Ive seen what you have posted to YouTube and im drooling right now... So exciting. It looks awesome so far.
I like this Lowboy Trailer, most of them are pretty well. Meanwhile, I wanna tell you that there's a bug on the Jeep Dolly: No collision on the end of jeep so the stabilizer will through the Jeep. And the binder on your lowbed, Can you make the FunPhysics' Center Tiedown on your lowbed as the second binding tools options? (If you get the FP's permission.) I mean, these binders are cool, but they still need some works to improve the models & functions ,etc. Overall, it's a fantastic mod, and I'm sure you can make it better. --- Post updated --- Some Screenshots
Thanks for the feedback! The support arm clipping through the jeep is something I'm actively trying to find a solution for. Fifthwheels are surprisingly finicky and adding collision triangles to the top tends to completely break it. Sorry about that I'm sure I'll work something out. The Binders just aren't up to my standard, neither are the tiedown straps. That's why I didn't include them in any configs but kept them selectable. I really wanted them to be working day 1 however I spent over a week just troubleshooting them and getting nothing else accomplished. A delayed release would have been indefinite, and I might have even leaned further into cancelling the project, but I've put a lot of work into it and I think the trailer itself is quite good. As I noted in the showcase video, I'm trying to develop my own tiedowns independently so I can reuse them in future projects. That being said I'm forced to figure this problem out because of that. Reusing FP's tiedowns is sort of a last resort. They will get better I promise. Big thanks for checking it out, please let me know if you have anything else to report. It's greatly appreciated! I'm glad you like it so far
I have been Loving the Lowboy and Jeep so far but do have some questions. 1: are you planning on make a longer sliding 5fth wheel for the T-series to better suite the extended Jeep? 2: Will the 3 Axle Jeep have a different frame / weight distribution allowing it to evenly split weight between a tri axle semi and the jeep itself? 3: Would the trailer itself possibly need a longer neck to push weight forward onto a 3 axle jeep allowing a 50/50 distribution between 3 axle jeep and Tridem driven truck?
I've had all of these thoughts myself. This is where I think we reach a limitation of the current jbeam. I can adapt the model fairly easily however as you pointed out, getting that proper weight distribution between the jeep and the semi will require the gooseneck to be significantly longer. There isn't much I can do to strengthen it any further, as you can see there is a large mechanical disadvantage created by the large lever that is the gooseneck. It puts a tremendous amount of strain on the beams that locate the coupler nodes that allow for the gooseneck to detach. There are only 5 nodes that connect the gooseneck to the trailer with only 4 of those bearing most of the weight. The weight on the deck is amplified by the leverage I mentioned. It creates a rotation force about the gooseneck hitch box as well (the lower part of the gooseneck). I worry that while the current design is suitable for this current V1 lowboy as it was built around it; making such a significant change would introduce issues and bouncing/oscillation which you can already see if you put say 100t on it. The not so TLDR is while I could technically make the gooseneck longer, this would likely significantly reduce its weight capacity. I have some untested ideas but it would require a complete redesign of the entire front half of the lowboys jbeam, and I'm not quite sure how well those ideas would work if at all. I maybe would like to reserve those ideas for a V2 Detachable gooseneck Lowboy. So while I could explore making another jeep variation that would have a more desirable weight distribution with the semi people would have to understand that this would come at the cost of load capacity. Which may defeat the purpose and create undue confusion/criticism of what's supposed to be a "heavy haul trailer". I'm not quite decided on how or if I want to address this but I'm still open to feedback and opinions. Also, I had not yet considered making a longer fifthwheel base for the T-Series. I can tell ya I wouldn't be looking forward to it that's for sure, those things are hell lol. Someone else suggested a jeep with a neck length that's in-between what's currently available which is also what I was aiming for with the shorter jeep version. I just overshot as it was my first time using the blender jbeam plugin. Let me know if you think that would be suitable or if you'd still like to see another fifthwheel option. Stronger airbags for the semi are in order so perhaps a dedicated T-series heavy haul parts pack is also.
Just some Suggestion about the Lowbed if update: 1: add a couple of tie-downs on the gooseneck. 2: add a ballast that is adjustable weight on the neck and the jeep dolly. (3T~5T maybe, or 5T~10T) 3: add a Pintle hitch at the back of the lowbed as sometimes a semi can't just handle the lowbed easily if it's climbing the uphill, probably need two, or more.
I definitely understand what you mean by Jbeam limits on the gooseneck and extending it lowers capacity, that makes sense. There is a balance. I'm not trying to complain at all and was just curious on your thoughts. I do agree that an "in between" jeep neck length is a good idea. Also keep in mind that if used properly the 5fth wheel tilt lock on the jeep can be used to shift a good portion of the weight towards the Truck drive axles when the gooseneck is titled. Something that I think is worth keeping in mind. Even without a longer gooseneck on the trailer you could perform the same effect. My thoughts on a longer sliding 5fth wheel/ a 5fth wheel placed further forward are solely based on the long neck Jeep. A Heavy Haul pack for the T-series is a good idea but I do not know How much stuff you could add other than higher pressure/beefier airbags and a relocated 5fth wheel. Mabey you make a stiffer frame like a "double frame" heavy spec truck? I'm excited to se where this goes and hope I'm not overwhelming you. --- Post updated --- his patreon https://www.patreon.com/cw/Trip1eAye
All good man I appreciate the feedback. I'm making good headway with the new car transporter currently but I'm getting excited again to add some of these things to the lowboy. --- Post updated --- I also had the ballast idea, but I think it would be better suited going on the truck itself as putting it on the jeep would make it impossible to balance without tipping over. If you could clarify what you mean about the pintle hitch I'd appreciate it as I don't think I fully grasp what you mean. Thanks for the feedback CR
You'll see if you looked these pictures in the link. https://www.beamng.com/threads/comm...e-of-beamng-drive.1141/page-6752#post-1909235
Something else I thought of today when I saw an excavator being unloaded at work. I know you planned on making a 3 axle jeep but with the short neck on the trailer it would be hard to get proper weight distribution... have you considered a 16 tire jeep on the same wheelbase? It would add more capacity while keeping the weight distribution similar. They are rare but do exist.
