[flash]

that sounds like an expensive complicated way about it, but i understand - i wonder if it would be easier and cheaper to just shorten the nose of the trailer, or knock off the corners

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[Anchorman]

We looked into that - as well as every other imaginable possibility. The solution is expensive in the sense that we have to change the hitch that's already mounted in the truck, and then get this pretty nifty extension piece that moves the pivot point 22" towards the rear of the truck - actually creating a bit more room than we need. Converting the trailer turns out to be pretty easy - about $250 worth of parts and labor. So, the big "extra" is the gooseneck hitch that's already purchased and installed. But, it's the best way - particularly when you consider that we want to be on the road in two weeks and two days. The trailer will get a temporary patch, and then fixed properly after we return from the VIR event.

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[flash]

i know this is a trailer shop, and they should know what they are doing, but i am having a very hard time imagining the need for 22" - i hope they aren't just trying to sell you some expensive gadget



the difference between a long bed and a short bed is usually 16" - half of that is forward of the axle, and half aft - therefore, you should only need an 8" relocation



that means that a 12" corner knockoff, or an 8" shortening of the trailer should do it



OR



an 8" extension of the gooseneck



i would still love to a see a shot of the trailer hitched up to your truck



ring me up

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[Anchorman]

This is a trailer shop, Performance Trailers, and we're dealing with the president. The math is pretty much this: the current hitch puts the centerline of the ball at 37-1/2" from the back of the truck's cab. Half of the trailer width is 51". So, we need to gain 14" or more. Simply adding extensions doesn't do the job because extensions don't move the pivot point - so the result is simply very slight gains of turning "angle" even with pretty big extensions. The only answer that will work has to move the pivot point further to the rear - but it has to do that without changing the point on the truck at which the weight is borne - putting the weight behind the axle is, as I'm sure you know, a major NO-NO. The device we've found - called the Sidewinder (it will move the pivot point 22" to the rear) - does exactly what we need but it's only made for fifth wheel, not gooseneck, hitches. So, we have to convert the trailer to a fifth wheel (not a big deal, as I think I mentioned previously) and install a fifth wheel in the truck, with the Sidewinder connecting the two.

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[flash]

wow - the axle is very far forward relative to the bed length change from short to long



i get the math - i can't imagine them making a 14" extension - that would be a lot of cantilevered weight



then yes, the only options are a different truck, a different trailer, or doing what you are talking about - i will be interested to see how that works out, since a 5th wheel moves the pivot point rearward on the trailer, pushing the trailer farther forward - the sidewinder will then not only have to move the 14" already a problem, but also the distance the mount on the trailer moves rearward - is it really only 8"?



anyway you look at it though, that sucks - i know i went through a lot working out the marriage between my trailer and my rig, but this is just plain nutty - i feel for you

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[DiREW0LF]

Performance trailers is where I get my trailers and accessories from. Wayne is a great guy. Really helped me out when I purchased my 24" box which he ended up reselling for me because when it was fully loaded the Denali had a hard time towing it (but thats another story).

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[Anchorman]

I'm 99% certain that what we're doing will fix the clearance issues. We bring the truck there for them to start doing the hitch work - and then they'll do a temporary patch on the trailer, and we'll get it fitted to take the cars (it needs additional D-rings).



I'm hoping that we don't find that we don't have enough truck power to pull this massive trailer/car combo. I haven't looked at what engine(s) are available in the F450 or larger trucks, but we have a 6.0L turbodiesel right now. I'll find out soon enough.



Anyone know any good track videos of VIR? I've been forewarned that it's a complicated track and that watching a video would be very helpful.

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[banditsc]

You could always move over to a Dodge Ram with the Cummins. There are a lot people running reliably in the 1000+hp range with a few tweaks to the stock engine. That ought to move that trailer along, you could even bring it out on the track.

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[Anchorman]

That would be quite a truck/track vehicle.



I'd thought about, then forgot, and now you've reminded me - I wonder what goodies are available for the truck we have? I'll have to look into that.

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[mikeo]

There are A LOT of options. Try this site

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[Anchorman]

Thanks. I'll browse there.

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[biotechee]

Jim-



I wish there was something I could do to help... I'm not knowledgeable in any aspect with regards to trailers, towing, trucks, etc. So, I just hope you know I'm wishing for the best outcome with all of this!



If there is anything that I can do that you can think of, please let me know.



Jim

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[Anchorman]

Thanks, Jim. I'm sure I felt your pain in reading of my trials and tribulations - but we seem to be on the right path. What will remain is to be able to drive this combo safely - no small task.

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[rickh]

Wow Anchorman,



I started reading this thread today and couldn't stop. I was very excited for you! When I saw the picture of the trailer, I thought what a beautiful beast! I felt much grief when reading about your trials and tribulations on the tip home. I can't wait to see pictures of your setup! Mikeo's pictures were awesome! Thanks for sharing all you're going through. I've learned a lot and share in your joy, apprehensions, pain, and sorrow. I can't wait for you to make it to the track for the VIR. If I wasn't out on the west coast, I'd ask to sit right next to biotechee and help with the pit crew responsibilities of cheer and beer consumption... Hope this sidewinder solution works out for you!



Take care,

Rick

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[flash]

ooh - ooh - do i see another compadre for the next track day out here?

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[Anchorman]

Rick, thanks for taking the time to wade through what's become quite a thread - and, to some degree regrettably, quite a story. It would be my pleasure to have you and Biotechee at VIR as my pit crew - but at least I'll know you're there in spirit. I'm sufficiently convinced that we're now on a path that will get us where we want to go that I just made our hotel reservations at the event hotel at for the VIR weekend. Truck and trailer modifications start this week, hopefully to be followed next week by fitting the cars into the trailer (trying various configurations and measuring tongue weight to see what gives the best balance) and getting D-rings installed, learning how to secure the cars in the trailer, and then going for the ride.



As I think I've said more than once in this story - stay tuned. We're certainly not yet at the final chapter.

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[Anchorman]

The latest word from the trailer folks working on our truck and trailer: All Done! It is hooked up, and it works great in a turn it will go past 90 degrees, and there appears to be at least 6" between the cab, and the trailer at the closest point. This is the right product to make this work.



On Friday my son and I will drive our cars to the trailer for a test fit so that the needed D-rings can be installed. A temporary patch is on the side so that the trailer will be usable for the VIR event which we leave for one week from Friday. I can't believe it's coming together.

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[biotechee]

Jim -



This is good news!!!! I am seriously happy that this is rapidly heading for the sunny side! Your perserverance (sp?) is to be commended!



And, if I didn't have little ones at home, you can bet your ass I would be travelling down with you for the weekend....



And, as I am sure you have read elsewhere, this thread is useless without pics! Post a few of the Masser and the '68 all secured in the trailer- I know I'll enjoy them!



Jim

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[Anchorman]

Now that this is starting to come together, I'll post the first pic - this was taken the first time the truck and trailer were together, in Maine, before the unforgettable ride home.

   

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[Duckman]

Holy mackerel, Jim. It looks even bigger than I expected. Do you need a commercial license to tow that sucker. We need to get you some cool gaphics for the trailer and the truck. It looks way too plain. Maybe you can advertise for RS Barn. Heck , with the size of that baby rolling down the interstate highway, maybe you can advertise for Porsche.



I want one.

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