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cosmotini · 02-22-2006, 10:36 PM

I just saw this on another forum. I thought it was interesting.

Apparently, the front wheels pivot somewhat when making turns, like a kid's wagon.

Your mission, should you decide to accept it, is to discuss the pro's and con's of this design.

Dennis

**Stefrobrts** · 02-22-2006, 10:40 PM

Could I begin by disagreeing with the statement that you don't need to level it, because it's already level wherever it goes? Most campsites I go to aren't THAT level. Isn't that why MH have levelling jacks? Unless I'm missing something obvious.

65glbtrotter · 02-22-2006, 10:48 PM

I agree with the leveling thats what I was thinking as I was looking at the ad. The idea is cool though, but it wouldn't turn as tight.

cosmotini · 02-22-2006, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stefrobrts

Could I begin by disagreeing with the statement that you don't need to level it, because it's already level wherever it goes? Most campsites I go to aren't THAT level. Isn't that why MH have levelling jacks? Unless I'm missing something obvious.

I noticed that too! I know in one of the campground spots we've had, this wheel configuration would have had the rear end raised on levelers about a foot high!

Dennis

mandolindave · 02-23-2006, 12:38 AM

There is an Argosy with the same wheel configuration amongst unique Airstreams, somewhere on this forum . The consensus was that they would be difficult to back up ( Just like a hay wagon is difficult to back up )

2airishuman · 02-23-2006, 12:45 AM

well dennis,
it looks to be of average construction and quality for a typical sob....

perhaps the ebay seller meant to suggest it's always stable where ever it goes....because of wheel location....recall that we usually refer to them as stabilizer jacks...not levelers...and this unit would need leveling as well....somewhat like a moho with the wheels at the corners....rolled onto blocks or wedges...

towing it should feel more like a single axle trailer with the aft wheels fixed and the fronts pivoting...the pivoting fronts would help with the turning/backing/parking radius....which would be very large otherwise...

it would be interesting to see the frame and what sort of suspension the axles utilize....and see it navigate in tow....

that big back door suggest 'toy hauler features or garage space too....

cheers
2air

Jim Jarzabek · 02-23-2006, 03:19 AM

60 or more years ago, there were several designs from various manufacturers trying to deal with tongue weight, turning radius, etc...
Things are still developing....
I think it is great that ingenuity in basic design is still evolving...

wahoonc · 02-23-2006, 04:12 AM

Interesting concept...but having towed hay wagons I would question the high speed stability as well as the turning radius. Anybody remember the old single swivel wheel trailers that were had mounted to the rear bumper?

Aaron

wahoonc · 02-23-2006, 04:46 AM

Okay after another cup of coffee and careful review of the pictures, I no longer question the overall stability, it doesn't use the same type of steering as the hay wagons that I am familar with

Interesting that it was built by K-Z in NM...

Aaron

mandolindave · 02-23-2006, 05:23 AM

How is it different than a hay wagon ?

wahoonc · 02-23-2006, 05:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mandolindave

How is it different than a hay wagon ?

Dave,
The hay wagons we used had a pivot point where the whole axle would pivot kind of like a little kids wagon and were very unstable at anything above a fast walk, IIRC the later ones had a automotive type steering installed and were more stable, this one appears to have a self centering type of steering, where the wheels will turn but are working against a spring or damper.

Aaron

j54mark · 02-23-2006, 05:45 AM

I could be wrong, but I suspect you could sell tickets to watch people try and back that thing into a narrow campsite.

Mark

Road Ruler · 02-23-2006, 06:34 AM

It has a looong wheelbase. Got to be a winner!! lol!!

Darol Ingalls · 02-23-2006, 08:07 AM

There's a good reason for the "low reserve" - it's an accident happening.

Chaplain Kent · 02-24-2006, 07:52 AM

Hay wagon was the first thing I thought of. Then I remembered following hay wagons rocking down the road when they hit a bump. OK now for the leveling I have never parked my MH on a flat spot and not used my levelers. Last if it was such a great idea how come it is still a novelty?

**Stefrobrts** · 02-24-2006, 09:01 AM

Well, and of course it's an SOB so it can't help it, but the exterior is just SO attractive

. Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy about coming home to my sleek silver abode

blucloud · 02-24-2006, 09:10 AM

Our first TT was a SOB, Sportsman, bunk house with the works. We used it for one weekend then sold it. It took me 16 years before I could get the wife to agree to another TT. Thank heaven we found our Airstream. Now she wants to go out every weekend. Hmm, I wonder if it was the kids or the way the SOB towed?

Keeping the shiney side up ...Dave

Rog0525 · 02-24-2006, 09:35 AM

Here's a pic of the Argosy trailer with Watson front wheel steer system. Only one test model was built before the idea was scrapped. I don't recall the year but it was discussed some time ago on these forums.

ViewRVs · 02-24-2006, 12:29 PM

what if you motorized it with electric drive in the rims and it could back itself into a campground spot? Put some controls on the hitch and steer it from the hitch?

The concept seems better for towing but poor for backing up.

I just laughed at the leveling thing. I needed that at this point in the day.

Could you hook two together and tow in tandem like the semi's?

SilverToy · 02-24-2006, 12:58 PM

Hi all -

Saw the photo (thanks Cosmotini!) and thought - Wow! Cool looking rig.

Have seen the Hay Wagon references and understand the stability questions with that set up, but given the incredible number of dual trailer semis criss-crossing the country (sometimes at ultra legal speeds) there must be an answer to using that suspension/steering set up. OR??

Personally I like the idea of a set up like that (backing issues not withstanding) since it really would allow good space utilization inside the TT and eliminates tongue weight issues and so on....

And why couldn't you hook 2 unit like that together while hauling down the road. Then seperate and park/ camp.

I kinda like it - really outside the ' " box " ' thinking.... Could build a company around that ....!!!!

Then again maybe I'm all wet.... Could happen! Ask the wife!

See Ya!

Axel