Hi everyone

Something that has puzzled me for a while is how did the above type rigs earn their name ?

Is there logic behind it ? if so could someone explain to a novice please.

Mike

Isn't it because the wheel in the back of your vehicle where the fifth wheeler joins on gives your vehicle a fifth wheel ( four plus the extra one) ?

I don't have a clue....But most 4 wheel vehicles have 6 wheels, 4 on the road, 1 spare and 1 to steer with...

Try this link

http://s8.zetaboards.com/Campfire_Soapbox/topic/96349/1/

 This term is derived from the old Wheelwright's (Waggon Builders) term for the fore carriage  turntable.
The  front wheel  unit of a horse drawn, four wheel Lorry, Dray, Wain, Truck, Float, Caravan, and so on, is mounted on a simple pair of flat iron rings in a mechanism known as "the Fifth Wheel".
Like a flat wheel, the rings slide on each other allowing the forcarriage wheel unit to pivot.    The forecarriage is attached to the  horse shafts and pivot as the horse/s turn.

Regards
Mike

Once again we live and learn.Thank you for your information.Cheers Ibbo.