| Volkswagen Camper |
| The Original 5th Wheeler |
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(circa 1974) |
The 5th Wheeler has grown in popularity in recent years, fitting somwhere between the caravan and motorhome. The fifth wheel coupling provides the link between the caravan/trailer and towing vehicle, leading trailer or dolly. This is usually installed in the bed of a ute used as a towing vehicle. The coupling consists of a coupling pin (or king pin) on the front of the semi-trailer, and a horseshoe-shaped coupling device called a "fifth wheel" on the rear of the towing vehicle.
Sometimes called a turn-table in Australia and New Zealand, especially if it's a rotating ball-race-bearing type. As for the origins of the term "fifth wheel", it comes from a similar coupling used on four-wheel horse-drawn carriages and wagons. The device allowed the front axle assembly to pivot in the horizontal plane, to facilitate turning. However even the modern day 5th Wheeler setup is not quite as adaptable as what is shown here - this setup allowing 360 degree rotation!
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