Recently in Halls gap cp. For a couple of days I seen an unusual van, around 26ft. Long with tandem axles at rear like a semi-trailer, towing end was a pivoting A frame with single axle with ball coupling, no weight on tow vehicle with this set up but wonder how it would tow with 2 pivot points, hard to reverse I would think, anyone else seen
this set up?
Joda
RustyD said
12:04 PM Feb 23, 2018
Did you get a pic?
Joda said
12:17 PM Feb 23, 2018
Yep, got some shots on my camera, will try to transfer them to my tablet & put on to the forum (tricky stuff for an old fart!) Did not look home built, maybe converted from original van?
Joda
Peter_n_Margaret said
12:49 PM Feb 23, 2018
It is called a "dog" trailer. Conventional caravans are "pig" trailers. "Dog" trailers tow extremely well, and are inherently stable, unlike "pig" trailers. There is almost zero ball weight. They are very difficult to reverse, but a few people can do it.
Would that van be classed an an articulated vehicle and hence require an endorsed licence of some sort?
BigRig said
05:05 PM Feb 23, 2018
Actually . They Are easier to reverse than a "normal rear hitch" set up . I believe . Old mate used to have a gypsy wagon with
two horses pulling it . And more stable than a rear hitch . I believe . I had an old farm trailer , I used to run around with.
I'd have one.
RustyD said
05:35 PM Feb 23, 2018
Not sure about stability. I was travelling on a windy country road when a truck & dog trailer came towards us. The trailer was bouncing all over the road coming around a bend and nearly took us out.
The road trains travelling up thru the centre (Alice) also wander over the road a bit.
boab said
08:05 PM Feb 23, 2018
no way are they easier to reverse than a normal trailer there is an extra pivot point its the same as a second and third trailer on a road train i have done my share of steering them and it takes practice to reverse and dolly
denmonkey said
10:39 PM Feb 23, 2018
did you actually see it under tow on a roadway?
It looks like its only set up to be moved about on site but not to travel. I could be wrong though.
Joda said
10:47 PM Feb 23, 2018
No, was set up when We arrived, didnt get a chance to speak as they were out all day.
PeterD said
11:02 PM Feb 23, 2018
Joda wrote:
Snip . . towing end was a pivoting A frame with single axle with ball coupling,
The front axle is similar to the front axle of vehicles pre-independent suspension. The tow pole is attached to the middle of the front axle, a tie rod between the pole and the front RH wheel steers the wheels..
I saw it being built in the Spaceland factory when I picked up the first of my Spaceland vans in 1997. The chassis was supplied by the owner and Spaceland built the body. As I remember way back then there is an office bench across the front, the rest of it was still being fitted out when I saw it.
I have since seen it parked a couple of times with a couple of different Land Rover Discoveries in front. The owner was not around each time so i did not get a chance to have a chat with him. It still looks in good nick.
It is called a "dog" trailer. Conventional caravans are "pig" trailers.
"Dog" trailers tow extremely well, and are inherently stable, unlike "pig" trailers.
There is almost zero ball weight. They are very difficult to reverse, but a few people can do it.
Cheers,
Peter
Called a dog trailer because its always following you. anyhoo hers some pics.
joda
Actually . They Are easier to reverse than a "normal rear hitch" set up . I believe . Old mate used to have a gypsy wagon with
two horses pulling it . And more stable than a rear hitch . I believe . I had an old farm trailer , I used to run around with.
I'd have one.
The road trains travelling up thru the centre (Alice) also wander over the road a bit.
It looks like its only set up to be moved about on site but not to travel. I could be wrong though.
The front axle is similar to the front axle of vehicles pre-independent suspension. The tow pole is attached to the middle of the front axle, a tie rod between the pole and the front RH wheel steers the wheels..
I saw it being built in the Spaceland factory when I picked up the first of my Spaceland vans in 1997. The chassis was supplied by the owner and Spaceland built the body. As I remember way back then there is an office bench across the front, the rest of it was still being fitted out when I saw it.
I have since seen it parked a couple of times with a couple of different Land Rover Discoveries in front. The owner was not around each time so i did not get a chance to have a chat with him. It still looks in good nick.