5'er Casters

[SandyHelton]

I have a 32' 5'er and have scraped the back end of it a few times getting in and out of tight spots. The dealer put a bicycle rack on it for us that uses a small receiver style hitch and the frame of the hitch is what is scraping. I am planning on putting two steel casters mounts to the frame of the hitch, so that they will support the weight of the trailer if the back end hits the pavement.



Any advise of suggestions on what to use? I was thinking fixed casters, but my buddy suggested swivel.



Thanks...

 

[Dieselnerd]

I had the same problem as you. My fifth wheel would scrape the spare tire when entering my steep driveway.



I went to a caster shop that makes up whatever you need from their large inventory. I chose a solid steel roller and swivel mount but I think a non-swivel would have worked just as well. The casters are strong enough to lift the trailer wheels off the ground even though it never drags enough to do that. I figured the extra strength is worth it.



In 2006, the casters cost around $100 each. I also had custom grade 8 "U" bolts made up at a spring shop to fasten the casters to my hitch frame. My hitch frame is 4 inches thick where the casters are mounted.



Here are a couple of pictures that should show you all you need to know.



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[DonTX]

Good move, but I would caution against the swivel castors. You realize that you can get a sideways motion you cannot stop if you have anything but level. I had that happen once, went sideways into a tree, not a pretty sight.

 

[Dieselnerd]

Don, I would say it's pretty hard to slide sideways unless all the trailer tires are in the air. My trailer has a high ground clearance from the factory so it can be towed by a 4X4. So, while I see where it would be possible, I can't see it happening to me.



In my situation the casters just keep the spare tire from dragging (it's mounted underneath in the rear), they don't lift the tires off the ground.



If I were doing it again, I'd go with the fixed caster. They're less expensive and would probably work just as well.

 

[DonTX]

You are correct of course, but with some trailers it is very easy to get the sheels off the ground.

Don, I would say it's pretty hard to slide sideways unless all the trailer tires are in the air. My trailer has a high ground clearance from the factory so it can be towed by a 4X4. So, while I see where it would be possible, I can't see it happening to me.



In my situation the casters just keep the spare tire from dragging (it's mounted underneath in the rear), they don't lift the tires off the ground.



If I were doing it again, I'd go with the fixed caster. They're less expensive and would probably work just as well.

 

[SandyHelton]

Thanks guys, that is what I was looking for. I found some at McMasters, but when I was talking to the service dept. where I took my rig for some work they said they use a fully rated caster and could install them. I had looked at Camping World and they sell a real cheap set there that I'd never use.