[Gschuld]

It’s not just about backing up, but a bare minimum of 45 degrees per side is required for even basic maneuvering going forward. Like negotiating a gas station, making a tight turn, etc. Even if there was no specific law on the books requiring a certain minimum angle, and cop would rightly consider a trailer setup limiting reasonable cornering clearance a safety hazard.

Theoretically, and I briefly even considered the idea, a hydraulically actuated telescoping trailer tongue could be designed that would allow a driver to pull the trailer way fwd when on the highway, and extend again off highway. It would require an automatic activation speed, say 60mph. Once you hit 60mph on the highway, it tightens up to allow a minimal 10 degrees per side. When you get below 60mph, it retracts to a safe distance for 90 degree turning. It is mechanically doable. One would have to overcome the need to keep tolerances in the telescoping system to a minimum, and the mechanism of automated control worked out( a manual control system would be asking for trouble)

Though it’s a workable solution, it’s a rather complex thing to do correctly and reliably and if done wrong, it is a safety hazard. I’m going on the assumption that I could reach my efficiency goals without needing to resort to such things.

Freebeard, I do appreciate your drawings. I hope I didn’t come off as dismissive. It wasn’t my intention I assure you.

I like the aero 5th wheel thing. I recall a drawn image of one similar to what you described posted on this forum earlier.

I’ll stick with a bumper hitch though….

George