off topic but Landrover

[nickmerry]

Hello all
Does anyone know where you could get a 5th wheel from/ installed on a Defender 130 twin cab pick up?
A friend is looking to get one for towing a camper, which has this type of hitch. Any leads would be appreciated.

[GlenAnderson]

What kind of trailer is it?

American 5th-wheel RVs use an in-bed design with a deep swan-neck, which might be something that can be fitted inside an otherwise unmodified rear tub.

European ones usually require a complete lack of bodywork around the coupling.

I don't know whether the geometry of a 130 will allow for the physical range of movement needed for this type of trailer without overloading the rear axle.

I would suggest that they look for advice from the handful of companies who import US RVs, or from the manufacturer of the trailer directly.

In my experience, American RV trailers are generally best towed behind American pickups or 3.5 to 7.5 ton crew cab forward control style trucks like Nissan Cabstars or the like. Most European pickups aren't designed to carry the weights.

The whole electric brake issue with US stuff is another can of worms, as would be organising air brakes for a European trailer.

[NoBeardNoTopKnot]

Well it sounds good. However... I suspect the hassle and costs of getting there will have this stop very soon after it starts. If it can be done, are we convinced it should be, there has to equally attractive alternatives, and for less hassle?

And, as against its conventional alternative, this has a one-way ticket. It won't be anything vastly saleable should you ever wish to unload it. You have the wise double-whammy of a 130 with a 5th, buyers for those must be sweeping the nation, aaaaannnd a trailer few can pull.

You'd better want this bad. You're setting to birth the bastard-child of the 'Dukes of Hazzard' and 'Four Weddings and a funeral'.

[diffwhine]

Its been done. There are a few Discovery 4s fitted with a 5th wheel as well.
https://www.defender-landrover.co.uk/2021/10/lhd-land-rover-defender-130-dcab-5th.html

[NoBeardNoTopKnot]

Seems you're right. Tis a rare thing on 'tinter-net, I admit my error. With 'The Hat' and the full-length 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' leather coat,  the full regalia; umpteen jerry-cans, it'd be the sort of thing the Dutch rock-up with at Billing.

[diffwhine]

Racetech built some with us for moving starter gates round on race courses. They were based on 90s, but same principle. Google Racetech 5th wheel - there must be some images out there of them still.

[NoBeardNoTopKnot]

Oh no, surely not? I've just read the details, it's Dutch registered. We were spot-on! Ask nicely and maybe we get the 'his & his' regalia thrown in.

[Theshed]

Seen a couple of these in LRO over the years. One was a camper as you describe, then there where a couple of horse race stall movers.
So it is possible.

[autorover1]

LR Solihull  had some as well for moving parts round in the Factory. Series & Defenders . Dixon Bate used to do them, but no more

[Betsy1969]

Have you tried ' The Fifth Wheel Company ' ?

If the still exist