Abstract: A trailer converter dolly includes a frame bearing a fifth wheel supported by a suspension mechanism, an axle assembly, and a wheel assembly. A drawbar housing secured to the front of the frame moveably receives a drawbar which is configured to move toward and away from a leading truck or trailer, thus adjusting the distance between the towed trailer attached to the trailer converter dolly and a leading truck or trailer. A speed sensor determines the speed of the trailer converter dolly and provides one or more signals relating to the speed of the trailer converter dolly. An automatic adjusting mechanism associated with the moveable drawbar moves the drawbar in response to the one or more speed signals provided by the speed sensor.

Abstract: A fifth wheel apparatus for detachably coupling a trailing vehicle to a towing vehicle is disclosed. An equalizer bridge is supported on a towing vehicle and is pivotable about a roll axis that extends in a direction of towing motion. The equalizer bridge includes first and second arms that extend laterally from respective first and second sides of the roll axis. A fifth wheel head is coupled to the equalizer bridge for movement therewith about the roll axis. The fifth wheel head is pivotable relative to the equalizer bridge about a pitch axis transverse to the roll axis. First and second damping elements are operably interposed between the towing vehicle and the first and second arms, respectively. When the trailing vehicle is attached to the fifth wheel head, the first and second damping elements resist rolling movement of the trailing vehicle about the roll axis during travel over uneven roads.

Abstract: A semi-trailer converter dolly having a dolly wheel axle assembly and a fifth wheel assembly is provided with a mounting assembly for convenient adjustment of the distance between adjacent trailers to optimize the load distribution, maneuverability, and aerodynamics of the trailer rig. The mounting assembly includes mounting brackets that support and interconnect the dolly wheel axle assembly and the fifth wheel assembly for concurrent adjustment of the dolly wheel axle assembly and the fifth wheel assembly along the converter dolly.