the nodding donkey:
Another point that Carryfast doesnt take into account/realise, is that the hitch on a close coupled combination is positioned differently in relation to the rear axle, which alters the weight distribution and forces on the body of the prime mover. The closer to the axle the hitch, the less influence the trailer (drawbar) exerts on the stability of the prime mover. On a close coupled combination, the hitch is typically as close to the rear axle as practicable.
Yes this ,is why we are able to drive hard .
4 metre wheelbase with tow bar behind rear spring hangers is unbeatable.
In the past we have had the 3.6 metre wheelbase with a foot or so behind rear spring hangers but never really had any issues towing .
Even with overhanging loads on the trailer we put smaller heavier items to the front to compensate but still maintaining 100 to 150 kg nose weight for good measure .
the nodding donkey:
Another point that Carryfast doesnt take into account/realise, is that the hitch on a close coupled combination is positioned differently in relation to the rear axle, which alters the weight distribution and forces on the body of the prime mover. The closer to the axle the hitch, the less influence the trailer (drawbar) exerts on the stability of the prime mover. On a close coupled combination, the hitch is typically as close to the rear axle as practicable.
Which makes any difference how when someone couples up a trailer like Dan’s loaded to 3.5t gross to a VW Amarok. 
While at best your idea still doesn’t mean that the thing can tow a trailer weighing closer to twice the weight of the towing vehicle.
Close coupled generally being less or at least never more, without ‘issues’ such as stupid modern car transporter designs.
Ignore the silly incorrect title.
simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artic … _Artic.jpg
If you want to tow big trailer weights with a relatively much lighter towing vehicle then A frames are the default choice.I don’t get your problem with that.
Carryfast:
So tell us how many 2 + 3 ‘close coupled’ outfits have you seen anywhere.
I used to see these most mornings going onto the M62 out of CasVegas.
A 15 foot box up front, two behind and the hitch is under all that over hang right behind the drive axle… just like ND suggested.
I also worked on plenty of sites with these lads as well. They had no problems loading up plenty of muddy trakway.
Hope that helps 
Johneboy:
Carryfast:
So tell us how many 2 + 3 ‘close coupled’ outfits have you seen anywhere.
I used to see these most mornings going onto the M62 out of CasVegas.
A 15 foot box up front, two behind and the hitch is under all that over hang right behind the drive axle… just like ND suggested.1
I also worked on plenty of sites with these lads as well. They had no problems loading up plenty of muddy trakway.0
Hope that helps
Fair example of exceptions proving rules.It’s a much rarer configuration than 3 + 2 of the type which I posted.
At worse that’s still only a discrepancy of 22t gross trailer v 18t prime mover.While my guess is the tri axle trailer is more about reducing weight distribution issues, affecting the prime mover’s drive axle, than pulling a 22t gross trailer.
But that ain’t the same thing as an 18 tonner pulling a 30 tonne + gross trailer or for that matter pulling a 22t gross 3 axle trailer with an empty 18 tonner. 
'Good afternoon…
I’d like to order some more butterscotch popcorn please.
You’ve run out, why on earth is that?
There’s been a massive rush on popcorn over the weekend you say?
Well yeh, that is the very same thread actually.
Not sure if I’d like Vanilla Caramel special edition but seeing as it’s on offer this week, I’ll have a box of 24 bags please.’
yourhavingalarf:
'Good afternoon…
I’d like to order some more butterscotch popcorn please.
You’ve run out, why on earth is that?
There’s been a massive rush on popcorn over the weekend you say?
Well yeh, that is the very same thread actually.
Not sure if I’d like Vanilla Caramel special edition but seeing as it’s on offer this week, I’ll have a box of 24 bags please.’
Feel free to pull a 3.5t trailer with an Amorok or a 22t gross trailer with an empty 18 tonner one handed while eating your popcorn.
yourhavingalarf:
'Good afternoon…
I’d like to order some more butterscotch popcorn please.
You’ve run out, why on earth is that?
There’s been a massive rush on popcorn over the weekend you say?
Well yeh, that is the very same thread actually.
Not sure if I’d like Vanilla Caramel special edition but seeing as it’s on offer this week, I’ll have a box of 24 bags please.’
Otters’ noses? Ocelot spleens?
.
And there is a “splitter” thread!
Just to add I’ve never had a problem with the tandem drag carrying 10 tonne payload behind my empty 6 wheeler 
I only hope the OP isn’t getting totally confused with all the advice he is getting, I know I am!! 
Thank goodness that I know now’t about nothing so can’t contribute any thing usefull. 
Pete.
Punchy Dan:
Just to add I’ve never had a problem with the tandem drag carrying 10 tonne payload behind my empty 6 wheeler
Who would have thought it.What’s the tare of the 6 wheeler.
Now try 15t + on a tri axle.Or the tandem behind an empty/light 16/18 tonner.
There’s a pattern here.Comparing apples with oranges and playing around at the edges of the envelope because they can’t back an A frame and/or won’t buy/licence a decent outfit.
Carryfast:
Punchy Dan:
Just to add I’ve never had a problem with the tandem drag carrying 10 tonne payload behind my empty 6 wheeler
Who would have thought it.What’s the tare of the 6 wheeler.
Now try 15t + on a tri axle.Or the tandem behind an empty/light 16/18 tonner.
There’s a pattern here.Comparing apples with oranges and playing around at the edges of the envelope because they can’t back an A frame and/or won’t buy/licence a decent outfit.
How about a 4 wheeler weighing 6.6t pulling a tri axle of 24t? Sounds crazy doesn’t it but I’m willing to bet you’ve seen quite a few?
Doesn’t seem to bother them and they don’t exactly hang about nowadays
Or am I comparing apples with oranges and now bananas?
Johneboy:
Carryfast:
Punchy Dan:
Just to add I’ve never had a problem with the tandem drag carrying 10 tonne payload behind my empty 6 wheeler
Who would have thought it.What’s the tare of the 6 wheeler.
Now try 15t + on a tri axle.Or the tandem behind an empty/light 16/18 tonner.
There’s a pattern here.Comparing apples with oranges and playing around at the edges of the envelope because they can’t back an A frame and/or won’t buy/licence a decent outfit.
How about a 4 wheeler weighing 6.6t pulling a tri axle of 24t? Sounds crazy doesn’t it but I’m willing to bet you’ve seen quite a few?0
Doesn’t seem to bother them and they don’t exactly hang about nowadays
Or am I comparing apples with oranges and now bananas?
Yes try sucking on this [zb] CF when I was 18 I drove tractor & tipper trailer whole thing tare 7 tonne used to put 11 tonnes of chatter on
