M816 Wrecker - Camp Shelby, MS to Pinellas Park, FL

[Recovry4x4]

I called mine a piggy back device!

 

[DaveP]

what are those piggy back devices called that new truck transporters bolt to the front axle of towed truck - that have 5th wheel pin that mounts into the tow tractors 5th wheel?......this puts weight on the towing tractor and seems pretty safe - in my view Id be more comfortable with this than a tow bar....

Ive been googling to find what theyre called and where to get one with no luck

can anyone help?

saddle mount

 

[466Navastar]

OK - found this online...obviously upside down - the 5th wheel pin goes in the tow tractors 5th wheel - I assume the towed trucks axle goes in the channel and the crossbolts hold it from jumping out..... the chains must get hooked on the ends of the axle - inside the spindles to lock it in

this could be modified to allow for the military front DRIVE axle to sit in saddles and clear the center section for use with 6x6 vehicles

 

[wreckerman893]

I googled the crap out of "saddle mount" and could not find a manufacturer or dealer.

These are what they use to transport new commercial trucks hooked together.

DAMFINO where you could get one.

The issue with a saddle mount is that you have to have a lifting device on both ends to get the towed vehicle on and off the saddle mount.

I am also assuming that they must have some way to use the air brakes on the towed vehicle(s).

 

[DaveP]

I own a saddle mount but shipping it to and from the fella that needs it would be pricey. not sure of the weight but its 250-300 #

 

[466Navastar]

DaveP - any chance of getting a pic posted and some details on material - basic dimensions...?

 

[466Navastar]

I think theyre properly called "decking saddles" for anyone who wants to google addl info....there appears to be 2 kinds - the fifth wheel plug in and one that bolts to the frame of the tow tractor w/o a 5th wheel -and swivels like a tow dolly

 

[Recovry4x4]

A commercial unit would require much modification. I looked at many before I decided that I would make my own. They are mostly designed to mount to a front axle beam.

 

[DaveP]

A commercial unit would require much modification. I looked at many before I decided that I would make my own. They are mostly designed to mount to a front axle beam.

very true Kenny but they do provide one heck of a platform to start with.

 

[Recovry4x4]

Dave, do you think the.mods could be reversible? Kinda like different shoes to fit the front drive axle?

 

[DaveP]

Kenny, thats exactly why i went that route. flat platform to start with so it can be used for nondriven axles and then raised lop sided forks for driven axles.

 

[Csm Davis]

Sixspeed did you get your wrecker? If not pm me and we can at least keep gl from fussing at you or heaven forbid taking it.