Future System 5th Wheeler - Tug Compatibility Issue
Captain Ron said
01:14 AM Feb 15, 2018
I am looking at a 4th hand Future System 5th Wheeler but have a concern over a design feature. In, I imagine, an attempt to keep the front profile as low as as possible, but still provide reasonable headroom in the forward bedroom the designer has lowered the 'overhang' part of the chassis. (The section that sits above the tug tray.) To implement this he has used a shortened gooseneck hitch, which requires either the removal/modification of the tug tray sides/tailgate. This in effect makes the van impossible to tow with an F Truck with normal tray sides/tailgate. This is the ONLY design that has this lowered overhang and it poses its own unique considerations. Whereas most 5th Wheel hitches are compatible with other 5th Wheelers this 'lowered gooseneck' system poses a major problem. In the case of a breakdown of the tug and needing to move the van, one is left with the only option being to find a tug with a gooseneck ball on a flat tray, or a similarly modified F Truck. (neither of which are common) - or an expensive professional recovery. Such a consideration, especially if venturing off the beaten track, could just be a deal breaker. One of the main benefits of choosing a gooseneck hitch over a 5th Wheel hitch is that it leaves the tug able to be used for its intended purpose when not towing the van. In this case, where the sides of the tug have to be removed, this benefit is totally lost.
Any thoughts or experience most appreciated.
Woody n Sue said
08:44 AM Feb 15, 2018
Hi Ron although I can see your point about the need for towing in the event of a breakdown of the tow tug , one would hope a rare thing to have happen , however it does from time to time, but with a well serviced and maintained tug this should be unlikely .
As you are looking at a 5th wheeler you are no doubt aware of the inhearent safety of towing a 5th wheeler V normal caravan , less overall length for the same living area , ect .
I however very very rearly fit the sides to my tray anyway so I dont find this a problem , and I put very little on the tray when traveling anyway as there is ample secure storage In the van , mine unfortunately came with the pin / turntable hitch I would have much preferred a ball hitch as it allows much more sideways travel over rough tracks and as you say it can be layed down for normal flat floor use , where I have to unbolt and lift mine off , a real pain .
Woody
Captain Ron said
11:04 PM Feb 15, 2018
Thanks for your thoughts - perhaps I am looking too deeply into possible issues.
On the plus side the lowered COG is a significant safety bonus. Your preference and reason for a ball hitch now has me rethinking - my main reason for preferring a turntable hitch is that it is much easier to hitch up as a single operator.
iana said
11:49 PM Feb 15, 2018
I was looking at buying a 5th wheeler, and only was interested in the ball hitch, the van could be built with only two steps to climb up to the bedroom area. The other hitches caused the front area of the van to be so high, that a small ladder was required. All of those units I looked at for sale, the owners were selling them because of the difficulty of getting to the bedroom.
Our finale list was either a Southern cross, or a Tru-Lux. I believe neither are made anymore. Although I do know of a Southern Cross for sale, complete with tug, both in near new condition.
Captain Ron said
04:07 AM Feb 16, 2018
iana wrote:
I was looking at buying a 5th wheeler, and only was interested in the ball hitch, the van could be built with only two steps to climb up to the bedroom area. The other hitches caused the front area of the van to be so high, that a small ladder was required. All of those units I looked at for sale, the owners were selling them because of the difficulty of getting to the bedroom. Our finale list was either a Southern cross, or a Tru-Lux. I believe neither are made anymore. Although I do know of a Southern Cross for sale, complete with tug, both in near new condition.
Not sure how to PM you - would those Southern Cross and tug details be available?
iana said
10:33 AM Feb 16, 2018
Hi Captain Ron, the fifth wheeler is advertised here on the Grey Nomads for sale site under WA, it is a 22 ft. Southern Cross, and is in near new condition, the lady who is selling it, her husband recently died, so there is no hidden reason for its sale. The owner of the Southern Cross factory has a club with all his own made vans in it, and personally looks after all his past clients, and is contactable any time, as well as having a yearly rally to make sure everyone is happy.
This combination is well worth an enquiry, and if you need to know more, I can help, or you can speak with the owner. The van is at present located in a caravan yard as a consignment sale. Ian
Captain Ron said
12:00 AM Feb 17, 2018
iana wrote:
Hi Captain Ron, the fifth wheeler is advertised here on the Grey Nomads for sale site under WA, it is a 22 ft. Southern Cross, and is in near new condition, the lady who is selling it, her husband recently died, so there is no hidden reason for its sale. The owner of the Southern Cross factory has a club with all his own made vans in it, and personally looks after all his past clients, and is contactable any time, as well as having a yearly rally to make sure everyone is happy. This combination is well worth an enquiry, and if you need to know more, I can help, or you can speak with the owner. The van is at present located in a caravan yard as a consignment sale. Ian
Couldn't find it! But, 22' is a bit small anyway. Thanks for the heads up.
iana said
12:31 AM Feb 17, 2018
Perhaps I should have said Grey Nomads Web site.
Woody n Sue said
08:02 AM Feb 17, 2018
Captain Ron wrote:
Thanks for your thoughts - perhaps I am looking too deeply into possible issues.
On the plus side the lowered COG is a significant safety bonus. Your preference and reason for a ball hitch now has me rethinking - my main reason for preferring a turntable hitch is that it is much easier to hitch up as a single operator.
Yes Ron there is no doubt that backing into the turntable is easier than lining up the ball .
swings and roundabouts I guess , as I made my own base for the hitch and I need to replace the bushes that it rocks on I will be looking at weather I can modify it so as to get more side rock when I have it apart as when it bottoms out the van has to twist which is not good for it
O
woody
-- Edited by Woody n Sue on Saturday 17th of February 2018 08:03:25 AM
Captain Ron said
08:29 PM Feb 17, 2018
iana wrote:
Perhaps I should have said Grey Nomads Web site.
Yep, I eventually found it there. Nice rig but too small. Thanks again.
Captain Ron said
08:47 PM Feb 17, 2018
Woody n Sue wrote:
Captain Ron wrote:
Thanks for your thoughts - perhaps I am looking too deeply into possible issues.
On the plus side the lowered COG is a significant safety bonus. Your preference and reason for a ball hitch now has me rethinking - my main reason for preferring a turntable hitch is that it is much easier to hitch up as a single operator.
Yes Ron there is no doubt that backing into the turntable is easier than lining up the ball .
swings and roundabouts I guess , as I made my own base for the hitch and I need to replace the bushes that it rocks on I will be looking at weather I can modify it so as to get more side rock when I have it apart as when it bottoms out the van has to twist which is not good for it
O
woody
-- Edited by Woody n Sue on Saturday 17th of February 2018 08:03:25 AM
The articulation of the ball hitch is probably the main advantage of this type of hitch, along with its low profile - I am now thinking of employing a strategically placed camera to assist with hitching up.
I am looking at a 4th hand Future System 5th Wheeler but have a concern over a design feature.
In, I imagine, an attempt to keep the front profile as low as as possible, but still provide reasonable headroom in the forward bedroom the designer has lowered the 'overhang' part of the chassis. (The section that sits above the tug tray.) To implement this he has used a shortened gooseneck hitch, which requires either the removal/modification of the tug tray sides/tailgate. This in effect makes the van impossible to tow with an F Truck with normal tray sides/tailgate. This is the ONLY design that has this lowered overhang and it poses its own unique considerations.
Whereas most 5th Wheel hitches are compatible with other 5th Wheelers this 'lowered gooseneck' system poses a major problem. In the case of a breakdown of the tug and needing to move the van, one is left with the only option being to find a tug with a gooseneck ball on a flat tray, or a similarly modified F Truck. (neither of which are common) - or an expensive professional recovery. Such a consideration, especially if venturing off the beaten track, could just be a deal breaker.
One of the main benefits of choosing a gooseneck hitch over a 5th Wheel hitch is that it leaves the tug able to be used for its intended purpose when not towing the van. In this case, where the sides of the tug have to be removed, this benefit is totally lost.
Any thoughts or experience most appreciated.
As you are looking at a 5th wheeler you are no doubt aware of the inhearent safety of towing a 5th wheeler V normal caravan , less overall length for the same living area , ect .
I however very very rearly fit the sides to my tray anyway so I dont find this a problem , and I put very little on the tray when traveling anyway as there is ample secure storage In the van , mine unfortunately came with the pin / turntable hitch I would have much preferred a ball hitch as it allows much more sideways travel over rough tracks and as you say it can be layed down for normal flat floor use , where I have to unbolt and lift mine off , a real pain .
Woody
Thanks for your thoughts - perhaps I am looking too deeply into possible issues.
On the plus side the lowered COG is a significant safety bonus. Your preference and reason for a ball hitch now has me rethinking - my main reason for preferring a turntable hitch is that it is much easier to hitch up as a single operator.
Our finale list was either a Southern cross, or a Tru-Lux. I believe neither are made anymore. Although I do know of a Southern Cross for sale, complete with tug, both in near new condition.
Not sure how to PM you - would those Southern Cross and tug details be available?
This combination is well worth an enquiry, and if you need to know more, I can help, or you can speak with the owner. The van is at present located in a caravan yard as a consignment sale. Ian
Couldn't find it! But, 22' is a bit small anyway. Thanks for the heads up.
Yes Ron there is no doubt that backing into the turntable is easier than lining up the ball .
swings and roundabouts I guess , as I made my own base for the hitch and I need to replace the bushes that it rocks on I will be looking at weather I can modify it so as to get more side rock when I have it apart as when it bottoms out the van has to twist which is not good for it
O
woody
-- Edited by Woody n Sue on Saturday 17th of February 2018 08:03:25 AM
Yep, I eventually found it there. Nice rig but too small. Thanks again.
The articulation of the ball hitch is probably the main advantage of this type of hitch, along with its low profile - I am now thinking of employing a strategically placed camera to assist with hitching up.
Thanks for your input, Woody. Really appreciated.