Need some links...

[gumpy]

I need some links to trailer hitches which utilize a load bearing axle on the tongue. My Father-In-Law and I are considering ways to modify his converted cargo trailer so he can carry his
Kubota 4-wheeler truck on a front mounted platform. We want to build a hitch extension that will mount with 3 trailer ball mounts (the original hitch ball, and two that we will add to the
original hitch frame). We'll mount a platform with ramps that will allow loading of the Kubota from the front. The Kubota is too long to load sideways. The frame, platform, and ramps are
fairly easy, but for this to work, we'll need to add a load carrying axle of some sort.

I'm interested in all concepts, wide and narrow. I'm really leaning toward some sort of Boeing 737 like front landing gear concept with a shopping cart angled wheel assembly that will self track.
I think a forward facing hinge with an air bag behind it for suspension, and a central post that allows it to free swivel would work well. The truck he pulls the trailer with already has
air bags added to the suspension, so extending that to an air shock on the axle will be simple.  It will have to have brakes. The trailer has electric brakes, so hooking in the hitch axle
will be simple. But I need to see some ideas on the swivel post and angle of the wheels, etc.

I know there have been discussions where this has come up in the past, but I don't recall seeing links or photos, so please post some here, or email me some info if you have it.

thanks
craig

[fe2_o3]

  Craig; I'm not sure if this helps, but I ran across this set up this last summer. It's set up for a 5th wheel, but also has a 2x2 receiver for a slide in hitch...Cable
 

[gumpy]

That's good stuff. Do you have more info on it?  Maybe more photos or a contact info on the owner or mfg?

[fe2_o3]

   Yes I do. Tow Buddy by Hitch Buddy. I have several pix but they are rather large. I'll put one here and email to your contact add. if it's OK...Cable

[Slow Rider]

I don't know what they go for normally but there is one on the bay    320621828646

Seems a bit pricey.........

Frank

[gumpy]

   Yes I do. Tow Buddy by Hitch Buddy. I have several pix but they are rather large. I'll put one here and email to your contact add. if it's OK...Cable

yeah, that would be perfect.

I'm more interested in how the mechanicals work on it since I'll have to tailor it to my specific needs, but that's what I'm interested in.

[fe2_o3]

Done...I think...Let me know...Cable

[gumpy]

Done...I think...Let me know...Cable

Yep, got them. Thanks.

Looks like the wheels don't steer. I wonder how that works out. It's not attached to a ball. Seems to mount in a receiver, but there's no consideration for the drag caused by turning.

Also looks like the company may be out of business. All the urls I've found seem to go nowhere. There was one bad comment on some obscure blog, but not much else.

[fe2_o3]

OK then...How about this one?...Cable


http://www.digisys.net/bics/html/photo_gallery.html

[scenicruiser997]

Looks like it would be a bear cat kitty to back up that beast.

[gumpy]

OK then...How about this one?...Cable


http://www.digisys.net/bics/html/photo_gallery.html

Yeah, I saw that one, too, and found a link to even another one that automatically connects itself and even has a winch to pull it and the trailer out of the mud.
This one would not scrub the tires on turns, but would be nearly impossible to back up.

Some good ideas in these, but I still haven't seen anything on a single post mount unit yet, like I was hoping to.

I'm also thinking about ways to maybe use front spindles off an old rear wheel drive vehicle and use drag links and tie rods to allow the wheels to turn
as the tow vehicle turns. Kind of like the tag axle of some newer buses does. Forward would be pretty simple, as it would perform like a 4-down toad
does when you turn. Backing would be another story, I think. But maybe if the toe in is set straight, it might not be a problem.

The whole attach the helper directly to the receiver of the tow vehicle is interesting, and may warrant more thought. I was initially thinking of a system
that is attached to the tongue of the trailer, and still attaches to the pickup via the ball hitch.

[fe2_o3]

  About a hundred years ago (more like 40) a friend of mine had a single wheel trailer that clamped to the back bumper. The wheel had two springs and pivoted like a caster on a shopping cart. If you could find one of those maybe it would work. It's a long shot, but it's a shot...Cable

[fe2_o3]

   The wheel looked something like this...Cable

[RJ]

Craig -

Maybe something based off the Tuff-Tow unit?

https://www.shogunindustries.com/cgi-bin/ws400CS.cgi?cart_id=1101127015129404&page=tufftowindex.html

FWIW & HTH. . .



PS:  You going to Jack's Party this year?

[gumpy]

Craig -

Maybe something based off the Tuff-Tow unit?

https://www.shogunindustries.com/cgi-bin/ws400CS.cgi?cart_id=1101127015129404&page=tufftowindex.html

That's exactly what I was thinking about. Thank you RJ. Of course, your posting this made me realize this probably won' work. The height of the trailer hitch is very similar to that in the photo.
Mounting a platform above that would require that the platform be set way up high. While probably doable, it's not desirable.

I'll study this more, but I have a feeling I'm going to end up putting a wide axle on it with fenders. That would be ok as the Kubota is not very wide.

PS:  You going to Jack's Party this year?

No. Not this year. We had been planning on it, but there was a death in the family this summer that has caused us to change our plans. Maybe next year.