New Goose Neck

[Farmwithjunk]

And just what's WRONG with that set-up? According to some of the stuff I've read on the trailer forum, all a guy would have to do is, drive careful, allow a little extra space for stops, make certain his tires are inflated to proper pressure, and keep speeds under 80 and that's as safe as it needs to get. (SARCASM indicator light flashing brightly)

Obviously, much effort went into the design and construction of that hitch. The wooden blocking being dowelled to the reciever drop is a brilliant touch. As well is the redundant support chains on the gate. (Take note of the high quality "s" hook on the end of that chain!) They should suitably impress any State Trooper.

 

[Renze]

If we, at our company, tried to get this onto the road in Holland, the traffic inspection agency would have the following comments:

1. any 5th wheel device should be directly mounted to the truck frame. If an additional subframe is used, you need to have a calculation report of a 3D Finite Ends Analysis (FEM) to show that the assisting construction is strong enough.

2. The center of the 5th wheel coupling is not allowed to be behind the rear axle center.

3. the log of wood supporting the tailgate is obstructing the view at the license plate

4. The trailer should clear the truck cab in 90° in both directions (left and right turns)

If all these criteria had been met, the inspectors would still find something silly to stop anything from getting on the road like this

 

[Farmwithjunk]

If we, at our company, tried to get this onto the road in Holland, the traffic inspection agency would have the following comments:

1. any 5th wheel device should be directly mounted to the truck frame. If an additional subframe is used, you need to have a calculation report of a 3D Finite Ends Analysis (FEM) to show that the assisting construction is strong enough.

2. The center of the 5th wheel coupling is not allowed to be behind the rear axle center.

3. the log of wood supporting the tailgate is obstructing the view at the license plate

4. The trailer should clear the truck cab in 90° in both directions (left and right turns)

If all these criteria had been met, the inspectors would still find something silly to stop anything from getting on the road like this

Just my opinion, but in all likelyhood, a quick, on the spot "mental evaluation" of the driiver would result in a "NO GO" on this rig.

 

[DirtyWorks]

Is that an ALABAMA lic plate?

 

[Lynkage]

Eat drink and be marry for tomorrow you may be in UTAH!!

I lived in SLC for about 10 years my mother still does. It has a lot of neat places to go and has very pretty scenery but........ most of the people there are way nuts behind the wheel. Speed limit signs are just a suggestion and it is a race from light to light and if you get on I-15 it is a plain Indy 500 (with bad drivers).

It is so bad I have to tell my mother she can not drive my vehicles when she comes to visit. She has gotten better over the years but still a Lead Foot!!

So really these pics do not surprise me one bit.

 

[RedRocker]

I can't believe you guys missed the biggest mistake in that setup. The 4X4 block should at least be a 6X6 for the added support and for sure some type of Elmer's glue to hold it in place on the ball receiver.

 

[eaglej]

"The 4X4 block should at least be a 6X6 for the added support and for sure some type of Elmer's glue to hold it in place on the ball receiver."

INCORRECT! The 6X6 would not have the proper amount of damping. It is obvious that you have not studied this design. The 4X4 provides a damping element that reduces the impact stress on the assembly.

I also admire the use of the "S" hooks on the safety chains. Usability was obviously considered here. So simple to attach...

I don't see why everyone is so critical. You are just jealous of his fabrication skills. You shouldn't criticize the design until you have built your own S10 Blazer 5th wheel.

J

 

[Renze]

The 3D FEM analysis which is required by European law to get an approval on a 5th wheel subframe, has to prove that there is a safety factor of 5 near welded areas... i'm pretty sure the wood has a better fatigue strength than steel ....

 

[jimgerken]

I am now building my own, for my Ford Focus. Is the wood supposed to be pine or oak?

 

[eaglej]

"The 3D FEM analysis which is required by European law to get an approval on a 5th wheel subframe, has to prove that there is a safety factor of 5 near welded areas... i'm pretty sure the wood has a better fatigue strength than steel ...."

That is what I'm talking about. It takes forward thinking to embrace such radical design vision. This is the way of the future- soon we will all be running around in these. Mine is going to convert quickly so I can haul livestock as well.

Shopping list:
(1) 8' 4X4
swingset chain
S hooks for said swingset chain
misc scrapyard metal
unibit for cutting "safety chain" holes in sheetmetal
(1) $500 Chevy Blazer- undoubtedly not mechanically sound w/ 0 load.

Am I missing anything?

J