ridecamp@endurance.net: Trailer Stability

Trailer Stability

Joe Long (jlong@mti.net)
Sat, 10 May 1997 18:17:34 GMT

With all the comments going on about trailer and tow vehicle stability, =
I'd like
to offer a few general observations.

Stability is a complex question, with many factors affecting it. =20

=46irst, there is a big difference between stability questions of a =
bumper-pull
vs. a gooseneck; anyone offering comments should identify which type of =
trailer
he's talking about, because the same recommendations don't apply to both
designs. For example, the benefits of a large, long-wheelbase tow =
vehicle which
are a factor for bumper pulls but not very significant for goosenecks.

Second, there are many design factors that affect stability. The weight =
of the
tow vehicle is one, wheelbase is another, the distance from the rear axle=
to the
hitch is another (for bumper pulls). But the trailer design has at least=
as
much to do with it! If the trailer axles are too far back, you get too =
much
weight on the hitch, which for a bumper pull especially will cause =
problems. If
the trailer axles are too far forward, you get an unstable trailer =
(again,
especially with a bumper pull). Exacerbating all of this is the fact =
that you
want the trailer to be stable empty, fully loaded, and everywhere in =
between.

Another factor is the kind of trailer brakes. One axle or both, and if =
one,
which axle? Surge brakes or electric? All have their advantages and
disadvantages. One advantage of electric is that if you do get into =
trouble
with the trailer swaying, you can apply the trailer brakes without =
applying the
tow vehicle brakes -- which you can't do with surge brakes. But, how =
many
drivers really have the skill and presence of mind to do that in an =
emergency?

=46inally, there is the matter of maintainence. Improper tire pressure =
can turn
the most stable rig into an uncontrollable monster.

My real advice is for anyone hauling horses to get a good book on =
trailers and
driving trailers, and study it. Then, if you're new to trailering, =
practice
with the trailer empty first, before hauling your horse. Then, drive as =
if you
had a full glass of water on the dash and you are trying not to spill =
any!

--=20

Joe Long
jlong@mti.net
Business Page http://www.mti.net
Personal Page http://www.rnbw.com

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