The Fifth Wheel

[flat-top]

Why didn't this take off?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=296E57CxNw4&feature=player_embedded

 

[scotrace]

Now the question that arises is where is that specially-equipped Cadillac today?

 

[ScionPI2005]

Wow. That's a very interesting concept. Well, I guess it didn't pick up for one reason or another...

 

[Talbot]

Very interesting.

 

[MPicciotto]

Pretty ingenious. But I can see a number of elements that would have prevented it's widespread use.

Matt

 

[David Conwill]

Don't certain driving schools use a similar device to simulate sudden loss of traction? I'm thinking that when these things wore out, they'd start dropping to the pavement at speed and...

Sort of like all those Tuckers would have been, come about 1962, when their center headlights became disconnected from lack of maintenance and started waving around, blinding oncoming traffic.

-Dave

 

[Talbot]

Stability issues might be worth considering as well. With the 5th wheel extended the car would be free to 'float' at the rear with the front suspension for stability. Did the wheel have a brake fitted?

Might not be a biggie, but I could see some interesting control combinations for unskilled drivers trying to park in tight spots.