Yesterday, while in Cedar City, Utah, I saw a modern Basque shepherd shelter. For those who don't know what that is, it is a trailer for staying in the mountains and caring for sheep. They are about 16' long or so, boxy, except for a half circle roof. Door always in the rear. Traditionally, they are green. This one was modern, and clad with the aluminum sheeting just like a modern travel trailer.
My questions come from the suspension. On every one of these, I have seen four wheels, two on each axle. Just like a toy wagon, or an old west wagon. The front wheels are attached to a tongue, and have a tie rod turning system, or in the old ones, just a pivot point. I'm sure there's a simple explanation for this choice of wheels.
I have also noticed that this is about the only rig I have seen set up this way. All the over the road trailers, except semis have wheels in the middle. It probably has a lot to do with tracking and stability. Probably stability at highway speeds, too. I have seen the four wheel front yoke setup on low speed farm haulers, too, particularly hay wagons.
Anyone care to enlighten me?
Steve