Abstract: A converter dolly is disclosed for use with a tandem trailer arrangement. In accordance with an important aspect of the invention, the converter dolly is multi-functional and is user configurable. In particular, the converter dolly in accordance with the present invention includes an adjustable saddle can be adjusted to fit any conventional trailer. The saddle is carried by a wheeled cart, which includes a fifth wheel assembly for coupling to a tandem trailer. The saddle is configured to seat a tandem trailer. The height of the saddle relative to the underside of the tandem trailer is user configurable. In an extended position, the tandem trailer is seated in the saddle which prevents rotation of the tandem trailer with respect to the converter dolly thus eliminating one of the three pivot points in a conventional tandem trailer arrangement. In order to provide steering for the tandem trailer, the wheels on the wheeled cart are carried by self steering axles.

Abstract: A dolly is disclosed for a semi-trailer that has a compromised structure due to a load shift or an accident. The semi-trailer dolly can also be used to extricate a semi-trailer stuck under a bridge without damaging the wheels or tires of the semi-trailer. In accordance with an important aspect of the present invention, the dolly is configured to provide transverse support of a semi-trailer in an area between the rear axles of the semi-trailer and the front of the semi-trailer. More particularly, the dolly is configured to provide a uniform transverse lifting force to a semi-trailer in an area between the rear axles of a semi-trailer and the front of a semi-trailer where a structural failure of the semi-trailer is likely to occur. The semi-trailer dolly includes a removable saddle and a wheeled cart that includes lifting mechanisms. The removable saddle can be removed from the wheeled cart and positioned under the trailer.

Abstract: A dolly is disclosed for a semi-trailer that has a compromised structure due to a load shift or an accident. The dolly provides transverse support between the axles. The dolly includes a lift mechanism that provides a uniform lifting force, transversely to a trailer between the axles where a structural failure of the trailer is likely to occur. The dolly includes a removable saddle and a wheeled portion that includes a lift. The removable saddle can be removed from the dolly and positioned under the trailer. A tow truck boom winch can then be used to lift the saddle and enable the wheeled portion to be positioned under the trailer. Adjustable lift stands on the wheeled portion enable the lift stands to be mechanically secured under the saddle to support the trailer.

Abstract: A tractor dolly assembly is disclosed for use with a semi tractor or other vehicle to be towed in either a forward or reverse direction. The tractor dolly assembly is configured to be coupled to the rear frame of a semi tractor or other vehicle and lift the rear wheels off the ground for towing. In a forward tow direction, a conventional tow truck with a hydraulically operated boom for lifting the front of the semi tractor off the ground. In a reverse direction, virtually any truck with a pintle for connection to a tow bar can be used for towing the disabled vehicle. In accordance with an important feature of the invention, since the tractor dolly assembly is configured to be secured to the frame of a disabled vehicle, the dolly can be used with vehicles having a fifth wheel assembly and vehicles without a fifth wheel assembly.

Abstract: A dolly is disclosed for a semi-trailer that has a compromised structure due to a load shift or an accident. The semi-trailer dolly can also be used to extricate a semi-trailer stuck under a bridge without damaging the wheels or tires of the semi-trailer. In accordance with an important aspect of the present invention, the dolly is configured to provide transverse support of a semi-trailer in an area between the rear axles of the semi-trailer and the front of the semi-trailer. More particularly, the dolly is configured to provide a uniform transverse lifting force to a semi-trailer in an area between the rear axles of a semi-trailer and the front of a semi-trailer where a structural failure of the semi-trailer is likely to occur. The semi-trailer dolly includes a removable saddle and a wheeled cart that includes lifting mechanisms. The removable saddle can be removed from the wheeled cart and positioned under the trailer.

Abstract: A tractor dolly assembly is disclosed for use with a semi tractor or other vehicle to be towed in either a forward or reverse direction. The tractor dolly assembly is configured to be coupled to the rear frame of a semi tractor or other vehicle and lift the rear wheels off the ground for towing. In a forward tow direction, a conventional tow truck with a hydraulically operated boom for lifting the front of the semi tractor off the ground. In a reverse direction, virtually any truck with a pintle or other means for connection to a tow bar can be used for towing the disabled vehicle. In accordance with an important aspect of the invention, the tractor dolly assembly is provided with self steering wheels which allow the disabled vehicle to be towed in a reverse tow direction.

Abstract: A tractor dolly assembly is disclosed for use with a semi tractor or other vehicle to be towed in either a forward or reverse direction. The tractor dolly assembly is configured to be coupled to the rear frame of a semi tractor or other vehicle and lift the rear wheels off the ground for towing. In a forward tow direction, a conventional tow truck with a hydraulically operated boom for lifting the front of the semi tractor off the ground. In a reverse direction, virtually any truck with a pintle or other means for connection to a tow bar can be used for towing the disabled vehicle. In accordance with an important aspect of the invention, the tractor dolly assembly is provided with self steering wheels which allow the disabled vehicle to be towed in a reverse tow direction.

Abstract: A tractor dolly assembly is disclosed for use with a semi tractor or other vehicle to be towed in either a forward or reverse direction. The tractor dolly assembly is configured to be coupled to the rear frame of a semi tractor or other vehicle and lift the rear wheels off the ground for towing. In a forward tow direction, a conventional tow truck with a hydraulically operated boom for lifting the front of the semi tractor off the ground. In a reverse direction, virtually any truck with a pintle or other means for connection to a tow bar can be used for towing the disabled vehicle. In accordance with an important aspect of the invention, the tractor dolly assembly is provided with self steering wheels which allow the disabled vehicle to be towed in a reverse tow direction.

Abstract: A converter dolly is disclosed for use with a tandem trailer arrangement. In accordance with an important aspect of the invention, the converter dolly is multi-functional and is user configurable. In particular, the converter dolly in accordance with the present invention includes an adjustable saddle can be adjusted to fit any conventional trailer. The saddle is carried by a wheeled cart, which includes a fifth wheel assembly for coupling to a tandem trailer. The saddle is configured to seat a tandem trailer. The height of the saddle relative to the underside of the tandem trailer is user configurable. In an extended position, the tandem trailer is seated in the saddle which prevents rotation of the tandem trailer with respect to the converter dolly thus eliminating one of the three pivot points in a conventional tandem trailer arrangement. In order to provide steering for the tandem trailer, the wheels on the wheeled cart are carried by self steering axles.

Abstract: A dolly is disclosed for a semi-trailer that has a compromised structure due to a load shift or an accident. The semi-trailer dolly can also be used to extricate a semi-trailer stuck under a bridge without damaging the wheels or tires of the semi-trailer. In accordance with an important aspect of the present invention, the dolly is configured to provide transverse support of a semi-trailer in an area between the rear axles of the semi-trailer and the front of the semi-trailer. More particularly, the dolly is configured to provide a uniform transverse lifting force to a semi-trailer in an area between the rear axles of a semi-trailer and the front of a semi-trailer where a structural failure of the semi-trailer is likely to occur. The semi-trailer dolly includes a removable saddle and a wheeled cart that includes lifting mechanisms. The removable saddle can be removed from the wheeled cart and positioned under the trailer.