That's a cool idea. I'm not much of a smart car fan, but dang, that's really slick. I wonder, could you do a bigger vehicle, but put the ramps down the back and maybe go with a shorter sleeper? Really a damn fine idea.
Brains Ironically Yes you can, I’ve seen Jeeps loaded long ways. Only problem is you have to drop your trailer to unload. Not that that’s a problem. Thanks for watching & Commenting...
I wonder what the length is it cant be over 65 feet that qualafies as a truck and trailer Dot been popping guys pulling hotshots over 65 feetbecause the pickup box makes it a T&T
I weigh RVs for a day job, and have weighed quite a few rigs like that, but never saw one with a smart car loaded like that. Interestingly, as beefy as a Kenworth (or other makes) tractor is, I've seen a couple with overloaded axles and/or over GVWR. But never one that was over GCWR.
It has taken me a while to watch the video, but I guess better late than never lol. Thanks for sharing RJ it was an enjoyable video to watch and see how they get the car up there, love the parking sticker by the way lol. I saw a lot of comments where people said this looks like a lot of work and hassle, but I doubt this is something Chip & Ruth do on a daily or weekly basis. I would imagine they stay for extended periods of time in each location they visit. Take care guys and safe travels!!!!
No sweat on the hills with that! Perfect. I’d love to go the vintage route, 70’s Trailer at least 45’ and a B model with a 400 big cam and some tall gears.
Guess what some Germans do when they have an RV trailer near that size... The Smart car is carried on the back of the TRAILER and it tilts. Then a winch lowers the car off the rack! I've seen one fitted to a Unicat RV and those are GIGANTIC.
If you double your winch wire threw a snatch block on your smart car tow eye back to your winch and anchor it your winch will not work as hard that's if your wire rope is long enough regards Neil .Gloucester ,UK
Thanks for the video. It was fun to see just how Chip get the car up on there. We really enjoyed the time we spent with all you guys. We will be down again next "winter" and plan on coming to 3 lakes for awhile, maybe we will see some of the "gang" then.
Larry T. It was pretty cool watching them load it. They have an Awesome set up. We will be back down to three lakes for Nov and Dec. then we head out to Az. Looking forward to seeing all the gang again
I don’t think so. The reason this couple went with a Smart Car, was its length. The early years are shorter than later years. That’s why it fits like it does. All about the Length.
Nice set up, I have a question, have you ever had any trouble with any RV Parks not letting you park at their site because you have a big truck instead of a pick up truck? I’m setting up my 389 Peterbilt to travel with my 5th wheel camper and I would like to go to Orlando with it but I’m concerned they might not let me go in..
Hector Santos He has had some trouble parking the Truck. Some won’t let him keep the truck at the site, they say it’s to big. Lots of State campgrounds he won’t fit in. They Boondock about 99% of the time.
A lot of these commenters are watching too much Ghost Ship....that winch cable is low tension compared to what would cut someone in half. If you connected two Duece and a halves and drove them both in the opposite direction and the cable snapped, then you would worry...but not for pulling up an 1800lb car up ramps lol
Clam, We did a calculation and the pull is about 700 lbs on the cable. I use a plastic load corner protector on the deck to prevent the cable chaffing on the corner.
I wonder how long it will be before state's highway patrol will get hip to this illegal hauling of the Smart car? Legal width on the national highway network is 102". The Smart car is 106.1" long and is a "reducible load" that can be turned 90 degrees to become legal. I wouldn't take the risk.
Yes, but there is an exception for them as well as for securement devices (ie binder handles and winches) written into the law. There is absolutely no exception for any cargo that can be re-positioned to be made legal.
bishopob Actually, he loads the car, from start to finish in about 20min. Pretty simple process. They have also lived it that rig for almost three years and are on the way to Alaska for the summer.
@bishopob Internet warrior, funny. As for the 7 months, I just found the video. You felt you had to address the "obvious safety issues", give me a break. Just like all the other I know better types on these boards. I'm sure you have never done anything that could be construed as a safety issue, right? Love you safety police types. The only one I agree with is standing behind the winch.
@bishopob Only her standing behind the winch. Their decision. And what other "obvious" things are there? Getting out of the car on the ramps? Walking in front of it while hooked to a winch? Give me a break.
Wowo 😳 I Think that is just to much work to set up and unload everything.. it will fill like you are Trucking and working all the time.. Not enjoying Retirement !!BUT I would say this ,it truly is one kind of unique set up
Bryan Plott Yeah is true I don’t know but o have seen a few tractors around We we been an it makes you feel you like working for real 😂 .. i honestly can say it takes me 30 minutes to set my Rv and I be done with it . Time to relax 👍😁
@@RJsadventures Good Morning! Thank you for answering my comment. My rig will be 75 ft. Truck and Trailer connected. Is there a resource out there for the super long rigs? That will let you know where you could actually take a rig that size resorts campgrounds boondock and whatever?
@@akichler There is a Facebook Group for this type of rig. Off the top of my head, I’m not sure what’s it’s called. I’m sure you can search it. That, I think would be your best bet. They also hold Rallies a couple times a year. If I can find it, I will post it here
thelaughingman79 ALWAYS cover the line with a blanket. It will save a life. All these idiots that are winching around w/out a cover are just f'ing stupid.
oliver mansfield because a class 8 truck needs a fridge, microwave, bed and porta potty to be able to register it as a motorhome. That way the cost of registration is minimal compared to a commercial truck registration which can be a couple thousand.
That's the point though. If travelling is your lifestyle, you don't want to sleep in a tent everynight especially if you're travelling with your family.
at this point you more or less are living out of this setup full time for several months at a time not exactly camping, I find it hilarious how people think that setups like this are only for the once a year camping trip the average family may make...
OMG! We met Chip and Ruth at a Harvest Host alpaca farm in Maine in August 2017. Glad to see they're doing well.
"Private Coach not for hire" that's the ticket. You can haul OTR when you need the cash. I like this set up.
Nice of them to honk that loud truck horn in a quiet campground to let everyone know they've arrived. 🤣
That's literally how I used to play with my cars and trucks when I was a kid. Haul everything in one go😂👍
Now thats Retirement.
I took a picture of this rig in Pearl, Ms earlier this week!! Too cool.
pou4518 ha! yes we were there.
I always wonder do this concept twist the frame or put it as a oversized because of the width
No
The car isn’t long so it fits perfect. Doesn’t twist the frame at all
That's a cool idea. I'm not much of a smart car fan, but dang, that's really slick. I wonder, could you do a bigger vehicle, but put the ramps down the back and maybe go with a shorter sleeper? Really a damn fine idea.
Brains Ironically
Yes you can, I’ve seen Jeeps loaded long ways. Only problem is you have to drop your trailer to unload. Not that that’s a problem. Thanks for watching & Commenting...
I wonder what the length is it cant be over 65 feet that qualafies as a truck and trailer Dot been popping guys pulling hotshots over 65 feetbecause the pickup box makes it a T&T
Do you need to go in the scales with that set-up?
No, you do not.
What a great use of space (on top of semi) lol
Being a retired car hauler. Very funny how’s its being loaded
Wondering if they ever inspect those aluminum car ramps for cracks. Would suck to end up on the nose.
Pretty sure we saw them on I-15 in SLC today!
Oh I get it, you use the Truck for long distance and the Smart for City driving
I weigh RVs for a day job, and have weighed quite a few rigs like that, but never saw one with a smart car loaded like that. Interestingly, as beefy as a Kenworth (or other makes) tractor is, I've seen a couple with overloaded axles and/or over GVWR. But never one that was over GCWR.
Oh my , owner operator retirement plan . 👍😎😎😎
Much rather have a Classic 1959-2000 Mini with a Honda B-20 4cyl. than the Smart Car plus it carries 4. But the Tractor and Trailer is Sweet.
Smart cars not bad cars
What does he get for mileage when towing....???
I believe he gets around 7-8mpg.
Cool rig . Never stand behind a cable.
It has taken me a while to watch the video, but I guess better late than never lol. Thanks for sharing RJ it was an enjoyable video to watch and see how they get the car up there, love the parking sticker by the way lol. I saw a lot of comments where people said this looks like a lot of work and hassle, but I doubt this is something Chip & Ruth do on a daily or weekly basis. I would imagine they stay for extended periods of time in each location they visit. Take care guys and safe travels!!!!
That big rig front end is over kill for a camper trailer that a simple 1 ton truck could pull. LoL
When I heard Florida I was ok now this makes"sense" lol
Very smart idea. i like it very much.
No sweat on the hills with that! Perfect. I’d love to go the vintage route, 70’s Trailer at least 45’ and a B model with a 400 big cam and some tall gears.
I'm getting a CDL so I can buy a semi and do this ! This is awesome!!! No smart car...just my Harleys
Don’t need a CDL for this.
That's pretty cool, Ronnie!
Guess what some Germans do when they have an RV trailer near that size...
The Smart car is carried on the back of the TRAILER and it tilts. Then a winch lowers the car off the rack! I've seen one fitted to a Unicat RV and those are GIGANTIC.
Now I understand the statement “ that’s way to big”!
I’m pretty sure I saw this rig near Reno nv a couple months ago
You probably did. They spent the summer in Alaska
Nice Truck and Rv Trailer bro
That looks too SAFER, AMAZING!
Very Safer...
It is safer. We don't have a Smart car. No headroom for me. Our semi is only one axle, only 25 ft. long. We fear no mountain passes.
I'm pretty sure I can pull that smartcar up the ramp bare-handed😁
Nice work
The KW now has to pull into weigh stations and subject to inspection. Too much of a headache for retirement
Wingster Rod
It’s registered as a RV. No log book, no weigh station
Incredible RV that I've never seen very cool... you gotta make a lot of money to take care of this RV
I know a couple in Ohio with almost the same setup. This is awesome.
If you double your winch wire threw a snatch block on your smart car tow eye back to your winch and anchor it your winch will not work as hard that's if your wire rope is long enough regards Neil .Gloucester ,UK
Now they need the trailer with the boat...
There's a small inflatable boat under the front seat of the smart car.
Thanks for the video. It was fun to see just how Chip get the car up on there. We really enjoyed the time we spent with all you guys. We will be down again next "winter" and plan on coming to 3 lakes for awhile, maybe we will see some of the "gang" then.
Larry T.
It was pretty cool watching them load it. They have an Awesome set up. We will be back down to three lakes for Nov and Dec. then we head out to Az. Looking forward to seeing all the gang again
Hello 👋. How about a Mini Cooper, Would that work too? Thank you for sharing.
I don’t think so. The reason this couple went with a Smart Car, was its length. The early years are shorter than later years. That’s why it fits like it does. All about the Length.
Perhaps the earlier Mini. I believe it was shorter than the newer mini. But it's a much rougher car then the BMW version.
Is there any other car that will fit behind the cab?
I'm sure that tractor doesn't care but that fifth plate hanging in space way behind the axles is super goofy. It's now a bumper pull 5th
Super rig! Really well thought out!
Your truck is like a house. What do you need a trailer?
Wow! This is the coolest set up I've seen! Good job!!
Takes a long time to get the car on the truck. They is got to be a better way.
Therocket433
he's just not good at it
Nice set up, I have a question, have you ever had any trouble with any RV Parks not letting you park at their site because you have a big truck instead of a pick up truck? I’m setting up my 389 Peterbilt to travel with my 5th wheel camper and I would like to go to Orlando with it but I’m concerned they might not let me go in..
Hector Santos
He has had some trouble parking the Truck. Some won’t let him keep the truck at the site, they say it’s to big. Lots of State campgrounds he won’t fit in. They Boondock about 99% of the time.
some inspiration right there, but I am confident enough to drive on and off, each to their own though
Awesome!!!!! You guys have me reminiscing, I missed my Smart Car...... Cool episode Ron and Jules!
Tim Rover
Thanks Tim...
plot twist- he actually tows the cab and fifth wheel with the smart car
Lot of tires, but there's got to be a less time consuming way, a small trailer seems like an option.
Joe Shook or a hydraulic lift.
What an awesome way to live
I'm sure the trailer axles are mounted so wrong for that set up.
A lot of these commenters are watching too much Ghost Ship....that winch cable is low tension compared to what would cut someone in half. If you connected two Duece and a halves and drove them both in the opposite direction and the cable snapped, then you would worry...but not for pulling up an 1800lb car up ramps lol
Clam, We did a calculation and the pull is about 700 lbs on the cable. I use a plastic load corner protector on the deck to prevent the cable chaffing on the corner.
totally awesome. Lots of customizations.
Just out of curiosity, if your pulling a fifth wheel camper, why do you need a sleeper cab?
It’s just what he bought. He uses the bunk for storage
This is the same thing I want to do! The only difference will be type of truck and no dumb smart car! It will be my Harley!
Have you seen the hyabusy in the smart car?
Shawn Jarman a
You go Ruthie !!
That's so cool
I wonder how long it will be before state's highway patrol will get hip to this illegal hauling of the Smart car? Legal width on the national highway network is 102". The Smart car is 106.1" long and is a "reducible load" that can be turned 90 degrees to become legal. I wouldn't take the risk.
Tyler Jameson
Actually this Smart Car is a older one and is only 98.4” that why they went with a older Smart Car. Very Legal.
Tyler Jameson The flatbed trailers that have the roll tite tarps on them are at 106" 102 for the trailer then 1.5 on each side for the tarp system.
Yes, but there is an exception for them as well as for securement devices (ie binder handles and winches) written into the law. There is absolutely no exception for any cargo that can be re-positioned to be made legal.
it's completely legal. no worries
Charles Power Care to elaborate? Just because you say so doesn't make it legal.
I wonder if you could haul a Mazda Miata instead of the smart car. That would be seriously sweet.
Miata is to long. Car would need to be about 106 inches long at the most.
What size and brand are those ramps?
I have no idea, I can ask him and see
You have the right idea towing god.
We got the Smart car. Noe we need the truck and trailer
Life In Serenity It’s Only Money... lol
Life In Serenity Lost me when the jerk started playing with his air horn. Bet the other campers were glad to hear him go, now...peace and quiet.
Life In Serenity iii
@Frank Baker Nah, they all know us. I don't think we pissed anyone off.
Frank Baker actually, Most of the campers was filming. Awesome group we was with
That rig and whole setup is awesome nice video!!!!
The Buckeye Campers tks.
Nice home bus
the guy talks as if he is like you gonna help me askin all these questionlol sweet setup
Ya think with a toy hauler you could just driver it in to the back of that hauler and it would be way faster and safer...
It would be too long. The car is 60" wide but 106" long. Space is needed to turn the and dip trailer and not hit the car.
Ever stay at Thousand Trails Peace River in Wauchula Florida ?
Nope, not yet.
Sweeeeet setup wow 😮
"only takes about 30 minutes when I avoid the idiots" rofl. was he trying to say "leave me alone"? :D
I thought he said: "I can do it in about a half hour if I don't have an audience."
and when I saw your picture on Instagram I thought it was a shared picture...... now I see it was the real thing... Awesome & what a set up 😁
Big Daddy & Bubbles - Full Time RV Life Thanks, They do have a pretty awesome set up
Tks. We love our home. We are having a great time out here.
NEVER WALK IN FRONT OF THAT SMART CAR ON THE RAMPS!! If the cable had let go of the car, wife would be a widow. End of retirement
bishopob
Actually, he loads the car, from start to finish in about 20min. Pretty simple process. They have also lived it that rig for almost three years and are on the way to Alaska for the summer.
@bishopob And what do you have in life, hater? Another keyboard troll that can do it better but has nothing. Idiot.
@bishopob Internet warrior, funny. As for the 7 months, I just found the video. You felt you had to address the "obvious safety issues", give me a break. Just like all the other I know better types on these boards. I'm sure you have never done anything that could be construed as a safety issue, right? Love you safety police types. The only one I agree with is standing behind the winch.
@bishopob Only her standing behind the winch. Their decision. And what other "obvious" things are there? Getting out of the car on the ramps? Walking in front of it while hooked to a winch? Give me a break.
@bishopob You really don't get it do you? Nice try but no points.
How can you smell the clutch and put it in park?
Smart cars have a different transmission. I believe it's a centrifugal clutch.
me and the wife do the same with the peterbilt but tow a race car trailer
Wowo 😳 I Think that is just to much work to set up and unload everything.. it will fill like you are Trucking and working all the time.. Not enjoying Retirement !!BUT I would say this ,it truly is one kind of unique set up
That's what I was thinking. It doesn't look like fun but more like a job
Bryan Plott Yeah is true I don’t know but o have seen a few tractors around We we been an it makes you feel you like working for real 😂 .. i honestly can say it takes me 30 minutes to set my Rv and I be done with it . Time to relax 👍😁
Dinheiro não traz felicidade, mas traz tudo isso aí que é quase a msm coisa, incrível tudo isso.
Its cool for if you live 24/7 as a gypsy
Over twelve years full-time RVing. Semi truck, 5th wheel trailer and a car. wife drives it, I follow. Smart car is to small for me. No head room.
What kind of fifth wheel hitch on the truck do you have. Looking to put one on my frightliner
Trailer saver.
Fillingourbucket, Same as mine.
Pretty cool rig and fifth wheel but none of that looks like fun. Not unless work is fun for some!
Really not much work, 20 minutes and your ready to roll. That’s an easy work day!
they really travel light..........
Discount Ramps is a good company. I got my hitch-mounted scooter carrier from them.
Upgrade to a fiat 500 abarth and I'm interested...
Those Are Emoji Size Vehicles' Whats The Survival Rate? ''Fiat Vs Mercedes'? 😶
My name is Allen for being pulling it with my semi how hard it is for you parking spots still let you park your RV
They run into a lot of places they won’t fit. You have to do your research. They try and Boondock as much as possible.
@@RJsadventures Good Morning! Thank you for answering my comment. My rig will be 75 ft. Truck and Trailer connected. Is there a resource out there for the super long rigs? That will let you know where you could actually take a rig that size resorts campgrounds boondock and whatever?
@@akichler
There is a Facebook Group for this type of rig. Off the top of my head, I’m not sure what’s it’s called. I’m sure you can search it. That, I think would be your best bet. They also hold Rallies a couple times a year. If I can find it, I will post it here
@@RJsadventures Thank you! I hope you have a Great Day!
Didnt need a tandem axle semi.
No, but we figured it would be cheaper to put tires on the axle every ten years or so...rather than singling it.
Love it!!!!#
I see this alot and you all should take the inside tires off and save money on fuel you don't need that many tires. BTW im a 35 years driving a truck.
Or remove an axle, if that leaves enough capacity, you'll lose almost a ton that way.
@@michaelmurphy9596 1 axle would be plenty. you can go up to 20000 pounds, a fifth wheel and smart car would be half that at best.
Cool
over 102"?
If that cable ever snaps, he’ll be full timing by himself.
And find her head on the grass off her shoulders
winches always make me nerves too. whenever i would help my dad load up his farmal tractors i'd want to hide under the trailer with the controller lol
thelaughingman79
ALWAYS cover the line with a blanket. It will save a life. All these idiots that are winching around w/out a cover are just f'ing stupid.
i have never seen or heard of that. but i can see how it would help.
And even better if blanket is wet. And if you wrap chain around an object, cover that as well. Stuff fly's when brakes and can kill or seriously maim
The poor man was very busy getting ready to hit the road.
He certainly didn't want to take the time to be interviewed.
I dint blame him.
well, that is one way of doing it
Don't listen to the naysayers it's a sweet setup a lot of people don't understand mobile living.
Nice airhorn, thats why people go to campgrounds, to listen to that crap.
EOD Not a Campground. That’s in the middle of 60,000 acres, Boondocking...
Yeah, blow that air horn. Literally every person within earshot instantly hates you for it.
@@Josh_K01 And the sasquatch in the are as well
Why do you need a sleeper cab when your towing an RV
oliver mansfield
They mainly use it for storage, it does have a dinette in it and a small fridge
I’d say while traveling it’s a lot quicker to jump in the sleeper versus putting slides out and other things involved
you can't nap in the trailer while underway
oliver mansfield
because a class 8 truck needs a fridge, microwave, bed and porta potty to be able to register it as a motorhome. That way the cost of registration is minimal compared to a commercial truck registration which can be a couple thousand.
Pena q no brasil o cara nao pode desfrutar de um desse.
I'd do the rig with a toy hauler, easier to get the car into.
It would be, they also have a Side by Side that they haul in the back of the toy hauler
This is camping for people who want a house...
Critical Role Highlights Well that is their house...
That's the point though. If travelling is your lifestyle, you don't want to sleep in a tent everynight especially if you're travelling with your family.
that isn't camping. it's mobile living. big difference
at this point you more or less are living out of this setup full time for several months at a time not exactly camping, I find it hilarious how people think that setups like this are only for the once a year camping trip the average family may make...
You can't take your house all over the country. So many places to see
Вот это называется люди живут, молодцы умеют.))