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Powered Converter Dolly?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by swiveldemon, Dec 9, 2020.

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  1. Dec 9, 2020 #1
    swiveldemon

    swiveldemon Bobtail Member

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    Would you use a powered converter dolly that was powered (via batteries)? I've built custom consumer cars before, and am considering building a converter dolly with batteries and electric motors to drive the wheels. The idea is that you can get the advantages of electric (lower price, lower maintenance), without having to replace your tractor. It would either be a rental through a place like EDITED...no links to advertisers allowed , or would stay with the trailer and be used to more easily move trailers around yards (similar to the electric dollies you see like:

    My calculations suggest that as a driver you'd make about 50% more since electricity is so much cheaper than diesel. If it helps this is a rough drawing of what it would look like:

    TypeB Single (1).png
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Dec 9, 2020
    swiveldemon, Dec 9, 2020
    swiveldemon, Dec 9, 2020
    #1
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  3. Dec 9, 2020 #3
    NYStarcar

    NYStarcar Light Load Member

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    Can't think of any state where that setup would be legal not to mention all the mechanical aspects that aren't adressed like brakes and steering of the power unit.
     
    NYStarcar, Dec 9, 2020
    NYStarcar, Dec 9, 2020
    #3
  4. Dec 9, 2020 #3
    Crude Truckin'

    Crude Truckin' Alien Spacecraft

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    No weight on the drives.
     
    Crude Truckin', Dec 9, 2020
    Crude Truckin', Dec 9, 2020
    #3
    okiedokie Thanks this.
  5. Dec 9, 2020 #4
    swiveldemon

    swiveldemon Bobtail Member

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    But would it need much? My calcs say the vast majority of the load can be pulled by the electric motors
     
    Last edited: Dec 9, 2020
    swiveldemon, Dec 9, 2020
    swiveldemon, Dec 9, 2020
    #4
  7. Dec 9, 2020 #5
    NYStarcar

    NYStarcar Light Load Member

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    595
    Oct 6, 2020
    In a van down by the river
    0
     
    NYStarcar, Dec 9, 2020
    NYStarcar, Dec 9, 2020
    #5
  8. Dec 9, 2020 #6
    AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    Weight = traction. Its also more stable.

    Ever see those folks upside down in a ditch, attached to a big RV trailer? That's what happens when the tow vehicle has insufficient weight on it when compared to the trailer. You get the death wobble and then you're in the ditch.
     
    AModelCat, Dec 9, 2020
    AModelCat, Dec 9, 2020
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  9. Dec 9, 2020 #7
    okiedokie

    okiedokie Road Train Member

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    The more couples and longer the truck the more crack the whip effect. Think doubles vs triples.
     
    okiedokie, Dec 9, 2020
    okiedokie, Dec 9, 2020
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    truckguy391 and gentleroger Thank this.
  10. Dec 9, 2020 #8
    mnmover

    mnmover Road Train Member

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    It is hooked to the tractor wrong. Try a fifth wheel couple with a jif-like attachment to the tractor frame so it turns with the tractor instead. The electric motors idea is interesting, but Pittsburg Power had developed an electric tag axles to replace the 3rd axle on a tractor, and they sold the idea to another company in PA. The other company had invented a trailer axle that was electric powered with the same ides of being electric to help unit power itself. Maybe fuel is too cheap now.
     
    mnmover, Dec 9, 2020
    mnmover, Dec 9, 2020
    #8
  11. Dec 9, 2020 #9
    AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    How much does said unit weigh? Length will be a factor too. Can only go so long before permits are needed.
     
    AModelCat, Dec 9, 2020
    AModelCat, Dec 9, 2020
    #9
  12. Dec 9, 2020 #10
    lester

    lester Midwest's #1 Feed Hauler

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    I'm afraid there's a whole lot wrong with your design. Cost of purchase for this unit? Sure you will save on diesel but electricity isn't free. How long can it go between charges? How much will it weigh? The entire configuration you have drawn up will not work as stated above. Why not just add electric drive right to the tractor instead of adding another unit
     
    lester, Dec 9, 2020
    lester, Dec 9, 2020
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    gentleroger and AModelCat Thank this.
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