Why a Trailer Handles Poorly
Although it is tempting to think of the trailer you're towing as a set-and-forget barge, taking that huge, heavy platform for granted is a sure route to a bad day. Knowing the situations that can cause a tractor-trailer, or other type of trailer, to handle poorly can help keep you and other motorists safe.
Other People Are Reading
-
Sway
-
Trailer sway is a condition that occurs when there is too much weight in the back of a trailer.
Pedulum Effect
-
When a driver has to correct for trailer sway more than once in rapid succession, the vehicle can develop a dangerous and unrecoverable "pendulum effect." Consider installing a sway damper, a shock absorber that attaches to the trailer tongue and tow vehicle's bumper.
-
Roll
-
A trailer can develop excessive roll if the center of gravity is too high. This is caused by stacking cargo too high or by loading heavy cargo too far from the floor.
Off-Tracking
-
Off-tracking, also called dog-tracking, occurs when a trailer has one or more misaligned axles. This causes the trailer to ride to the left or right of the tow vehicle and can be a factor in jack-knifing.
Trailer Hop
-
Trailer hop is a bouncing condition that occurs when a trailer has worn or missing shock absorbers.
-
References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Daniel Johnson
