Abstract: The present invention is directed to an attachment for extending the cargo carrying length of a vehicle comprising a base frame having at least one swiveling wheel. A hitch assembly is mounted to the front end of the base frame. A bed for carrying cargo is integrated with the base frame. The bed includes a translation frame coupled with a pivot frame. The pivot frame has front and back pivot ends and a pivot axis. The pivot axis of the pivot frame is parallel to and approximately midway between the front and back pivot frame ends. The pivot frame engages the base frame along the pivot axis. A translation mechanism is connected between the pivot frame and the translation frame for translating the translation frame relative to the pivot frame. A pivot mechanism is connected between the base frame and the pivot frame for pivoting the pivot frame around the pivot axis in order to lower the back end of the translation frame to the ground.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a trailer comprising a platform supported by a hitch assembly and at least one wheel assembly. The hitch assembly is for rigid attachment to a vehicle. A vertical guide mechanism connects the platform to the hitch assembly. The vertical guide mechanism includes a first vertical guide element capable of moving parallel to a second vertical guide element. The first vertical guide element is mounted to the platform and the second vertical guide element is mounted to the hitch assembly. A lifting mechanism is integrated with the vertical guide mechanism for raising and lowering the platform. When the platform is raised and lowered to the ground, the platform remains substantially parallel with the ground.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a trailer comprising a platform supported by a hitch assembly and at least one translatable wheel assembly. The hitch assembly is for rigid attachment to a vehicle. The translatable wheel assembly can adjust in position beneath the platform to position the wheel to balance the weight distribution of cargo supported on the platform thereby providing minimal downward force to the vehicle through the hitch assembly. The translatable wheel assembly may adjust beyond the length of the platform where the wheel assembly may further collapse and extend to allow the platform to be raised and lowered to the ground.