Posted 2012-07-06 1:53 PM (#145398) Subject: Hitch on back of GN trailer
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 406 Location: Minneapolis, MN
All,Looking for opinions, or method, of installing a 1 1/4" receiver mount on the back of a aluminum GN trailer. Looking to pull a small utility to transport a 4-wheeler. Trailer has a full width rubber bumper.
Posted 2012-07-06 6:26 PM (#145402 - in reply to #145398) Subject: RE: Hitch on back of GN trailer
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Recreational Vehicle (RV): Minnesota allows an RV three-vehicle combination only if all of the following conditions are met:
• Only a “fifth-wheel” coupling is allowed between the pickup truck and the middle vehicle.
• The second trailer may only haul watercraft, a motorcycle, a motorized bicycle, off-highway motorcycle, ATV, snowmobile, motorized golf cart or equestrian equipment or supplies.
• The total combination of vehicles does not exceed 70 feet.
• The towing rating of the pickup truck is equal to or greater than the total weight of all vehicles being towed.
• The trailer hitch assemblies, as well as the pickup truck hitch assembly, must conform to MN Statute § 169.82.
• The driver is at least 18 years of age.
• No travel within the Twin Cities Metro area during weekday rush hour times;6:00 am – 9: am and 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm.
Posted 2012-07-06 7:21 PM (#145403 - in reply to #145398) Subject: RE: Hitch on back of GN trailer
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 379 Location: Missouri
As Paul stated, of the few states that allow double trailers, require the first tow connection to be a 5th wheel hitch. Double ball connections are not allowed. So unless you convert the GN ball to a 5th wheel hitch, which is possible, you will be towing illegally.
Posted 2012-07-06 7:28 PM (#145404 - in reply to #145398) Subject: RE: Hitch on back of GN trailer
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 373 Location: Texas
If hauling horses in trailer, I always consider what would happen if you needed to unload them in a hurry.
We have lots of friends who haul carriages, 4 wheelers etc. in their trailer, often with a large side ramp option, and horses in same trailer, behind the "toys"
Posted 2012-07-06 9:57 PM (#145405 - in reply to #145402) Subject: RE: Hitch on back of GN trailer
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 406 Location: Minneapolis, MN
Originally written by PaulChristenson on 2012-07-06 6:26 PM
Recreational Vehicle (RV): Minnesota allows an RV three-vehicle combination only if all of the following conditions are met:• Only a “fifth-wheel” coupling is allowed between the pickup truck and the middle vehicle.• The second trailer may only haul watercraft, a motorcycle, a motorized bicycle, off-highway motorcycle, ATV, snowmobile, motorized golf cart or equestrian equipment or supplies.
The GN ball kinda puts the damper on that then. I do see some GN's pulling bumper pulls from the factory...not often, but I've seen it...in MN.
Posted 2012-07-06 10:39 PM (#145407 - in reply to #145398) Subject: RE: Hitch on back of GN trailer
Expert
Posts: 2453 Location: Northern Utah
I frequently see new trailers being delivered from the factory in a double setup. But I've never looking at the first connection, Just always assumed it was still a GN ball.
Posted 2012-07-07 9:25 AM (#145411 - in reply to #145398) Subject: RE: Hitch on back of GN trailer
Elite Veteran
Posts: 802 Location: Tenn/Ala.
I can't speak for MN, but here in the south we have a number of folks who pull/flat tow their wagon behind the trailer that carries the mules or horses. The front connection is almost always a regular GN. We are blessed that as a rule, look like a farmer, and the blue lights leave you alone.
For what its worth- it isn't too difficult to convert your GN to a true fifth wheel. B&W makes a wonderful hitch (The Companion)that drops in where the ball came out of, and you can easily slip a kingpin into the neck of your trailer.
Another point- the verbage about fifth wheel connection is a gray area. Most laws are very unclear on the GN coupling. In some instances, it is seen as a fifth wheel because of the placement and weight loading characteristics that are similar to a true fifth wheel. I have known law enforcement officers and officials to refer to any type of bed mounted hitch as a fifth wheel, as opposed to a bumper type.
To answer your original question- it is just a matter of fabricating a receiver. We've built several over the years, each custom to the trailer it would mount on. It goes under the rubber bumper and floor, so it will not have a lot of ground clearance.
Posted 2012-07-07 9:28 AM (#145412 - in reply to #145407) Subject: RE: Hitch on back of GN trailer
Elite Veteran
Posts: 802 Location: Tenn/Ala.
Originally written by Painted Horse on 2012-07-06 10:39 PM
I frequently see new trailers being delivered from the factory in a double setup. But I've never looking at the first connection, Just always assumed it was still a GN ball.
It can go either way. Yes a lot are fifth wheel, just because they also deliver RVs. The driver will drop a kingpin in the front trailer, then change it back out at the dealership. But we see many that are true GN.
Hitch on back of GN trailer
