Can RVs and cars use a Hi-rail?

Question

If trucks can travel on railroad tracks. Why not RV's and cars? That would be so cool!

Answer 1

I'm sure any vehicle, RV, car, or a bus(?) can be modified to travel on the rails. However, one has to consider the costs for adapting said vehicle for such a thing. And then also, one would have to wonder if it were legal for said vehicle to travel on the rails, I seriously doubt it is. And even if you asked for permission, I really don't think you would get it.

Answer 2

Any vehicle can be modified to be used as a Hi Rail.  There is a locking pin on the steering column, and the frame is extended front  and back to accomodate dropping flanged wheels that lock into place in front and back of the tires.

Be aware that one has to learn how to drive on rails and they can be derailed pretty easily if one is not careful.

Answer 3

Yep..............

Answer 4

ok hoghead and planksheer say you can ... and I believe them .. but I don't understand why you would want to? unless you own some tracks somewhere .. where would you run it? since railroad tracks are private property and used by trains it would be a serious offense not to mention very dangerous tryin' to run your winnebago or car on there ... splat!

Answer 5

Yes it would be, back in my earily driving days, I was driving on the train tracks with my truck. Well I didn't have hi=rail but I still did it.

   After i got off once, I turned around, and like 3 minutes later a train came rolling around the corner

Answer 6

Pretty much any vehicle can be rebuilt as a Hyrailer, but there are limitations. The drive wheels need to sit right on the rails, which are 4'8.5'' apart. Heavy trucks are nice because they have dual tires on the rear wheels, which are also the drive wheels. The frame must also be extended, and must be sturdy enough to stow hydraulic equipment. Even if you have a Hyrail vehicle, though, it's dangerous and illegal to drive on railroad tracks without permission, which you're not likely to obtain anyway.

But to answer your question, I have seen school buses with Hyrail wheels. The old International models had plenty of room behind the rear wheels, and the front could be jerry-rigged with relative ease. RVs... now there's a thought!