Travel trailer chassis

Abstract

An improved travel trailer chassis that has a main section, which is connected to the axles of the wheels, a first elevated section that is connected to a forward end of the main section and is elevated above the main section and a second elevated section that is connected to a forward end of the first elevated section and is elevated above the first elevated section. The first elevated section is configured to receive a floor and fixtures to support a bathroom. A trunk space for storage is defined by a floor that extends forward from the main section of the chassis underneath the first elevated section of the chassis. One or more sewage tanks are mounted to the first elevated section of the chassis immediately beneath and substantially adjacent the floor of the bathroom supporting the fixtures. A drain assembly extends through the trunk space to an exhaust positioned outside of the trailer. The controls of the drain assembly are advantageously located within the trunk space at an elevated position above the ground.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the InventionThe present invention relates to travel trailers and, in particular, concerns an improved chassis for travel trailers which provides better positioning for sewage tanks and allows for a trailer construction that makes more efficient use of storage space.2. Description of the Related ArtTravel trailers are towed vehicles that have been outfitted with some or all of the facilities of a home for the convenience of the traveller. These types of trailers have become very popular throughout the world in the last several decades. One relatively recent innovation in travel trailers is the "fifth wheel" trailer wherein the forward section of the trailer is elevated and the hitch mechanism is mounted on the bottom side of the elevated section of the trailer. The hitch mechanism is typically attached to a towing apparatus mounted in the bed of a pickup truck. A cross-sectional view of a typical fifth wheel trailer is illustrated in FIG. 1A. T...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

In the preferred embodiment, the main section of the chassis is mounted to the wheel axle(s) of the trailer. Forward of the main section, the chassis of the trailer has a first elevated section which is elevated above the main section. In the preferred embodiment, a second elevated section of the chassis is positioned forward of the first elevated section of the chassis and the second elevated section is elevated above the first elevated section. In the preferred embodiment, the bathroom facilities of the trailer are mounted on the first elevated section of the chassis. Further, the bedroom facilities of the trailer are mounted on the second elevated section of the chassis. This allows the tanks to be positioned adjacent the chassis of the trailer, and thus be adequately supported, and still be raised sufficiently above the ground so that the valves and controls for the tanks are readily accessible to a user. Further, since the trunk space is below the tanks, it will be easier for a user to load heavy objects into the trunk space.

A significant feature of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is that, the sewage tanks are mounted to the first elevated section of the chassis immediately underneath the floor of the bathroom. The controls for the sewage tanks are positioned within the space immediately underneath the sewage tanks. It can be appreciated that since the tanks are mounted on an elevated section of the chassis, the tank drainage valves and controls will be elevated thereby reducing the need for the user to have to climb under the trailer to access the controls of the drainage valves. Further, since the drain assembly and controls can be positioned within the enclosed trunk space, the necessity of the user contacting the ground is further reduced and the likelihood of the contents in the drain assembly freezing is also minimized.

Another feature of the invention is that the utility of the storage trunk space beneath the tanks is substantially enhanced. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the space immediately below the first elevated section is enclosed to provide this storage facility.

Problems solved by technology

Further, if can be appreciated that it is difficult to load heavier objects in the storage space as the storage space is elevated above the sewage tanks.

It can also be appreciated that, since the sewage tanks and drains are mounted on the chassis, they are often exposed to the outside environment which can result in the contents of the tanks and drains freezing in cold weather, thereby hindering draining of the tank.

It can be appreciated that it is generally not desirable to have to sit or crawl in the dirt surrounding a sewage dumping facility.

Images