New Here - Need help with Volvo Conversion

[geofkaye]

....mace: any softening of the ride will make things last longer..the truck air bags will damp the ride somewhat....but an air hitch is even better. There are several on the market currently. I rebuild trailer tongues heavier or heavy in the first place so modifications are not needed[bridging].....anyway welding laying on my back is something I really hate as my happy workers have to get me upright after each weld and they think it is funny as hell to have to drag the old man in an upright position again.....I don't know which is worse...the job or the jokes about being old...........anyways all trailers will settle some over time and buying a new on is just part of the fun of owning portability.....geofkaye and the Rivercity Group in the snow in Cincinshitty Ohio .....

[Canadian Rider]

Geof;

Thanks for your input. I just want to be safe and comfortable going down the road and through the mountains. Also want to enjoy some of that BLM land I've read so much about on different forms. Still considering what would work best for us. Climbing in and out isn't a problem. I can see us driving east to west most years as we have lots of family on the west coast; so I thought an HDT might make that run more comfortable....... Anyway I'll keep watching for input. Every suggestion is appreciated. I have seen several pictures on this form with an Airstream tucked behind an HDT. Hope to hear from someone who is presently pulling that set-up....... Art

[Bill B]

GEOF - I believe that your thinking of Don in East Texas over on the Escapees forum - Used to be active but hasn't been there in a while.

[LostSoul]

I think if you are pulling the rv trailer with an Empty HDT the bumps and jolts are going to be far more severe than if the HDT has a house built onto it. Most of the folks that pull 5th wheels use an air ride hitch to protect their rv from shock. Something to think about is that a fully loaded 5er weighs about the same as an empty 53' van.

[Straight Time Stirrups]

I would strongly suggest getting an air ride hitch of some type. The back end of your trailer is damped by the trailer suspension. The front of your trailer is damped by the rear suspension of your tow rig. Your trailer will be beat to a pulp over time. Its not just your trailer structure but the inside cabinets and the like that will take a beating!

Joe

PS. I know this from a friends experience!

[Burt Chapman]

Bob,
Do you have any idea where I could get a hitch like yours, I found one at Ruff Neck but the gentleman has neglected to give me an invoice to pay so he could ship it... maybe business is really good ???

[Chris Taylor]

OK, I don't know the full story on this, but a buddy just picked up a Volvo HDT TC, and just saw an update on his facebook with this picture:



He had a Miata in an enclosed trailer, I just asked him for spec's on the hitch, will probably take a while to hear back as his other update is that he's waiting on them to put the trailer right-side up!

The toter (and I believe the trailer):

[geofkaye]

....CLASS 3 NOT A 5 LIKE IT SHOULD BE....NEEDS A SOLID MALE PART NOT A TUBE.....geofkaye and the Rivercity Girlz

[Bob86ZZ4]

Yep, he shouldn'ta used that hollow one for an enclosed car trailer. Even if it only had a 2500 lb Miata in it. Trailer was likely 4k+ empty. Tools and spare parts. Too bad. I hope insurance takes care of it.

[ReneRitter]

Hey Canadian rider; I just converted a 2005 VNL-630, e/o removed the front rear axle and placed the rear/rear axle in it's place, shortened the frame etc. I was pulling my 40' trailer with a 3500 Dodge dually before and never felt safe! thus the idea of the Volvo!
I find that the Volvo is a lot smoother than the Dodge, I can see that since the books stay in the book case of my trailer, whereas before all the books would be lying on the floor after a few pod holes. not to mention the ride, it is like being in heaven!
If ou want to be in control of your ride, take the Volvo, with 450 HP and 1650 Ft/lbs of torque there is no mountain in Canada to stop this assembly and when on the way down you will have the engine braking to back up your service brakes!