Abstract: A trailer coupler assembly and methods of use are provided that includes a ball coupler, a rod member having a first end and an opposite second end, a trailer frame, a first pivot connection pivotably connecting the first end of the rod member to the ball coupler, such that the rod member can rotate within a vertical plane relative to the ball coupler, and a second pivot connection pivotably connecting the rod member to the trailer frame, such the trailer frame can rotate around the rod member. The trailer coupler assembly also includes a lock out member that is configured to releasably engage the first pivot connection to thereby restrict pivoting of the rod member relative to the ball coupler.

Abstract: A recreational vehicle includes a frame, left and right air suspensions, a front jack, a tilt sensor configured to measure lateral and longitudinal tilt data associated with the frame, and a controller. The controller is configured to receive the lateral and longitudinal tilt data to thereby level the frame laterally via operation of the left and right air suspensions and level the frame longitudinally via operation of the left and right air suspensions and the front jack. Methods for performing a leveling operation include utilizing left and right air suspensions of the recreational vehicle in combination with operating a front jack of the recreational vehicle until the recreational vehicle is level along lateral and longitudinal axes.

Abstract: A pin box assembly having a column connected to a skid plate with an upper and lower surface. A kingpin is affixed to and extends from the skid plate. The skid plate is restrained from movement with respect to the column, and the column is for being connected to a towable RV. A strain gauge may be mounted to an upper surface of the skid plate. As an alternative to mounting the strain gauge to the skid plate, the strain gauge may be mounted to the column of the pin box. The strain gauges in the aforementioned locations measure strain as the weight of a towable RV is placed upon a fifth wheel hitch.

Abstract: A trailer coupler assembly and methods of use are provided that includes a ball coupler, a rod member having a first end and an opposite second end, a trailer frame, a first pivot connection pivotably connecting the first end of the rod member to the ball coupler, such that the rod member can rotate within a vertical plane relative to the ball coupler, and a second pivot connection pivotably connecting the rod member to the trailer frame, such the trailer frame can rotate around the rod member. The trailer coupler assembly also includes a lock out member that is configured to releasably engage the first pivot connection to thereby restrict pivoting of the rod member relative to the ball coupler.

Abstract: A pin box assembly having a column connected to a skid plate with an upper and lower surface. A kingpin is affixed to and extends from the skid plate. The skid plate is restrained from movement with respect to the column, and the column is for being connected to a towable RV. A strain gauge may be mounted to an upper surface of the skid plate. As an alternative to mounting the strain gauge to the skid plate, the strain gauge may be mounted to the column of the pin box. The strain gauges in the aforementioned locations measure strain as the weight of a towable RV is placed upon a fifth wheel hitch.

Abstract: A hitch coupling assembly attaching a trailer to a towing vehicle. The towing vehicle including a hitch plate that has an upper surface and an open end for receiving a king pin. The coupling assembly has an arm with opposite ends. A skid plate is attached to one end of the arm and the skid plate has a perimeter defined by sides. The king pin extends from a surface of the skid plate. A journal pin is attached to the opposite end of the arm and is rotatable relative to the arm. The journal pin is optionally lockable or the arm relative to the hitch is optionally lockable.

Abstract: A fifth wheel pin box assembly for towing a trailer behind a towing vehicle including a column, a top member secured to the column, a rubber shear spring, a first plate on the rubber shear spring attached to the top member, a skid pad, a second plate on the rubber shear spring attached to the skid pad, a rubber member bonded between the first and second plates, and a pin extending downwardly from the skid pad.

Abstract: A rubber shear spring assembly for mounting between inner ends of adjacent leaf springs of a tandem axle including a hanger for mounting on a vehicle frame, hanger sides on the hanger, a rubber shear spring assembly between the hanger sides, the rubber shear spring assembly including a central plate and first and second rubber shear springs having inner sides mounted on opposite sides of the central plate and the rubber shear springs having outer sides mounted on the hanger sides, and connector members mounted at opposite ends of the central plate for connection to the inner ends of adjacent leaf springs.

Abstract: A rubber shear spring add-on assembly for the leaf spring of an automotive vehicle, the rubber shear spring add-on assembly being connected between the rear end of the leaf spring and the frame, the rubber shear spring add-on assembly including a spring carrier assembly mounting the rear end of the leaf spring, a hanger assembly mounted on the frame member and a rubber shear spring mounted between the hanger assembly and the spring carrier assembly which is mounted on the rear end of the leaf spring.

Abstract: A modular wheel suspension includes a frame mounting plate having a central support member affixed thereto. The central support member mounts a pivot shaft bracket support. A pivot shaft bracket is adjustably mounted on the pivot shaft bracket support. The pivot shaft bracket pivotally mounts a shaft which is connected to one end of a beam arm, the other end of which mounts a wheel axle on which a wheel is mounted. A rubber shear spring is mounted between the beam arm and a portion of the frame mounting plate. The adjustable mounting of the pivot shaft bracket provides for toe and camber adjustment of the wheel.

Abstract: A modular rubber spring suspension including a hanger having a vertical plate extending downwardly from a horizontal plate, a rubber spring, a first side on the rubber spring secured to the vertical plate, a beam having first and second ends and a central portion therebetween, a second side on the spring secured to the first end of the beam, and a fulcrum mounted on the horizontal plate and mounting the central portion of the beam.

Abstract: A tag axle assembly including spaced front hanger assemblies for attachment to spaced frame portions of a vehicle, spaced rearwardly extending beam assemblies pivotally mounted on the spaced hanger assemblies, spaced rear hanger assemblies attached to the spaced frame portions of the vehicle, spaced rubber springs attached between the spaced rear hanger assemblies and the rear of the spaced beam assemblies, an axle mounted between the spaced beam assemblies, first and second cross members extending between spaced portions of the vehicle frame, a third cross member extending between portions of the spaced rear hanger assemblies on opposite sides of the vehicle, and spaced plates secured to the spaced frame portions for preventing excess upward movement of the beam assemblies in the event of malfunction of the rubber springs.

Abstract: A trailing arm construction for the rear wheels of an automotive vehicle including a trailing arm, a pivotal mounting for the fore portion of the trailing arm, a shear rubber spring mounted directly between the vehicle frame and a central portion of the trailing arm, a bracket for attaching the driven vehicle axle to the central portion of the trailing arm, and a coil spring mounted directly between the aft portion of the trailing arm and the vehicle frame. A construction as described including a tag arm construction for mounting a wheel behind the rear wheels including a tag arm having a fore portion pivotally mounted directly on the vehicle frame, a bracket on the central portion of the tag arm for mounting an axle, and a shear rubber spring mounted directly between the vehicle frame and the aft portion of the tag arm.

Abstract: A trailng arm modular axle suspension unit including a hanger for attachment to a vehicle frame and having spaced sides and fore and aft and central portions, a trailing arm having sides and fore and aft and central portions, a rubber bushing mounting the fore portion of the trailing arm on the fore portion of the hanger, the aft portion of the trailing arm extending beyond the central portion of the hanger, a U-bolt construction for mounting an axle on the aft portion of the trailing arm which extends beyond the central portion of the hanger, a shock absorber mounted between the aft portion of the trailing arm and the aft portion of the hanger, and rubber springs secured between the opposite sides of the central portion of the trailing arm and the opposite sides of the central portion of the hanger.