     
    Last edited: Jun 22, 2011
  11. sidepocket

    sidepocket Light Load Member

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    Mar 1, 2011
    louisa, va
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    the plate pictured above is smaller... however the pin is standard size...

    I have saw some small 5th wheel campers with small pins as well, that may be his problem
     
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