Is This Safe?
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 17,988
Likes: 207
From: La La Land
A little digging reveals this is a "Hell-Ya" product.
Hull no! If your tow vehicle isn't adequate, get one that is!
Much safer that way.....
Pop
Hull no! If your tow vehicle isn't adequate, get one that is!
Much safer that way.....
Pop
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,002
Likes: 2
From: SW ON, Canada
The idea isn't bad ... the execution is what falls way short and is unsafe.
I had a custom extension fabricated to pull lighter trailer loads (up to 350 lbs. tongue weight and 3500 lbs. max. for the trailer) behind our truck camper. It was fabricated with extra thick 2" square tubing for the extension piece, rigid square tubes that are bolted to either side of my truck's hitch receiver (sort of where your friend's turnbuckles are) and a HD square tubing support arm that comes down from the top where the bumper hitch ball typically resides and supports the end of the extension near the coupler from above. I've towed thousands of miles with my set up in all kinds of terrain but I would never exceed the ratings quoted above ... and certainly only a fraction of the weight you quoted.
Your friend might be wise to buy something that's pre-engineered like this:
SuperHitch SuperTruss Truck Receiver Extension | Torklift International
I had a custom extension fabricated to pull lighter trailer loads (up to 350 lbs. tongue weight and 3500 lbs. max. for the trailer) behind our truck camper. It was fabricated with extra thick 2" square tubing for the extension piece, rigid square tubes that are bolted to either side of my truck's hitch receiver (sort of where your friend's turnbuckles are) and a HD square tubing support arm that comes down from the top where the bumper hitch ball typically resides and supports the end of the extension near the coupler from above. I've towed thousands of miles with my set up in all kinds of terrain but I would never exceed the ratings quoted above ... and certainly only a fraction of the weight you quoted.
Your friend might be wise to buy something that's pre-engineered like this:
SuperHitch SuperTruss Truck Receiver Extension | Torklift International
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,405
Likes: 4
I've seen dollys that effectively become tag axles. The wheels will steer in corners. The hubs have brakes. Expensive but they look like they would work well. That "Hell-Ya" thing isn't very well thought out. It would best be set up to have the tire above the ground and act as an overload spring in a dip.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 10,137
Likes: 7,948
From: Texas
Nope!!!!!! The one this person has is a full dolly. Two wleels n tires; rated for heavy tongue weight......it is a heavy duty unit. Wish he was nearby so I vould get a pic and post it. I *MIGHT* pull a light boat or something with the above, but definitely not a 24' enclosed trailer loaded!!!! I believe his is attached to the TV with 4 inch structural square tubing.......definitely not your standard reciever hitch.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 8,458
Likes: 722
From: Calgary Canada
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Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 10,137
Likes: 7,948
From: Texas
I don't think anyone here has one, I was trying to describe one that an aquaintance of mine has on his truck......wishing I had some pictures.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 17,988
Likes: 207
From: La La Land
Someone on here has a heavy slide-in camper for which he built a wheeled assembly that sits underneath his rear bumper and takes some weight off his rear axle.
As I recall, my only observation was that it used too-small rims and tires, and they had to spin very fast.
No idea how much weight it actually relieved.
EDIT: Found it:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post16150081
Pop
As I recall, my only observation was that it used too-small rims and tires, and they had to spin very fast.
No idea how much weight it actually relieved.
EDIT: Found it:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post16150081
Pop
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,002
Likes: 2
From: SW ON, Canada
An interesting idea. I agree with the comments about the tires ... they look small and almost like turf tires (highway rated?). He did say he replaced them after 12 years and 22,000 miles.
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 793
Likes: 29
That picture looks like the wheel is in the 'stowed' position (no trailer). I'd expect to see it at one of the lower positions when in use and not a factor for turning.
Trailer Toad. Just checked and they are still in business. First noticed them ~15 years ago when a buddy whom ran around with stock car folks saw one in action and told me about it.
When using a dolly of some sort, toll facilities will likely count it as an additional axle and charge accordingly.
When using a dolly of some sort, toll facilities will likely count it as an additional axle and charge accordingly.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 8,458
Likes: 722
From: Calgary Canada
Someone on here has a heavy slide-in camper for which he built a wheeled assembly that sits underneath his rear bumper and takes some weight off his rear axle.
As I recall, my only observation was that it used too-small rims and tires, and they had to spin very fast.
No idea how much weight it actually relieved.
EDIT: Found it:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post16150081
Pop
As I recall, my only observation was that it used too-small rims and tires, and they had to spin very fast.
No idea how much weight it actually relieved.
EDIT: Found it:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post16150081
Pop
