Single Wheel Trailer System for a Motorcycle Behind a Fifth Wheel - RV-Dreams Community Forum

BratsInABox · RV-Dreams Community Member

Single Wheel Trailer System for a Motorcycle Behind a Fifth Wheel

The Bear II · RV-Dreams Family Member

I was looking at them as a solution for carrying two mobility scooters behind our 5th wheel. I just wasn't sure how the weight with the single or double wheel setup would affect the handling of the 5th wheel.

We ended up getting a lift for the car we bring to haul one scooter and the other I breakdown and put in the back of my truck.

I have been considering a toyhauler and setting up the garage area as a living room one everything is unloaded. Use furniture that can be moved into place and or folding furniture and place flat screen TV plus fireplace on the wall. Maybe a rug that can be unrolled. I like the idea of having the ramp and being able to turn it into a patio with an awning and screening. I saw a setup that had double doors that swung from the inside to close off the back of the toyhauler for security so the patio/ramp didn't have to be raised to close it up.

A toyhauler setup like that would provide more liveable space and make it easy to haul the Harleys or my mobility scooters.

Trabuco · RV-Dreams Family Member

I investigated the cruiser lift as well has the hydro lift to haul our ultra classic. Both units will work, the only issue is the amount of weight the lift and bike with add to your rig. My approx. 850 lb bike plus 350 lb for the lift actually added up to just under 2200 by the time it was installed on the rear. Roughly 14 ft behind the rear axle. Both companies will supply a work sheet for figuring the weight added to a specific RV.

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

To add to Ken's post, all that weight would also be on one small wheel with a single wheel setup. Also, that wheel would not be visible unless one mounted a remote camera to watch it.

I would also suggest doing some more research because I think there are some states that "frown" on such additions to RV's.

Terry

Jack Mayer · RV-Dreams Family Member

On some 5th wheels you can mount a hydro lift.....You may have to reinforce the frame some. If you want to see one on a New Horizons - where no frame reinforcement is required - take a look here and scroll down to the Frame index.

Bill and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

I have seen the dual wheel 58DW in operation behind a 5^th wheel with a Harley riding along. The loading and unloading was pretty much a non-event. It “tagged” behind the 5er just fine.

The additional length just “is what it is” and you have to deal with that when you park. My main concerns would be to choose a 5^th wheel with a frame that can handle not only the vertical loads but the lateral loads. (Read Jack’s link) Also, and I don’t have a definitive answer to this question, what are the ratings of the tires – both weight and speed? Small tires always concern me and I would just make sure they have the speed rating necessary to give you a good margin in that area with the necessary weight capability. The FAQ's address this issue, but I would just check all the tire information out to your satisfaction.

I would also be concerned about who would make any necessary modifications / additions to the 5er frame. As Jack indicated, some 5ers are designed to have class III receivers installed, some may not. Some OEM factories may not make these additions for you as part of the sale. (Liability concerns) If I were making any additions to the frame I would seriously consider companies, like MOR/ryde, who know how to do this properly and safely. MOR/ryde “does this.”

Bill

-- Edited by Bill and Linda on Wednesday 15th of August 2012 07:23:44 AM

The Bear II · RV-Dreams Family Member

After re-reading through this thread, all of the sudden I remembered seeing a setup where the front wheel of a Harley was in a cradle mounted in a receiver hitch and the rear wheel was on the ground. It was being towed behind a 5th wheel.

Here's a similar setup I found on Google:

http://hoghauler.net/home

Edit by moderator: Activated link. Terry

-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Wednesday 15th of August 2012 02:53:07 PM

GENECOP · RV-Dreams Family Member

That swivel wheel looks like a nice option to me. As far as the wheel size I would do a little more research but I would imagine it has been designed to work. By using that system you transfer much of the weight off your Rig and onto the wheel....seems good.

BratsInABox · RV-Dreams Community Member

Thanks for all the information, it's been helpful and given us more to think about. Will ask more questions on weight, and tires when it's time to make the purchase.

The hoghauler looks interesting, not sure about using it though. This might be a good option for short trips but too much chance for damage to the bike for full time use. Also, more wear on the bikes tire, probably more expensive to replace than the swivelwheel tire.

Trabuco · RV-Dreams Family Member

I don't think I'd use the hogauler for long distance either. You'll wear out the Harley primary, drive belt etc. Another option would be the Idaho tote. It has 2 wheels and 2 attach points. When you're double towing and need to back you don't have to unhook the tote it follows the vehicle it's attached too.