818 with new 915A1 5th wheel

[jwaller]

I replaced my old stock 818 with a new slider. it's also about 5" lower to help offset the larger tires and moves the trailer back on those pesky 28' ones that hit the landing gear. it's air and I'll have a switch on the dash to actuate it.

 

[jwaller]

as some may know the 915A1 has a plate that wraps the frame rails. I removed that portion in favor of the std 809 type flat plate. this kept me from having to remove the 90 deg angle piece that is rivited to the 809's frame.

All in all when all the way forward the 5th wheel sits where it did originally. when all the way back it is where you see it in the pictures.

the std 818 approach ramps had to be removed and I'm not sure if I will make some new ones or not. I'll have to see how it goes. if I do need them I'll fab some new short ones that will fit this new configuration.

 

[98hd]

That looks nice. Since it sits lower, does it inhibit you from towing trailers that sit over the tires, since the tires are now closer?

 

[rizzo]

nice

 

[clinto]

Very nice, as always.

So will we see this in Union Point at the end of October?

 

[bigelk50]

Great addition to make it alot better to use. Now ya need a pic with a trailer on!

 

[jwaller]

Very nice, as always.

So will we see this in Union Point at the end of October?

I certainly hope so and am planning on it.

 

[jwaller]

Great addition to make it alot better to use. Now ya need a pic with a trailer on!

I'll have one soon enough.

 

[jwaller]

That looks nice. Since it sits lower, does it inhibit you from towing trailers that sit over the tires, since the tires are now closer?

it shouldn't. I remember moving several 53' vans and I had lots more than 5" between the tires and trailer.

 

[Hammer]

Very nice!
So what is the distance from the pin to the outer corner of your tires now?
Hmm, 5" less, that means you will not clear the bridges by 1" ? Better hope you don't hit a bump when the leading edge of the dry van starts to go under the next bridge
I still remember you posting about sliding to a stop JUST in time to not hit one.

There have been a couple trailers that I had to pass on because I didn't have a slider, and that setup you have looks like it would offer just enough room to make it work. Besides looking a lot better then a tractor using a dolly to pull a van trailer.

 

[jwaller]

Very nice!
So what is the distance from the pin to the outer corner of your tires now?
Hmm, 5" less, that means you will not clear the bridges by 1" ? Better hope you don't hit a bump when the leading edge of the dry van starts to go under the next bridge
I still remember you posting about sliding to a stop JUST in time to not hit one.

There have been a couple trailers that I had to pass on because I didn't have a slider, and that setup you have looks like it would offer just enough room to make it work. Besides looking a lot better then a tractor using a dolly to pull a van trailer.

you are right on all accounts. the extra 5" might not make me legal with commercial dry vans(under 12.6) but it will on the military ones as I believe they are not quite as tall. and I shouldn't need the dolly anymore either. but I'll prob keep mine as it's paid for and it looks cute behind the deuce with a shortie trailer.

From the center of where the 5th wheel pin will lock in to the rear of my 16.00's I have 45". that is more than the std 818 has with stock tires.

I also still have about 6" between the bottom of the 5th wheel and the top of my tires. So I should be able to tow any van trailer as long as I don't go to full suspension articulation in an off road situation. (dont think that will ever happen)...