The present invention relates in general to a fifth wheel hitch and method of using a fifth wheel hitch that is mounted to a bed of a towing vehicle, and more specifically, to a fifth wheel hitch that is vertically secured to a kingpin of a fifth wheel trailer without requiring the use of adapters or extensions. One aspect of the fifth wheel hitch and method of use includes a hitch head assembly that is adjustable in height such that the fifth wheel hitch is compatible with different sizes of towing vehicles and fifth wheel trailers. The hitch head assembly also incorporates a funnel shaped design for receiving the kingpin of the fifth wheel trailer in a vertical fashion to prevent the kingpin from sliding horizontally out of the hitch head after being pulled forward by the towing vehicle. A four-way pivot joint accommodates instantaneous variations in pitch and/or roll attitudes between the towing vehicle and the fifth wheel trailer connected by the fifth wheel hitch. The hitch head assembly further includes a latching and locking mechanism that indicates whether or not a secure connection has been properly executed between the fifth wheel hitch and fifth wheel trailer to assure an operator that the towing vehicle is ready for travel.

The present invention relates in general to a fifth wheel hitch and method of using a fifth wheel hitch that is mounted to a bed of a towing vehicle, and more specifically, to a fifth wheel hitch that is vertically secured to a kingpin of a fifth wheel trailer without requiring the use of adapters or extensions. One aspect of the fifth wheel hitch and method of use includes a hitch head assembly that is adjustable in height such that the fifth wheel hitch is compatible with different sizes of towing vehicles and fifth wheel trailers. The hitch head assembly also incorporates a funnel shaped design for receiving the kingpin of the fifth wheel trailer in a vertical fashion to prevent the kingpin from sliding horizontally out of the hitch head after being pulled forward by the towing vehicle. A four-way pivot joint accommodates instantaneous variations in pitch and/or roll attitudes between the towing vehicle and the fifth wheel trailer connected by the fifth wheel hitch. The hitch head assembly further includes a latching and locking mechanism that indicates whether or not a secure connection has been properly executed between the fifth wheel hitch and fifth wheel trailer to assure an operator that the towing vehicle is ready for travel.

A device for coupling a towing vehicle to a trailer vehicle of a vehicle combination, where the towing vehicle has a trailer coupling and the trailer vehicle has a drawbar. A measurement device is configured to measure forces and/or torques between the towing vehicle and the trailer vehicle has a two-part support with a first and second support components. The first support component has at least two measurement arms which extend radially and are symmetrically offset relative to one another. A strain gauge rosette is on each measurement arm. The second support component has counter-arms which extend radially and which correspond in number and arrangement to the measurement arms. The two support components can be attached firmly to one another and to the trailer coupling or to the drawbar. Also disclosed is a measurement-data capture and evaluation unit.

A device for coupling a towing vehicle to a trailer vehicle of a vehicle combination, where the towing vehicle has a trailer coupling and the trailer vehicle has a drawbar. A measurement device is configured to measure forces and/or torques between the towing vehicle and the trailer vehicle has a two-part support with a first and second support components. The first support component has at least two measurement arms which extend radially and are symmetrically offset relative to one another. A strain gauge rosette is on each measurement arm. The second support component has counter-arms which extend radially and which correspond in number and arrangement to the measurement arms. The two support components can be attached firmly to one another and to the trailer coupling or to the drawbar. Also disclosed is a measurement-data capture and evaluation unit.

The present invention provides apparatus, devices, methods, and configurations to carry and assist the loading and unloading of heavy loads or loads having irregular or elongated shapes such as ladders, lumber, personal recreation equipment including but not limited to surfboards, paddleboards, canoes, kayaks, skis, snowboards, bicycles, and other items to reduce effort and impediments to loading a vehicle's roof rack and to allow full utilization of the vehicle's receiver. The device can pivot into either the loading and unloading position or the transport position when a pin is removed from the device at a pivot point in its vertical member. The device is mounted to a hitch receiver extension which is secured to the vehicle's hitch receiver. The hitch receiver extension allows the vehicle to transport another apparatus such as a trailer or bike rack mounted to the hitch receiver extension.

The present invention provides apparatus, devices, methods, and configurations to carry and assist the loading and unloading of heavy loads or loads having irregular or elongated shapes such as ladders, lumber, personal recreation equipment including but not limited to surfboards, paddleboards, canoes, kayaks, skis, snowboards, bicycles, and other items to reduce effort and impediments to loading a vehicle's roof rack and to allow full utilization of the vehicle's receiver. The device can pivot into either the loading and unloading position or the transport position when a pin is removed from the device at a pivot point in its vertical member. The device is mounted to a hitch receiver extension which is secured to the vehicle's hitch receiver. The hitch receiver extension allows the vehicle to transport another apparatus such as a trailer or bike rack mounted to the hitch receiver extension.

A steering system for a trailer is disclosed. A drawbar is attached to an elongated slide, with the slide attached to the trailer for rotation about a pivot axis. A carriage is mounted for movement along the slide and between ends of the slide. At least one control rod extends between the carriage and a steered wheel of the trailer. With the carriage positioned to one side of the pivot axis, the trailer wheels are steered in the direction of sideways towbar displacement when towed, and with the carriage positioned to the other side of the pivot axis, the trailer wheels are steered in the opposite direction of sideways towbar displacement when backed. An electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic or manual actuator may be used to move and position the carriage on the slide.

An anhydrous ammonia trailer hitch incorporating a base; a vehicle mounting receiver hitch fixedly attached to and extending forwardly from the base; a bolt mounted to the base, the bolt being adapted for moving between latching and releasing positions; a release plate having a first eye fitted for receiving the bolt, the bolt extending into the eye upon movement to the latching position; a remotely actuatable linear motion actuator connected operatively to the bolt for moving the bolt between the latching and releasing position; a tongue mount fixedly attached to the release plate; and at least a first safety chain mount fixedly attached to the release plate.

An anhydrous ammonia trailer hitch incorporating a base; a vehicle mounting receiver hitch fixedly attached to and extending forwardly from the base; a bolt mounted to the base, the bolt being adapted for moving between latching and releasing positions; a release plate having a first eye fitted for receiving the bolt, the bolt extending into the eye upon movement to the latching position; a remotely actuatable linear motion actuator connected operatively to the bolt for moving the bolt between the latching and releasing position; a tongue mount fixedly attached to the release plate; and at least a first safety chain mount fixedly attached to the release plate.

An underbed hitch mounting system is described. The mounting system may be utilized for towing vehicles wherein the mounting system may selectively accommodate either a fifth wheel hitch or a gooseneck hitch. The mounting system may include at least one rail capable of being connected to a vehicle frame, wherein the rail includes at least one socket. The socket may be engaged with a receiving member, wherein the receiving member may be engaged with a leg of a fifth wheel hitch. A mid rail may be connected to the rails and may include a hitch ball socket that is capable of engagement with a hitch.