Abstract: A hitch assembly for connecting a front end 21 of a low-loader trailer to a tow vehicle 10 is disclosed. The hitch assembly includes: a first mount 22 located at the front end 21 of the trailer; a second mount 25 longitudinally spaced towards the rear end of the trailer from the first mount 21; a gooseneck frame 40 having a front end and a rear end, the front end connectable to the tow vehicle 10; a latch connectable 50 to the front end 21 of the trailer by engagement with the first and second mounts 22 and 25, the latch 50 pivotally connected to the rear end of the gooseneck frame 40; and a means for rotating the latch 50 with respect to the gooseneck frame 40. The assembly is such that in use, the front end of the trailer 21 is liftable by the action of a force couple imparted entirely through the latch 50 to the first and second mounts 22 and 25.

Abstract: A modular front loadable low loader trailer 20 for transporting large vehicles is disclosed. The trailer 20 includes: a rear axle module 110 for supporting ground engaging wheels; a rear cross-member module 100 removably connected to the rear axle module 110; a front cross-member module 26; and a pair of deck modules 80 and 90, each removably connected between the front and rear cross-member modules 26 and 100. Each of the modules are separable for transport. Pin joints are provided between adjacent modules. The pin joints include interleaved plates held together by removable transverse pins 81. In an alternative embodiment, the rear cross member 100 is permanently connected to the axle module.

Abstract: A modular front loadable low loader trailer 20 for transporting large vehicles is disclosed. The trailer 20 includes: a rear axle module 110 for supporting ground engaging wheels; a rear cross-member module 100 removably connected to the rear axle module 110; a front cross-member module 26; and a pair of deck modules 80 and 90, each removably connected between the front and rear cross-member modules 26 and 100. Each of the modules are separable for transport. Pin joints are provided between adjacent modules. The pin joints include interleaved plates held together by removable transverse pins 81. In an alternative embodiment, the rear cross member 100 is permanently connected to the axle module.

Abstract: A hitch assembly for connecting a front end 21 of a low-loader trailer to a tow vehicle 10 is disclosed. The hitch assembly includes: a first mount 22 located at the front end 21 of the trailer; a second mount 25 longitudinally spaced towards the rear end of the trailer from the first mount 21; a gooseneck frame 40 having a front end and a rear end, the front end connectable to the tow vehicle 10; a latch connectable 50 to the front end 21 of the trailer by engagement with the first and second mounts 22 and 25, the latch 50 pivotally connected to the rear end of the gooseneck frame 40; and a means for rotating the latch 50 with respect to the gooseneck frame 40. The assembly is such that in use, the front end of the trailer 21 is liftable by the action of a force couple imparted entirely through the latch 50 to the first and second mounts 22 and 25.

Abstract: This invention relates to hydraulic suspension systems and in particular to vehicle oleopneumatic suspension systems employing sliding pillar struts. There is provided a suspension system for a vehicle comprising a plurality of suspension struts, each mounted between a vehicle body and a wheel assembly, each including a cylinder having a closed end and an inner bore; a piston rod slideable within the inner bore having a proximal end which terminates within the inner bore and a distal end which extends from the inner bore. Between the inner bore and the piston rod there is mounted an oil seal which seals a strut volume. A hydrostatic bearing is mounted within and vents into the strut volume. A hydraulic circuit and associated control system is adapted to control flow of hydraulic fluid between the strut volume and a reservoir, thereby providing control of at least the time-averaged axial position of the piston rod relative to its corresponding inner bore.