SWIVEL WHEEL

The systems hitch mounting hardware installs and locks into the existing Class-III or Class-IV receiver hitch on the tow vehicle. There are two pivot mounting points that mount the system to the supplied hitch mount. This allows for variations in tow vehicle hitch heights.

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How does the Swivel Wheel system track while I am driving?

While driving, the wheel will swivel to accommodate for the turns. As the vehicle turns, the wheel assembly rotates to allow for the system to track with the tow vehicle. Under some circumstances, you may not be able to see the system when driving. Be aware that the system is behind you at all times. When turning, keep to the inside corner as much as possible to allow the system to turn with you and also to allow for the slight additional length being turned.

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How do I store the Swivel Wheel system?

The system can be tipped up and stored inside up against the garage wall if desired.

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How do I adjust the front deck height to keep the system level?

The system mounting hardware has adjustment holes to accommodate for the height in the receiver hitch on the tow vehicle. If the vehicle has had a lift kit installed, the system may not level properly.

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How do I load my motorcycle, 4-wheel ATV, gas golf cart, lawn tractor, etc. onto the Swivel Wheel system?

With the swivel wheel in the backing position, the deck will lower slightly. When the loading ramps are in place, and the vehicle rides up onto the ramps, the deck will lower even more so, giving only a slight angle to maneuver. Once the vehicle is loaded and tied down, and the swivel wheel is returned to the traveling position, the deck raises to the traveling position.

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Why does the Swivel Wheel system have a 8 inch wheel?

The 8" wheel allows for the lowest deck to floor height for loading and traveling. If we were to add a 10" or 12" wheel, the deck height would increase. A larger tire may be a possibility on future models though.

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Why does the Swivel Wheel system have a Semi-V frame?

The system was designed to reduce the turning radius as much as possible when attached. If the 7 foot wide deck were straight back, the end of the system would add a 3 foot swing to the rear, which may into another lane. The Semi-V frame removes the majority of this additional swing. There might be a slightly wider swing. Keep to the inside corner when turning and be aware that the system is behind you especially in tight spaces such as parking lots.

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Will the use of an 8 inch wheel increase my chances of bearing problems with the Swivel Wheel system?

No! Most people remember the 8" wheel associated with old boat trailers. These had specific problems due to hot bearings being dropped into cold water. This creates a vacuum allowing for water to enter the hub. That was only the beginning. Most people do not maintain their trailer bearings....ever! The bearings need to be inspected and repacked when necessary. Most trailer manufacturers recommend that the bearings be repacked every 10,000 miles or yearly. If the bearings are maintained and adjusted, you should not have any problems.

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What can I transport on the Swivel Wheel system?

Originally, the system was designed in response to requests to transport a full sized motorcycle behind a fifth wheel travel trailer. The system can be used to transport numerous products such as 4-wheel ATV, gas powered golf cart, riding lawn mower, etc. Optional diamond plated locking storage boxes can be added for accessory storage. Just about anything can be moved with the system as long as it is within the 1000 pound weight limit and is contained within the deck perimeter.

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What is the weight capacity of the Swivel Wheel system?

The system has a load capacity of 1000 pounds. The load is distributed over the entire deck surface.

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What replacement tire do I use with the Swivel Wheel system?

The tire must be replaced by a 5.70 x 8" "D" Rated, 8 Ply, Highway Speed Trailer Tire. Always maintain the proper tire inflation pressures. Most tire failures are due to over or under inflation. This tire is rated for 1075 pounds at 100 psi cold. Tire pressures of 15 pounds under the tire manufacturers specifications will result in approx. 200-300 pounds of reduced carrying capacity. This reduced tire pressure will also increase the amount of heat generated within the tire, thus increasing your chances of major tire failure. This is not just related to the Swivelwheel system. It relates to all tires. Most people have a bad taste for 8" tires from the old trailer days. Usually boat trailers. These tires used on the older trailers and on some still to date, were a "B" rated 4-Ply tire, This tire would not handle the loads nor the heat generated by today's highway speeds. We have pulled the Swivelwheel system thousands of miles around the country without a flat tire at near maximum loads. You may want to view the Tire Safety or the Recreational Vehicle Tire Guide article in regards to tire pressures and maintenance.

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What type of suspension does the Swivel Wheel system have?

The Swivel Wheel system incorporates a Torsion axle suspension system.

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What routine maintenance do I need to perform with the Swivel Wheel system?

Maintain the bearings and proper tire pressures at all times. This is no different than any other product with a wheel.

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What is the Swivel Wheel frame made out of?

The frame is welded tubular steel. It is powder coated with black semi-gloss paint.

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What will happen if I have a flat tire while driving

If you have a flat while driving........change it! It is no different than having a flat on a two wheel trailer. The one thing is that the Swivelwheel system cannot start fishtailing from side to side due to one bad tire. Remember, the system will track with the tow vehicle. You may want to view the Tire Safety article in regards to tire pressures and maintenance.

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When will the Swivel Wheel System be available to order?

Now!

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When will the Swivel Wheel system ship?

At present, all orders received prior to 12:00pm will ship within 24-48 hours. The system will require some assembly upon delivery. This allows us to package the system in order to secure the best freight rates.

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Can I use the Swivel Wheel system with my Pick-up or Automobile?

Yes and No! Any full size pick-ups or mid to full size SUV's with a Class-III or Class-IV receiver hitch. The Mid size SUV range includes vehicles such as the Ford Expedition, Chevy Tahoe, etc. The Swivelwheel system was not designed to be towed behind a short narrow wheelbase vehicle. These vehicles including a Jeep Renegade, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Ranger Pick-up, etc. A product will be available in the future for those vehicles.

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Can I use the Swivel Wheel system with my Motor Coach?

Yes! Any Class "A" or Class "C" motor coach with a Class-III or Class-IV receiver hitch.

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Can I use the Swivel Wheel system with my Fifth Wheel Travel Trailer?

Yes! If the trailer has a Class-III or Class-IV receiver hitch installed. The Swivel Wheel system does not act as a separate trailer behind the trailer. When backing up, the system will follow and track with the travel trailer.

Note: Be aware that pulling the Swivelwheel System behind a Fifth Wheel Travel Trailer is considered a TRIPLE TOW. Currently, there are 22 states that do not allow triple towing. These states include all states from Florida to Maine along the east coast, Oregon, and Washington. California allows triple towing, but requires the driver to have a commercial license. California will stop in-state out of state rigs and inspect your drivers license. I have had a number of people tell me that they were stopped shortly after entering California.

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Can I use the Swivel Wheel system with my bumper pull travel trailer?

No. At this time we are investigating this. We are not sure as to the added weight to the rear of the trailer which may take weight off of the hitch ball. We recently had two people inform us that they had added an extension to the rear of their travel trailers to haul generators and coolers. They stated that at a certain speed, the added weight to the rear caused the trailer to sway violently causing an out of control situation which in turn flipped the trailer.

Update: (4/12/04) After completing two large motorcycle rally's, and receiving feedback from two more travel trailer customers that added frame extensions onto the rear of their trailers for generators and coolers, in which the trailers flipped over, I am sorry to say that the answer will be "NO" on installing the Swivelwheel to bumper pull travel trailers.

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Does the Swivel Wheel system have lights?

Yes! The system has all necessary lights installed. There are running, right and left turn, and brake lights. There is a 4-wire flat connector for interfacing with the tow vehicle. If the vehicle does not have a 4-wire plug, adapters are available upon request.

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Do I have to license and title the Swivel Wheel system?

You need to check with your state DMV / DOT licensing office. Some states do not require trailer licensing if under a specific GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating).

For example, the state of Oregon you do not have to register a utility trailer, boat trailer, or horse trailer if it is less than 1,800 pounds "loaded weight" (the weight transmitted to the road, through an axle or set of axles when the vehicle is fully loaded). However, you may wish to title these trailers because most law enforcement agencies and insurance companies want to see proof of ownership if it is ever stolen.

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Is the Swivel Wheel System in conjunction with my Fifth Wheel trailer considered a triple tow vehicle?

Yes! It appears that the Swivelwheel System is considered to be a triple tow. Currently, there are 22 states that do not allow triple towing. These states include all states from Florida to Maine along the east coast, Oregon, and Washington. California allows triple towing, but requires the driver to have a Class-A license. California will stop out of state rigs and inspect your drivers license.

NOTE: I have talked with a a lot of individuals that pull another trailer or tow vehicle behind their fifth wheel travel trailer. (This could be a boat trailer, cargo trailer, tow car, etc.) A significant number of people that I have spoken with did not realize that they were prohibited from triple towing within certain states. I would recommend checking with the state you are interested in visiting for any towing restrictions. There are a number of publications with this information at hand. The new Trailer Life Campground Guide has a chart with this information A web sites that may be useful is: www.freetrip.com/rules_fr1.html

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Is that single wheel going to go into caster flutter like a shopping cart while driving down the road

No! The system was engineered to eliminate the possibility of caster flutter while driving. I have heard a number of RV park chatter about how the wheel will "go crazy" while driving. We all have a little engineer in us. People remember the single wheel trailers from way back when. Actually, since 1948! Technology allows us the ability to generate a product to counteract the possibility of having the caster wheel flutter. This was not accomplished overnight! It took many late nights and weekends to complete the design.

What replacement tire do I use with the Swivel Wheel system?

Can I use the Swivel Wheel system with my Fifth Wheel Travel Trailer?

copyright © 2001 [Cruiserlift]. All rights reserved. Revised: 03/30/05.

copyright © 2001 [Cruiserlift]. All rights reserved.
Revised: 03/30/05.