Why are there no swiveling front axle trailers?

[Ted S.]

Seems it would solve a lot of issues with trailer sway, weight distribution and load capacity of the tow vehicle.

[rocco52]

I am no expert but I think it would nearly impossible to back one up.

[slowmover]

Think of grocery carts.

The farm wagons so equipped are low speed only.

These TT are the way they are because it works.

It’s a formula of importance in thirds:

Tow vehicle design

Hitch rigging and setup

TT design.

The usual screwups are in using a pickup

An obsolete WDH

But the trailer is best by design.


Fix the first two and rig handling problems decline drastically.

.

[Overstreet]

Think of "dollies" used by trailer companies to "tandem" trailers specifically 5th wheels when delivering new trailers.

Think UPS trucks with tandem tows on the second trailers.

My F-I-L used to back his tandem tows all the time when delivering trailers. Before that it was farm trailers. They do sway though.

[tjdonahoe]

Originally Posted by Ted S.

Seems it would solve a lot of issues with trailer sway, weight distribution and load capacity of the tow vehicle.

I have pulled triples, doubles....they do wander around....truck, 4 axles...pulling a 3 axle pup on a pintal hitch is the most stable....55,500 truck.....43500 on the trailer...was th most stable...on ice and snow...

[tjdonahoe]

Originally Posted by Ted S.

Seems it would solve a lot of issues with trailer sway, weight distribution and load capacity of the tow vehicle.

I have pulled triples, doubles....they do wander around....truck, 4 axles...pulling a 3 axle pup on a pintal hitch is the most stable....55,500 truck.....43500 on the trailer...was the most stable...on ice and snow...

[slowmover]

Wiggle wagons. No thanks. My hats off the Linehaul guys who have to drive them.

[Ted S.]

Originally Posted by rocco52

I am no expert but I think it would nearly impossible to back one up.

I didn't think of the whole backup thing, yes, that would be an issue. Unless you hard connected the front axle of the trailer to the hitch, meaning there was no pivot on the ball, I don't know.

The whole concept would appear a bit comical on the highway, but when you think of it, I think the design is superior for off road or not so offroad as in boondocking down rough roads.

I think of this every year when the Miller welders go on the Black Friday Sale. I dream of building my own trailers, quitting my day job and just going full time with it. Don't worry, by January I will be done with it, out skiing and not making these silly posts.

[Shacksman]

https://www.reddit.com/r/airstream/c...e_a_front_and/
There was one built as a test and never went into production

[Overstreet]

Originally Posted by Ted S.

Seems it would solve a lot of issues with trailer sway, weight distribution and load capacity of the tow vehicle.

Personally it is extra things to maintain that doesn't solve a problem I have. It creates more problems. I don't have sway problems. Dollies have their own sway problems. I don't need two extra tires to maintain pressure or replace when worn. It is a bad choice for me. Perhaps there are others like me?