Re: [A/S] towing with a big rig

[Jim Dunmyer <jdunmyer@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Nicci,
 You COULD tow with a semi-tractor, but some work would be required:

You'd add a ball hitch receiver to the rear of the tractor; look at
those that tow mobile homes for guidance. Or, get one of those adaptors
that was discussed here a week or so ago to make your travel trailer
into a 5th-wheel type. You'd not use any weight transfer bars in either
case, of course.

A single-axle tractor would be better than a tandem as it'd be shorter
and more compact. It'd still have plenty of carrying capacity.

The tractor really should have air suspension to improve the ride. First
of all for the tractor itself; they ride very hard if they have
conventional springs. Secondly, for the trailer; it would bounce the
hell out of the trailer at the hitch point if it's not air ride. An
alternative is an air-ride hitch, they do make such a thing.

If you add a ball-type hitch to the tractor, you could remove the 5th
wheel hitch, giving you lots of room for a storage body. An old U-Haul
trailer body or box from a delivery truck could easily be added and the
weight-carrying ability would not be in question. Unless you carry a
bunch of lead or concrete. :-)

Mileage would be fairly poor, I'd guess. Easiest way to check is ask
some trucker what mileage he gets when BobTailing. (driving just the
tractor, w/o a trailer) It'd really surprise me if you got over 8 MPG.

Another alternative might be a delivery van-type truck. It would ride
better, have the storage capability builtin, and might get better
mileage.

 I know a fella who travels the antique engine/tractor show circuit and
uses such a rig. The truck carries his supplies and tools and he lives
in a 23' travel trailer. Does about 10,000 miles per year; this is his
full-time job.

                                                     <<Jim>>