Dbl0svn Posted February 25, 2018 Report Share Posted February 25, 2018 So I was looking at the back of my Volvo before Christmas and thought that I could design a hitch platform that would mount my hitch over my rear axle and down between my frame rails to keep my kingpin height at the 47.5-48" height that I needed. The next thing that I knew, I was on the frame of my Volvo with a cardboard box and a utility knife. About a month and a half later, I built this platform using an Airsafe 32k hitch. It actually came together pretty simple and works like a champ. So, I replaced my 9 month old ET Senior hitch with it and am going to run this set up instead. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenandjon Posted February 25, 2018 Report Share Posted February 25, 2018 That looks pretty nice. Can't even see the welds. Farmer, Trucker, Equipment operator, Mechanic Quando omni flunkus moritati-When all else fails, play dead I'm a man, but I can change, if I have to, I guess. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beemergary Posted February 25, 2018 Report Share Posted February 25, 2018 I concider myself a fabricator. Everything is so far up and so far over and the impossible may take a little longer. Nice work Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoDirectionHome Posted February 25, 2018 Report Share Posted February 25, 2018 Looks like a well thought out design. Let us know how it works out in the end. "There are No Experts, Do the Math!" 2014 Freightliner Cascadia DD16 600hp 1850ft-lb 18spd 3.31 260"wb SpaceCraft S-470 SKP #131740 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Mayer Posted February 25, 2018 Report Share Posted February 25, 2018 Just curious - how much clearance to the fenders with the 5er? The whole thing looks very good from the pictures. I'd love to see it in "real life". Jack & Danielle Mayer #60376 Lifetime Member Living on the road since 2000PLEASE no PM's. Email me. jackdanmayer AT gmail 2016 DRV Houston 44' 5er (we still have it) 2022 New Horizons 43' 5er 2016 Itasca 27N 28' motorhome 2019 Volvo 860, D13 455/1850, 236" wb, I-Shift, battery-based APU No truck at the moment - we use one of our demo units 2016 smart Passion, piggyback on the truck -------------------------------------------------------------------------See our website for info on New Horizons 5th wheels, HDTs as tow vehicles, communications on the road, and use of solar powerwww.jackdanmayer.com Principal in RVH Lifestyles. RVH-Lifestyles.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dbl0svn Posted February 25, 2018 Author Report Share Posted February 25, 2018 6 minutes ago, Jack Mayer said: Just curious - how much clearance to the fenders with the 5er? The whole thing looks very good from the pictures. I'd love to see it in "real life". Anything for you Jack 😉. I'll go out and hook it up and snap a few pics. The next time you are in Maryland, look me up. You can go over it as much as you like. One day I plan on making it to the ECR. I will be in NC and GA this spring if I can get away from work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Mayer Posted February 25, 2018 Report Share Posted February 25, 2018 Just now, Dbl0svn said: Anything for you Jack 😉. I'll go out and hook it up and snap a few pics. The next time you are in Maryland, look me up. You can go over it as much as you like. One day I plan on making it to the ECR. I will be in NC and GA this spring if I can get away from work. Don't go to any trouble....I was just curious on the clearance. It is a very neat looking job. I'll never see it unless you head west some....I never get to the NE area. Farthest I go is VA....and only under "duress". (Family there.) Jack & Danielle Mayer #60376 Lifetime Member Living on the road since 2000PLEASE no PM's. Email me. jackdanmayer AT gmail 2016 DRV Houston 44' 5er (we still have it) 2022 New Horizons 43' 5er 2016 Itasca 27N 28' motorhome 2019 Volvo 860, D13 455/1850, 236" wb, I-Shift, battery-based APU No truck at the moment - we use one of our demo units 2016 smart Passion, piggyback on the truck -------------------------------------------------------------------------See our website for info on New Horizons 5th wheels, HDTs as tow vehicles, communications on the road, and use of solar powerwww.jackdanmayer.com Principal in RVH Lifestyles. RVH-Lifestyles.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jkoenig24 Posted February 25, 2018 Report Share Posted February 25, 2018 You do nice work! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hewhoknowslittle Posted February 25, 2018 Report Share Posted February 25, 2018 Very nice job. I really like your set up! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DesertMiner Posted February 25, 2018 Report Share Posted February 25, 2018 Do I see an ET senior for sale? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dbl0svn Posted February 25, 2018 Author Report Share Posted February 25, 2018 37 minutes ago, DesertMiner said: Do I see an ET senior for sale? You do in fact. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dbl0svn Posted February 25, 2018 Author Report Share Posted February 25, 2018 2 hours ago, Jack Mayer said: Don't go to any trouble....I was just curious on the clearance. It is a very neat looking job. I'll never see it unless you head west some....I never get to the NE area. Farthest I go is VA....and only under "duress". (Family there.) No worries. Once the rain stops here, I'll try and get some pics for you. You've helped me a lot over the years with your website and answering my direct questions. This is the least that I can do. Sounds like some day I'm going to have to make my way out to Kansas then. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dbl0svn Posted February 25, 2018 Author Report Share Posted February 25, 2018 Here you go Jack. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noteven Posted February 25, 2018 Report Share Posted February 25, 2018 I use CAD* myself from time to time. Nice set up. * Cardboard Aided Design "Are we there yet?" asked no motorcycle rider, ever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dbl0svn Posted February 25, 2018 Author Report Share Posted February 25, 2018 Thanks. I actually made a template out of a cardboard box, then transferred that template to plywood and made a mockup of it. I used the plywood mockup to make it out of steel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dbl0svn Posted February 25, 2018 Author Report Share Posted February 25, 2018 Here you go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noteven Posted February 25, 2018 Report Share Posted February 25, 2018 CAD and PAD! Don't tell us you used chalk, paint marker and a measuring tape too! "Are we there yet?" asked no motorcycle rider, ever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dbl0svn Posted February 25, 2018 Author Report Share Posted February 25, 2018 😊 Yep. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr. cob Posted February 26, 2018 Report Share Posted February 26, 2018 1 hour ago, Dbl0svn said: Here you go. Howdy Dbl0svn, Very nice job. Looking this photo of your hitch, I would really like to ask some questions concerning this design as regards the ongoing discussion concerning the roll over wreck where the hitch twisted and failed. HOWEVER I do NOT want to mess up this thread nor in any way bad mouth your hitch or your work. Would you object to my starting another thread using this photo to talk about this hitch design? If your not totally comfortable with this just say so and I'll let it go. Thanks. Dave 2001 Peterbilt, 379, Known As "Semi-Sane II", towing a 2014 Voltage 3818, 45 foot long toy hauler crammed full of motorcycles of all types. Visit my photo web site where you will find thousands of photos of my motorcycle wanderings and other aspects of my life, click this link. http://mr-cob.smugmug.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noteven Posted February 26, 2018 Report Share Posted February 26, 2018 I probly have the same question as Dave ... I’ll stand by "Are we there yet?" asked no motorcycle rider, ever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dbl0svn Posted February 26, 2018 Author Report Share Posted February 26, 2018 Dave, I didn't make this setup to get into any sort of debate. The airsafe hitch is a commercial Rv 5th wheel hitch. If you have concerns about its performance in a roll over scenario, then I would advise you to use your own judgement and choose what you believe to be best for you. My plate is 5/8" and is mated to the 5/8" of the airsafe hitch plate for approximately 1.25" of combined steel plate. The out riggers are bolted on the factory hitch rails with the multiple fastener system used for an 80k trailer combination. My.opinion would be that if you find yourself in a roll over scenario, regardless of whether the hitch holds together, or not, it's probably not going to matter too much on the outcome. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr. cob Posted February 26, 2018 Report Share Posted February 26, 2018 28 minutes ago, Dbl0svn said: Dave, I didn't make this setup to get into any sort of debate. The airsafe hitch is a commercial Rv 5th wheel hitch. If you have concerns about its performance in a role over scenario, then I would advise you to use your own judgement and choose what you believe to be best for you. My plate is 5/8" and is mated to the 5/8" of the airsafe hitch plate for approximately 1.25" of combined steel plate. The out riggers are bolted on the factory hitch rails with the multiple fastener system used for an 80k trailer combination. My.opinion would be that if you find yourself in a roll over scenario, regardless of whether the hitch holds together, or not, it's probably not going to matter too much on the outcome. Howdy Dbl0svn, Like I said, I do NOT want to start a mess in your thread. I think you did a great job of the install I am just wondering about the single pivot point being the only visible attachment point between the part that holds the hitch head and the part that forms the base of the hitch. I am NOT saying your choice of hitch is in any way wrong, I am just wondering about its design as compared to every other hitch on the market that I am aware of. Dave 2001 Peterbilt, 379, Known As "Semi-Sane II", towing a 2014 Voltage 3818, 45 foot long toy hauler crammed full of motorcycles of all types. Visit my photo web site where you will find thousands of photos of my motorcycle wanderings and other aspects of my life, click this link. http://mr-cob.smugmug.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rickeieio Posted February 26, 2018 Report Share Posted February 26, 2018 3 hours ago, noteven said: I use CAD* myself from time to time. Nice set up. * Cardboard Aided Design Sick minds think alike.... When my 16 y.o. Grandson and I built the chocks, ramp mounts, and bed extension to haul the smart, lotsa cardboard got cut up, and several pieces of soap stone got worn out. .He was a happy boy, getting to play with granpa's Milwaukee metal saw, plasma, and mig. I even gave him a beer and a cigar when we finished. KW T-680, POPEMOBILE Newmar X-Aire, VATICAN Lots of old motorcycles, Moto Guzzi Griso and Spyder F3 currently in the front row Young enough to play in the dirt as a retired farmer. contact me at rickeieio1@comcast.net Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dbl0svn Posted February 26, 2018 Author Report Share Posted February 26, 2018 Dave, You may be better to have airsafe answer your questions regarding their hitch, since I have not crash tested it. The Airsafe 32k hitch is suspended by the front heim joint and two 5/8" bars underneath between the air bags. I chose this hitch since it has the ability to control the roll of the trailer with the air bags verses other hitches that use a free floating pivoting head. Commercial trailers use the tractors fixed side to side 5th wheel to force the tractors supension to control it's roll. The rv pin boxes typically don't tolerate that much stress, so rv hitch makers use a free floating head that provides no directional stability other than that provided by the trailer axles. They work great in a straight line and low speed maneuvering, but at higher speeds they will allow the trailer to tilt far enough for the wheels to leave the ground before they run out of flexible.range The Airsafe 32k is always applying pressure through the air bags to control the roll while still retaining the integrity of the rv pinbox. That was why I chose the Airsafe. Feel free to use whatever hitch addresses your needs best. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr. cob Posted February 26, 2018 Report Share Posted February 26, 2018 1 minute ago, Dbl0svn said: Dave, You may be better to have airsafe answer your questions regarding their hitch, since I have not crash tested it. The Airsafe 32k hitch is suspended by the front heim joint and two 5/8" bars underneath between the air bags. I chose this hitch since it has the ability to control the yaw of the trailer with the air bags verses other hitches that use a free floating pivoting head. Commercial trailers use the tractors fixed side to side 5th wheel to force the ttactprs supension to control it's yaw. The rv pin boxes typically don't tolerate that much stress, so rv hitch makers use a free floating head that provides no directional stability other than that provided by the trailer axles. They work great in a straight line and low speed maneuvering, but at higher speeds they will allow the trailer to tilt far enough for the wheels to.leav the ground before they run out of flexible.range The Airsafe 32k is always applying pressure through the air bags to control the yaw while still retainingbthe integrity of the rv pinbox. That was why I chose the Airsafe. Feel free to use whatever hitch addresses your needs best. Howdy Dbl0svn, Again, please do NOT misconstrue my question, if it's rated at 32,000 pounds it must be a good hitch. I am not finding fault with your choice I just wish there was more information showing how its built as its a very unusual design and I am sure when ever you go to a rally for example lots of folks are going to be looking at the hitch and wondering the same as I am. I went to the Airsafe web site and they don't really have any information or drawings showing how other then the front pivot point the hitch is supported and held in place. I am sure it will serve you well, oh before I forget WELCOME to the HDT list most of us are always looking at new things and reworking old stuff so questions are a big part of what this list is all about. Dave 2001 Peterbilt, 379, Known As "Semi-Sane II", towing a 2014 Voltage 3818, 45 foot long toy hauler crammed full of motorcycles of all types. Visit my photo web site where you will find thousands of photos of my motorcycle wanderings and other aspects of my life, click this link. http://mr-cob.smugmug.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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